As part of the ongoing project Enhancing Public Administration Degree Programs (BA, MA) at Caucasus School of Governance, a workshop titled "Access to Public Data as a Method of Research" was conducted on 19 September. Students, Graduates and Lecturers of Caucasus School of Governance Public Administration Program attended the event. The workshop focused on accessing public data, as well as legal and practical dimensions, offering attendees valuable insights into how public information can be used as a research tool.

The event was led by Levan Avalishvili, co-founder of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), Trainer provided an in-depth exploration of the country's legal framework governing public data access and discussed how these laws are implemented in practice. Participants were introduced to various types of public information that institutions are required to disclose and learned about the key challenges in obtaining such information for research purposes.

Also, best practices from other countries were discussed, offering practical examples and solutions that can enhance the effective use of public data. Participants, including students and professionals from the public administration field, engaged in discussions about leveraging this data in academic research.

This project is supported by the USAID National Governance Program. Its goal is to educate highly qualified graduates of public administration programs by equipping them with modern knowledge and high professional standards. Key project activities include updating curricula and syllabi, hosting professional seminars, and organizing a youth conference.