Oxford Hosts Poverty Research Summer School in Costa Rica

Understanding poverty just got more accessible for researchers and policymakers ready to make a real difference. The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative is opening applications for its 2026 Summer School, a transformative two-week program happening in San José, Costa Rica from July 20-31.

This isn't your typical academic conference. The intensive training teaches professionals how to measure poverty beyond simple income levels, capturing the full picture of what people actually lack in their lives: healthcare, education, clean water, and safe housing.

Director Sabina Alkire and her team of global experts will guide participants through the Alkire-Foster method, a groundbreaking framework now used by countries worldwide to understand and address poverty in all its dimensions. Students learn not just theory but practical skills they can apply immediately in policy work.

The program attracts government officials, development professionals, university researchers, and doctoral students from around the world. They work together in small groups, building both skills and lasting professional networks while tackling real-world poverty measurement challenges.

Participants spend two weeks immersed in interactive lectures, hands-on problem solving using statistical software, and collaborative learning sessions. By the end, they can design poverty indices, interpret complex data, and turn those insights into actionable policy recommendations.

The Ripple Effect

When professionals learn to measure poverty more accurately, entire communities benefit. Better data leads to better policies, which means resources reach the people who need them most. Graduates of previous OPHI summer schools have returned home to reshape how their governments track and address poverty, affecting millions of lives.

The program's tiered pricing structure ensures accessibility. Students and developing country researchers pay just £650, while professionals from wealthier nations cover more of the cost. Limited financial support is available for exceptional candidates who need it.

Applications close March 20, 2026, and spots fill quickly. Applicants need strong quantitative skills and intermediate Stata knowledge, but the investment pays forward as participants join a global community dedicated to evidence-based solutions for poverty reduction.

This summer school proves that fighting poverty starts with understanding it completely.