Narrative research: more than just story telling

Narrative is used increasingly as a means to investigate, describe and understand important aspects of individual and social change. And as a tool to generate knowledge, it can influence policies and practices from health care to water management.

An engaging conference June 20 to 23 will bring together international and Canadian scholars as well as local decision makers and community members to learn about the use of narrative in research; engage in dialogue about narrative practices; and learn about narrative studies in the Victoria region.

“Narrative research impacts our lives every day, no matter where you live,” says Catherine Althaus, director of UVic’s School of Public Administration, which is co-hosting the conference with Royal Roads University’s School of Leadership Studies.

“Whether it is improving education or establishing government policies, learning Indigenous ways or cross-cultural experiences, research in the field of narrative can transform individuals and entire communities.”

The downtown conference, which is open to the public, includes research story stations, short fast-paced presentations from scholars and acclaimed keynote speakers, as well as a separate evening event with former UN ambassador Stephen Lewis.

Information and registration for Narrative Matters 2016: How Narrative Research Transforms People and Communities is available on the conference’s website. Registration allows for single or multi-day options. A separate ticket for the Lewis lecture at the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium is available through the UVic Ticket Centre.

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