Conducting research with political actors – January 23, 2026

LIRDEF is organizing a study day entitled "Conducting research with political actors" on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Faculty of Education (FDE), room A109 (subject to change), in Montpellier. This day is part of the work of the "Work, Training, Professionalism" research group. It examines the conditions, opportunities, and limitations of collaboration between educational research and political action.

The day will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The aim is to understand how politics affects research, and how research affects politics. The day will provide a forum for dialogue between researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and partner institutions.

It will alternate between scientific presentations and round tables. LIRDEF researchers will give presentations reporting on their concrete experiences of working with various political actors. They will present research projects carried out in partnership, highlighting cooperation practices, the difficulties encountered, and the lessons learned from these shared experiences.

The two round tables will bring together guests from several institutions (Montpellier Academy, local authorities, training organizations, sports and medical-social institutions, etc.) to discuss the conditions for co-constructing projects, possible uses for research results, and the tensions and adjustments that these collaborations can give rise to. These exchanges will provide an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives on research projects carried out in partnership with political actors.

For further information (program details, access, possible room updates), please contact LIRDEF at the following address: lirdef-web@umontpellier.fr.