On Friday 26 June, colleagues came together for the 2026 Qualitative Research Symposium, hosted by Julia Frost and colleagues from the Qualitative Research Reference Group.
The symposium brought together around 30 colleagues in person, with a further 30+ joining online, for an afternoon of discussion, reflection and exploration around the role and impact of qualitative health research.
The day started with introductions from Felicity Thomas, followed by a brief talk by Julia Frost entitled ‘Introduction from Qualitative Research Reference Group – why impact and equity?’
This year’s guest speaker was Professor Jennie Popay, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Public Health at Lancaster University, who delivered a plenary and workshop exploring different perspectives on qualitative research, its impact and the role of critical approaches.
Her plenary, ‘Concocting impact in qualitative health research: a story of serendipity, zemblanity and intentionality’, prompted thoughtful discussion around what we mean by research impact and how qualitative researchers can plan for and maximise the difference their work makes. Professor Popay reflected on the importance of intentionality when thinking about impact, while also recognising the role that serendipity, and its rather less familiar opposite, ‘zemblanity’ – can play.
The session also considered the wider context in which research impact is increasingly important, from accountability to the public and research funders, to the role of impact within REF and individual career progression.
The second session, ‘The Conversation: what does critical qualitative health research look like?’, invited attendees to think more deeply about the critical lens in qualitative research. The discussion explored how qualitative research can examine the power relationships and wider structures that shape people’s everyday experiences, particularly at a time when social and health inequalities continue to grow.
The sessions generated plenty of conversation and reflection, with attendees describing the event as thought-provoking and highlighting the value of hearing different perspectives. Feedback also emphasised the importance of creating space for creativity, collaboration and reflection within qualitative research.
“The keynote speech was great and really provoked a lot of discussion in the chat which was helpful/I enjoyed”
“All speakers were excellent, thought provoking, different perspective.”
“The hybrid sessions worked really well and I was super impressed with it. Thank you!”
When asked what the take-home messages from the event, one in-person attendee said:
“”I used to do more creative thinking during my PhD, but at work it’s easy to lose sight of that… so:
– Pause more and take a step away, go for a walk etc
– Try to think about how I can work more creatively with others and get them on board with different ways of work”
Despite the warm temperatures, and a few technical glitches along the way, the symposium was well received by those attending both in person and online. Colleagues joining us in person were also treated to a picnic-style lunch outside on the University quad, providing an opportunity to continue conversations and network informally.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions, and to Julia Frost and the Qualitative Research Reference Group for organising another engaging and thought-provoking symposium.
We look forward to continuing the conversation around qualitative research, its impact and the many ways it can help us understand and respond to complex health and social challenges.