The University of Gloucestershire is set to host a significant event for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) working across the Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE) disciplines. This British Academy-funded workshop, titled “Reflexive Thematic Analysis: An Applied Skills Workshop for SHAPE Researchers,” will take place on Thursday, 18 June at the University’s Oxstalls Campus.
Workshop Focus: Reflexive Thematic Analysis
The workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Reflexive Thematic Analysis (TA), one of the most widely used qualitative research methods. Attendees will explore the philosophical foundations of reflexive TA, its methodological application, and the critical role of analytic reflexivity in producing high-quality qualitative research.
Interactive sessions will cover:
- Theoretical underpinnings of Reflexive Thematic Analysis
- Practical application and methodological alignment
- Analytic reflexivity and its importance in research
- Guided activities and peer exchange opportunities
- Networking and collaboration across SHAPE disciplines
Expert Leadership and British Academy Support
The workshop will be led by Dr. Lisa Trainor from Swansea University, a renowned expert in qualitative research methods and co-editor of the forthcoming special issue “New Developments and Good Practice in Reflexive TA.” Dr. Trainor brings extensive experience in athlete psychological well-being research and a deep commitment to strengthening and demystifying qualitative methods.
The event is co-organized by Dr. Ruffin Relja and Dr. Sabina Fiebig Lord from the University of Gloucestershire’s School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences. The British Academy funding enables this valuable gathering of ECRs, fostering methodological excellence and research culture across SHAPE disciplines.
Benefits for Early Career Researchers
This workshop offers Early Career Researchers a unique opportunity to:
- Develop advanced skills in Reflexive Thematic Analysis
- Engage with leading experts in qualitative research methods
- Network with peers across different SHAPE disciplines
- Gain insights into conceptually coherent research practices
- Build collaborations that extend beyond the workshop
Dr. Relja emphasized the importance of this event: “This funding allows us to bring ECRs together in a shared space for methodological learning and exchange, fostering a strong research culture and methodological excellence across SHAPE disciplines.”
Registration and Participation
The workshop is open to members of the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network. For more information and to book your place, visit the British Academy website.
This event represents a significant investment in the development of Early Career Researchers and the advancement of qualitative research methods across the UK’s SHAPE disciplines. The University of Gloucestershire’s commitment to hosting such events demonstrates its dedication to research excellence and academic collaboration.
Why This Workshop Matters
For Early Career Researchers looking to strengthen their methodological toolkit, this workshop provides:
- Practical, hands-on experience with Reflexive Thematic Analysis
- Expert guidance from leading practitioners in the field
- Opportunities to address specific research challenges
- A supportive environment for methodological discussion
- Connections with researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds
The focus on Reflexive Thematic Analysis is particularly timely, as this method continues to gain prominence in qualitative research across multiple disciplines. Understanding its philosophical foundations and practical applications is essential for researchers seeking to produce rigorous, impactful qualitative studies.
Looking Ahead
Events like this workshop play a crucial role in building research capacity and fostering collaboration across disciplines. By bringing together Early Career Researchers from different fields, the University of Gloucestershire and the British Academy are creating opportunities for methodological innovation and cross-disciplinary learning that will benefit the broader research community.
For those working in qualitative research methods, particularly within the SHAPE disciplines, this workshop represents an invaluable opportunity to enhance skills, expand networks, and contribute to the ongoing development of Reflexive Thematic Analysis as a methodological approach.
