Open Lecture: "From Problems to Solutions: Methodological Innovation in Applied (Mental) Health Research"
Professor Dirk Richter Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, Visiting Professor, Manchester Metropolitan University
🗓️1st October 🕞 3.30 – 5.00pm📍Brooks 2.16/2.17
Join us for the inaugural event of the Applied Health Research Group, where Professor Dirk Richter will explore methodological developments that strengthen real-world health research. The lecture will focus on the limitations of conventional research designs in applied health contexts and introduce innovative, self-controlled approaches (e.g., mirror image and single case study designs) as pragmatic alternatives.
Dirk’s work spans psychiatric nursing, health services research, and human rights in mental health, with more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Prof Richter was trained as a nurse in mental health services in Germany in the 1980’s and has worked clinically in addiction services. He studied sociology, psychology and philosophy at the University of Münster, Germany, and graduated with a Dr. phil. and a subsequent PhD-equivalent ('habilitation') in general sociology. His research topics include fields such as psychiatric nursing, rehabilitation and mental health care services, psychiatric epidemiology and psychiatric epistemology. In recent years, he has worked intensively on restrictive practices in health care services and has published on the possibilities and consequences of the abolition of coercion. He brings unique methodological insight, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods expertise, now supporting our Applied Health Research Group as Visiting Professor.
Who should attend?
This lecture will be of interest to researchers, postgraduate students, and clinicians across MMU working in health, psychology, nursing, education, social care, public health, and methodology. It will particularly appeal to those developing or evaluating interventions in real-world settings.
