Research Summer week 1

Written on Friday of the first week of the Research Summer at Oxford University (03/07/2026).

Our project, relating to the compilation and analysis of non-profit and mission-led organisations in Oxfordshire has been clearly set out. We intend on creating a new value assignment system to qualitative data to provide such organisations with the ability to convey their impact that is not reflected in traditional quantitative metrics such as number of beneficiaries or total investment. 

We completed our research proposal document ahead of the presentation later today and we have begun compiling existing literature and research into our field so that we can build on it. Moreover, we are assembling a database of Oxfordshire organisations, and classifying them based on scale, type, and social impact. 

I am proud of our team's organisation skills, and the way in which we have delegated tasks between ourselves to be efficient. 

Clarity over task delegation and consistent work by every member of the team contributed to our success thus far. 

Going forward, we could focus our research even further by establishing a stronger dialogue with our mentor, who we have scheduled a meeting with next week. I believe that with her walking us through the more ambiguous aspects on the scope of our project, we can make sure we are delivering on the demanded actionables without boiling the ocean.