World Bank Economist Headlines UST’s Mixed Methods Fair

World Bank lead economist Vijayendra “Biju” Rao will headline “Halo-Halo 2: The Filipino Mixed Methods Fair,” scheduled for July 10-11 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila.

Rao will share his experience in combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to analyze and resolve complex development issues.

The in-person event is organized by UST’s Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSED) and builds on the success of the inaugural fair held in May 2024.

Rao, based in Washington, D.C., has led influential mixed methods research on community social funds, rural gender violence, and participatory governance in developing regions.

“Doing both types of research gives us a fuller picture of what’s going on in people’s lives,” Rao previously said in World Bank publications.

He will be joined by British economist Edward Cartwright of De Montfort University and two past presidents of the Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA).

These include Cheryl Poth of the University of Alberta and Judith Schoonenboom of the University of Vienna, who will present on integrating philosophical foundations with practical applications.

Mixed methods research blends statistical data with lived experience to understand complex issues across fields like psychology, education, and economics.

The fair promotes this approach as a versatile tool for addressing social problems, from poverty analysis to public health strategies.

“This is a unique opportunity to see how world-class researchers use mixed methods to uncover patterns and improve lives,” said UST-RCSSED Director Clarence Batan.

Participants from across the Philippines are invited to attend with affordable registration rates and the chance to submit e-posters on completed or ongoing research.

The fair also features interactive sessions, open forums, and networking opportunities for students, educators, and researchers.

Interested individuals may contact RCSSED through rcssed@ust.edu.ph, halohalo.mixedmethods@gmail.com, (02) 8731-3535, or the official Facebook page “Halo-Halo: The Filipino Mixed Methods Fair.”

Vijayendra Rao holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and has published extensively on culture, development, and social policy.

Mixed methods research is increasingly used by development agencies and academics to evaluate interventions with both breadth and depth.

In the Philippines, this approach is gaining ground in academic institutions and policymaking, particularly in education, health, and rural development programs.

The event marks UST’s continued leadership in interdisciplinary and applied research in the region.