Date and time: Friday 25 July  2025, 10.30am - 3.30pm AEST
Topic: Interactive Local Learning Event: Introduction to Realist Evaluation
Facilitator: Dr Gill Westhorp, Professorial Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University
Venue: Central Launceston, Tasmania; the exact location will be shared after registration.
Register online by: Numbers are strictly limited due to capacity, please only register if you will attend in person. 
Additional information: BYO lunch

Event overview

The AES Tasmania Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to a practical and engaging half-day event on Introduction to Realist Evaluation, facilitated by internationally renowned expert Dr Gill Westhorp. Dr Westhorp is a Professorial Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University, where she leads the Realist Research Evaluation and Learning Initiative (RREALI), and is an Adjunct Professor at RMIT University. A Fellow of the Australian Evaluation Society, she is recognised globally for her contributions to realist evaluation, with extensive international experience, co-authorship of key methodological standards, and ongoing work advancing realist theory and practice.

This interactive learning event is designed for evaluators, commissioners, program managers, and policy professionals who are new to realist evaluation or looking to deepen their understanding of the approach. The session will provide a hands-on introduction to core principles, with opportunities to explore how realist evaluation can be applied in real-world contexts.

Highlights include:

• What realist evaluation is and when to use it

• Key concepts including causation and developing a realist program theory

• Interactive exercises to develop your own realist program theory

• Tools and data considerations for realist inquiry

• Resources for continuing your learning

For those inspired to explore further, Charles Darwin University offers an online short course and micro-credential in Realist Evaluation starting mid-August. You can read more here:
https://www.cdu.edu.au/northern-institute/study/intensives-credentials-short-courses/realist-research-evaluation-credentials

This is a free event organised & hosted by the AES Tasmanian Community of Practice. Our seminar series provides an opportunity for you to meet with AES members and others in the evaluation community and to share and learn from the experiences of fellow evaluators.