On Monday, November 17, 2025, a pre-conference workshop held at the Health Services Academy convened as part of the 15th International Public Health Conference to focus on practical Research Methods. The highly interactive session brought together 35 participants, including public health practitioners, researchers and postgraduate students from across Pakistan.
The workshop titled Unlocking Research Methods Qualitative vs. Quantitative was facilitated by Prof Dr Sajida Naseem (Health Services Academy), Dr Aysha Sheraz (Associate Professor, Health Services Academy), Dr Syeda Hanaa Fatima (Assistant Professor, NUMS) and Dr Tayyaba Faisal (Consultant Epidemiologist, CPSP). The facilitators guided attendees through core concepts and decision points that shape rigorous study design.
Emphasising the selection and application of appropriate qualitative and quantitative approaches, the workshop aimed to strengthen understanding of foundational Research Methods relevant to public health research in Pakistan. Sessions explored how methodological choices affect data collection, analysis and the interpretation of findings in local health studies.
Participants actively engaged in discussion, raised probing questions and reflected on common methodological challenges, which significantly enriched the learning experience. The energy and curiosity shown by practitioners, researchers and students underscored a shared commitment to improving research quality and supporting evidence based public health practice.
