2023 Annual Newsletter

Introduction from the Chair

Dear colleagues,

What an outstanding group of people you are. On these pages — and there are many, because you have been doing so much! – you will read about new modules, new methodological innovations, new researchers and graduate students, new initiatives, new trainings, new publications. In line with our collective commitment to visual methods, you will also see many photographs that put faces to names and help us get a flavor for one another’s workplaces, endeavors, and teams.

A special treat in this issue of our newsletter is an update on the now-complete special issue of Social Science and Medicine: Qualitative Research in Health focused on the work people in eight of our member countries did collectively around COVID-19. This is a stellar example of the kind of contributions we can make as an international qualitative research community: I encourage those of you who have not yet perused the issue to take a look. Please also give thought to what kinds of shared endeavors we should take on next. A special issue on the marriage of art and science in our work? One on equity issues raised within our studies and by our methodology? What are your ideas?

It was a memorable joy to see so many of you in the Czech Republic last fall. Please mark your calendars to be together again for our on-line mini-meeting in 2024 (Wednesday 20th Nov, Tuesday 26th Nov, Thursday 5th Dec.), and in person in Norway (!!!) 2-6 June, 2025.

Very warmest wishes from me to each and all of you,

Rachel