Qualitative Special Interest Group Summer Newsletter 2023

NEWS

Navigating sensitive, emotionally heightened, and challenging qualitative research: Acknowledging complex encounters and discussing practical solutions

Back in February the Qualitative Special Interest Group (from here referred to as the QualSIG) held our first official event, Navigating sensitive, emotionally heightened, and challenging qualitative research: Acknowledging complex encounters and discussing practical solutions. Sergio A. Silverio, a Research Fellow in Social Science of Women’s Health,​ King’s College London​ gave the plenary talk and members of the QualSIG steering committee gave short presentations of their own experiences of sensitive and challenging qualitative research. Kat Jackson then presented findings from a small research project that aimed to explore issues that are significant for staff in FMS who self-identify as working in the context of sensitive and emotionally demanding research. The study was funded by the Newcastle University Enhancing Research Culture Fund. The event closed with group discussions that focused on the themes of the afternoon and on identifying ways to better support those working in sensitive and challenging qualitative research. 

QualSIG Peer Support Network

Qualitative research comes with several challenges, be that research ethics applications, recruitment headaches, or emotionally taxing research topics. It is also typically fascinating, exciting, and stimulating work. Since the QualSIG steering committee was established in Spring 2022 we have been aware of an appetite among qualitative researchers for opportunities to develop better networks with other qualitative researchers across the University, and for safe, supportive spaces to talk about, and reflect on, the ups and downs of our research. The QualSIG Peer Support Network aims to be such a space. If you would like to hear more about the Peer Support Network, please send an email to QualSIG@newcastle.ac.uk with the subject title “Peer Support Network”.

We plan to have the first meeting of the Peer Support Network in September or early October and will announce the data and venue for this through the mailing list – so watch this space! We are also pleased to have secured funding to provide cake and hot drinks at these network meetings through a FMS Research Development Award.

QualSIG Communications

If you are not yet aware, the QualSIG has a Teams group which you can request to join. We hope that the Teams group can provide a space for conversation, collaboration and somewhere for QualSIG members to post about news and events relevant to fellow qualitative researchers. If you would like to be added to the Teams group, just send an email to QualSIG@newcastle.ac.uk with the subject title “Teams Group".

UPCOMING EVENTS

Inaugural QualSIG Conference and Student Symposium: 18th of January 2024, Frederick Douglas Centre

At the turn of the year, we will be hosting our first qualitative methods conference and student symposium! Keep an eye on emails from the QualSIG as we will be sending out a save the date and details of the conference theme soon.

Launch of the new Qual Data and Methods Group – 18^th of October – time and venue TBC

As many of you will be aware the Qualitative Data Group recently came under the wing of the QualSIG. In October we will be launching the Qual Data and Methods Group. The purpose of the group will be for qualitative researchers at any level to present, discuss and seek advice around qualitative data, the methods used to collect and analyse it and theoretical ideas and frameworks that could support approaches to data collection and analysis. It might be that you have recently engaged in a novel form of data collection or analysis and would like to present its pros and cons to your peers. We hope that this group will support learning, collaboration, and provide a platform for innovation. 

Any qualitative data presented at Qual Data and Methods Group must be fully anonymised and only excerpts of transcripts can be presented.

CALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Student Representatives

Calling all postgraduate students working in qualitative research! The QualSIG steering committee are seeking 1-2 new student representatives to join us. The key role of a student rep is to be a student voice within the running of the SIG.

Qualitative teaching opportunities

Opportunities to gain experience in teaching qualitative methods from paradigms and epistemologies, data collection and analysis, through to ethics, often pop up. If you are keen to gain experience or want to keep topping up the experience you already have, please get in touch by sending an email to QualSIG@newcastle.ac.uk with the subject title “Teaching opportunities”.

The SIG’s current Steering Committee

Co-leads: Drs Jo Lally and Siân Russell

Deputy lead: Dr Matt Breckons 

Early Career Researcher Reps: Drs Kat Jackson and Abisola Balogun-Katung

Student Rep: Ms. Julie Guest

Training and Teaching Co-Leads: Drs Steph Scott and Matt Breckons 

Social Media Co-Leads: Drs Beth Bareham and Laura McGowan 

IT/Tech Lead: Dr Rachel Stocker 

General member: Dr Marie Poole 

Last modified: Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:29:43 BST