The Summer School in Applied Social Science Research Methods was launched in 2012, jointly by the School of Sociology and Political Science at Shanghai University and Center for Applied Social and Economic Research at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The Summer School has offered a wide variety of courses in quantitative data analysis and research methods from foundational to the advanced levels. The courses combine lectures with lab tutorial sessions and research seminars delivered by leading experts from universities at home and abroad. The program seeks to foster academic research and careers of the young scholars through systematic training courses and unique networking opportunities.

From 2021 onward, CASER at NYU Shanghai has been working with the Center for Data and Urban Science (CENDUS) of Shanghai University to continue the training program that will further broaden its national and international impact. Further to the foundational courses taught in Chinese and operated by CENDUS at Shanghai University, the Summer School in Applied Social Science Research Methods also features advanced level courses taught in English and in small class by internationally renowned faculty, sponsored by CASER at NYU Shanghai. The program will serve as a gateway to social science communities throughout the world.