The APSA Quantitative Methods Research Group, chaired by Dr Constanza Sanhueza Petrarca and Dr Thiago Nascimento da Silva, organised the 2nd Annual Quantitative Workshop on 4 June 2025 at the Australian National University. 

This year’s focus on Quantitative Text Analysis aimed to equip graduate students and early-career researchers with practical tools for analysing the growing volume of digital data in social sciences. As textual sources—from political discourse, policy documents, and party manifestos to social media data—become increasingly central to contemporary political debate, mastering these analytical methods is essential for producing rigorous, impactful research.

The workshop featured expert sessions led by Dr Seraphine Maerz (University of Melbourne) and Dr Charles Miller (ANU), alongside the organisers, blending theoretical foundations with hands-on applications. The overwhelming response—nearly 100 registrations competing for 40 places—demonstrates the Australian research community’s recognition of these skills as critical for advancing political science in our data-driven era.

The event was generously supported by the Australian Political Studies Association, the ANU Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) and the School of Politics & International Relations (SPIR) helping to foster rich discussion and collaboration among emerging researchers.