Laboratory of Data and Empirical Research in Law (LabData)

The Data Laboratory and Empirical Research in Law (LabDados) is a Development nucleus of the Academic Master’s and PhD Programs of FGV Sao Paulo Law School. It aims to promote the link between methodological reflections on empirical research in Law, carried out by the School for more than a decade, and the scientific and technological advances in data analysis.

The objective of LabDados is to be a space for reflection and training on research designs, empirical methodologies, and use of data science in law research. Its goals are also to support various initiatives developed at FGV Sao Paulo Law School, by establishing strategic interdisciplinary partnerships and advancing the frontiers of empirical research in the field. LabDados aims to consolidate itself as a unit of excellence in data analysis and empirical research in Law. So, to achieve it, LabDados promotes a series of activities, such as seminars, workshops, and training, publications with a specific focus on methodological innovation, integration, and releases databases and research results. In addition, it carries out individual and collective surveys for the school.

LabDados activities:

Researchers’ training

LabDados offers training, qualification, and support for students, researchers, and professors of FGV Sao Paulo Law School that already adopt specific methodologies and technological tools in their research, or for those who want to get closer to them. It offers courses on mathematics, statistics, data science, and in other areas. There are also practical classes such as programming languages, qualitative analysis, data collection tools, and data processing.

Researchers’ Meetings

LabDados promotes meetings between researchers trained in technological tools and those with knowledge in a specific area, for creating a common language that allows a productive dialogue for both. The dialogue not only enables new research at an unprecedented scale, but also improves and refines the tools used during the meetings.

Methodological discussions

LabDados promotes monthly workshops on research design and methodology, to create a space for discussion and use of the tools and their effects. Hence, we can critically assess and incorporate them to research in Law.