DPIR proudly supporting the Centre for Advanced Social Science Methods (CASSM)
Social science is undergoing rapid change, driven by AI, new data sources, and advances in computational analysis.
Launched in October 2025, the Centre for Advanced Social Science Methods (CASSM) brings Oxford’s strengths in these areas together to support ambitious, cross-disciplinary research.
Uniting the Department of Politics and International Relations with Economics, Sociology, Law, Social Policy and Intervention, and the Oxford Internet Institute, CASSM focuses on shared methods — from causal inference to computational text analysis — and the new research questions they make possible. It is also developing training, collaboration, and infrastructure to support researchers at all stages.
Since its launch, CASSM has secured £6.5 million in funding and established its core team, led by Professor Ben Ansell.
The centre is already convening timely discussions, including its inaugural workshop, “The Politics of AI”, and upcoming events on large language models for social science research. We are also pleased to welcome new academic appointments, including Dr Andreu Casas, whose expertise in computational methods and political communication will further strengthen CASSM’s work.
Looking ahead, CASSM will expand its training programmes, seminars, and joint appointments, creating a vibrant community around advanced social science methods.
