Flames (Flanders Training Network for Methodology and Statistics): A Longitudinal Analysis of Our Doctoral Training Initiative

Within the 5 Flemish universities of Belgium, the need for statistical support of doctoral-level students has led to the introduction of FLAMES, an inter-university doctoral training network in which all Flemish universities of Belgium collaborate. FLAMES aims to support young researchers in need of qualitative and quantitative oriented insights by offering them methodological training at different levels. To evaluate the importance and popularity of FLAMES, a longitudinal analysis is performed where the FLAMES approach is discussed over a timeline of approximately 10 years (from the beginning of Flames until 2021). FLAMES’ “measuring is knowing” principle is used to evaluate the content, applicability, and educational aspects of the current training offer and to periodically assess the efficiency of our program.