Social research and

evaluation professionals

We investigate complex social phenomena. We evaluate social intervention programmes

Professionals in research,

evaluation and social intervention

We substantiate, design and implement social programs

In memoriam

Ricard Faura Cantarell. 27 January 1975-18 January 2025

Ricard Faura Cantarell, PhD

Doctor in Social Psychologist & Anthropologist

Episteme Social

Purpose

To offer society applicable knowledge to improve the quality of life of mankind.

Vision

Episteme’s vision is to become a European benchmark in the field of applied social research and public policy evaluation by applying scientific knowledge to improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged groups.

Our Mission

At Episteme, our mission is to generate applied knowledge so that public administrations and third social sector organisations can improve their intervention processes with vulnerable populations. We engage in this commitment through the application of the best available scientific evidence, the defence of Human Rights and a robust methodology adapted ad hoc to each situation. We seek to implement the most innovative, effective, efficient and effective solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of social problems on people’s lives.

Values

Professionalism.
Effectiveness.
Scientificity.
Quality.
Efficiency.
Defence of human rights.
Commitment to vulnerable populations.
Critical analysis.

Who we are

Episteme Social is constituted in Barcelona as an international group of scientific researchers specialising in reserach, training and social evaluation. Our team is made up of a dozen multidisciplinary professionals with extensive national and international experience, both in academia and in research and field work, in areas such as anthropology, social psychology, public health and psychiatry.

What we offer

Episteme Social offers professional support in training, research, evaluation and social intervention in order to improve the implementation of social programmes and projects through innovation in design, theoretical foundations and the development of evaluation instruments, supported by cutting-edge science. We work with public administrations, as well as with international private entities.

Our services

Research
Episteme has a long history in the field of social research. We offer research services, both qualitative and quantitative, to improve knowledge of complex social phenomena. The key to the success of our work lies in designs adjusted to the reality to be investigated and to pragmatic and evaluable objectives.
Evaluation
In the social field we only have evaluation as a mechanism to scientifically prove that a programme/project is effective and of high quality. At Episteme we master different evaluation strategies. We carry out diagnostics, needs assessment, process evaluation, design evaluation, outcome evaluation, although our strength lies in impact evaluations.
Training
Continuous training is a necessity in the current social scenario. Challenges and new opportunities are constantly appearing. Episteme researches new social trends. This places us in a privileged position to transfer knowledge through training. Episteme’s training courses are formulated and designed ad hoc according to the demand.
Consultancy
In-depth knowledge of the processes of action is the first step to improve the quality of any social intervention. Episteme helps social intervention organisations to improve their work processes. We analyse both external actions and internal dynamics. We also advise on evaluation and research aspects.
Data analysis and writing
Episteme offers both quantitative and qualitative data generation and/or analysis services. This service can be provided either as part of an ongoing project or as a continuation or continuation of a project started by another organisation. Episteme also writes on demand, from project proposals to final reports in any text format.
Advice
Episteme helps entities in those aspects that usually represent a handicap in the organisation, such as project formulation, evaluation designs and evaluation dynamics, as well as the improvement of internal dynamics. In addition, some members are qualified to act as international consultants.

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Theoretical bases and applicability

The theoretical foundations of our project are based on the critical and comprehensive currents of the social sciences. Among the different methods used, we highlight the genealogical method because it allows us to understand the socio-historical processes that have made possible and shape the different phenomena under study, and ethnography, which enables us to account for the social reality in which the protagonists of our work live. An in-depth knowledge of the processes and collectives is essential in order to intervene and improve their living conditions and social cohesion. Understanding the historical development in the construction of social reality is essential if we want to understand and transform it. Along these lines, our work philosophy incorporates the gender perspective, discourse analysis, the study of hegemony/subalternity and normality/abnormality processes, community processes, stigmatisation dynamics and the analysis of contextual factors.

Our fields of action

The aim is to offer empirical work, theoretically robust, but applicable to the environment in which we want to intervene. The knowledge generated must be aimed at improving living conditions and transforming society in order to equalise the rights of vulnerable groups such as, for example, victims of stigmatisation, violence, social exclusion and drug addiction. Participation at the community level enables the empowerment of the groups involved in the intervention.

Drugs, addictions and hidden populations

Sports betting and gambling

Evaluation and quality

Drug policy

Objectives and values

Episteme Social studies and evaluates in social reality, improving the quality of life of citizens, promoting social equity, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring human and individual rights, especially among vulnerable groups.

The application of the results should favour the implementation of effective public policies and decision-making based on scientific evidence. Episteme Social is based on the values of tolerance, respect for diversity, ethics, and the defence of human rights and individual freedoms. The tools to defend and promote our values are professionalism, rigour, transparency, social commitment and technical solvency.