On May 6, 2025, the QSA*Net Online Workshop took a significant step towards building a global community committed to advancing open qualitative research. Organised by Maynooth University, University of Leeds, and Technological University of the Shannon, in collaboration with the Horizons Challenge Network for Time and the Centre for Research on Families, Lifecourse and Generations (FLaG) at University of Leeds, the workshop was a pivotal moment in the development of an international network for Qualitative Secondary Analysis (QSA).
The workshop was designed to bring together researchers, scholars, and archivists from across the globe to share ideas, address challenges, and create a collective vision for the future of QSA. At its core, the event sought to build a collaborative framework for researchers to connect, innovate, and push the boundaries of qualitative data reuse.
The session began with an introduction to the QSA*Net project, where attendees were presented with key findings about the field of qualitative secondary analysis. These insights illuminated shared concerns and barriers that hinder progress in the global landscape of QSA. What followed was an interactive network-mapping discussion, in which participants were invited to reflect on their own experiences with QSA and explore existing networks, resources, and collaborations. This part of the workshop was integral to building connections, as participants from different countries and disciplines shared their perspectives and envisioned the future of QSA within a global context.
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation by Professor Kahryn Hughes from the University of Leeds. Her expertise in QSA methodologies sparked engaging dialogue, allowing participants to explore innovative research approaches while fostering a deeper understanding of the practical applications of QSA.
As the workshop progressed, the focus shifted to the Future Directions for the QSA*Net network. The final session was dedicated to discussions on how best to structure and sustain an international network that could support the long-term development of QSA. Attendees discussed strategies for ensuring the network’s sustainability, and the next steps in building an inclusive, globally connected community. These conversations were vital in mapping out the operational framework that would allow the network to flourish and grow beyond the workshop itself.
The QSA*Net Online Workshop marked an exciting beginning in the creation of a robust, international network for QSA. The event emphasised the importance of collaboration and community building in advancing open qualitative research. It also highlighted the need for an inclusive, global infrastructure that would allow researchers from all corners of the world to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on a more significant scale than ever before.
If you are interested in joining the QSA*Net International Network or learning more, please email Professor Jane Gray ([email protected]) or Dr. Rong Bao ([email protected]).