Call for Papers
About
Building on its successful launches in 2024 and 2025, LevelUpLab enters its third iteration in 2026 as a
focused, research-intensive professional development program. This year’s edition is dedicated exclusively
to the Research Track, reflecting the complexity of mixed-methods research and the sustained, independent
work it demands.
LevelUpLab 2026 is a five-day in-person program focused on the design and conduct of rigorous mixed-methods
research. It is intended for early-career academics, doctoral students, and experienced faculty seeking to
strengthen their methodological expertise. Sessions are delivered in two 75-minute blocks per day, allowing
sufficient time for explanation, application, and critical discussion.
Hosted by the College of Human Sciences and Education at KIMEP University, the program emphasizes
methodological rigor, coherence of research design, and meaningful integration of qualitative and
quantitative approaches. The decision to offer a single track reflects a strategic choice to prioritize
depth of engagement and avoid the fragmentation associated with parallel intensive programs.
By the end of the program, participants will have developed the core components of a coherent mixed-methods
study, including research questions or objectives, a mixed-methods design, identified data sources, and an
integration strategy. These components are intended to support the development of a research proposal,
evaluation study, or manuscript for publication.
The program is led by Dr Timothy C. Guetterman, an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan and a
leading authority in mixed-methods research. As Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Mixed Methods Research
and co-author of foundational methods texts, he brings current disciplinary standards and editorial insight
directly into the training.
Registration
REGISTRATION DETAILSEligibility:
LevelUpLab 2026 is open to:
- University faculty members (senior and junior)
- PhD students
- Researchers seeking focused academic development in research and publishing
Maximum Capacity:
Due to the high-intensity, hands-on nature of the training, the number of available slots is limited to
40 participants. Therefore, participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 40
participants to complete the online registration form will secure their places, while others will be
placed on a waiting list.
Registration Fee Structure
| Participant Category | Fee (KZT) | Notes |
| KIMEP Senior Faculty (professorial positions) | 30,000 | Full fee applies |
| KIMEP Junior Faculty (lecturer positions) | 15,000 | 50% discount |
| KIMEP PhD Students | 0 | 100% waiver |
| External Faculty | 30,000 | Full fee applies |
| External PhD Students | 10,000 | 66% discount |
How to Register:
Participants must complete the online registration form available at:
🔗 https://forms.gle/LQP9bxurartj67JLA
- Upon completing the form, the first 40 participants will receive an email from the organizing
committee inviting them to pay the registration fee within 3 working days. Information on how to
make the payment will be enclosed in our email. After payment, participants must email the
receipt to Nurbeine Kossylganova at k@kimep.kz with the
subject line “Participation in LevelUpLab-2026” to confirm their places in the summer school.
Do not make any payment if you do not receive an email from us. - If payment is not made within 3 working days, the next person on the waiting list will be
invited to make the payment and secure their spot. - Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
Deadline to Register: May 8, 2026
Program
LEVELUPLAB 2025 PROGRAM