Brescia faculty member awarded SSHRC Connection Grant to bring global scholars to campus for Qualitative Analysis Conference
Above: Brescia University College Associate Professor, and Qualitatives Lead Conference
Organizer, Dr. Steven Kleinknecht
London, ON – A 2020 Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Connection Grant will support the gathering of over 150 international scholars and students at Brescia University College for the 37th annual Qualitative Analysis Conference. The $24,947 grant, awarded to Brescia Associate Professor, Dr. Steven Kleinknecht, will bring novice and senior scholars together to explore critical issues in qualitative research in June 2021.
Affectionately referred to as “the Qualitatives”, the Qualitative Analysis Conference was established in 1984 in Waterloo, Ontario. Hosted on an annual basis, the three-day Conference is designed to shine the spotlight on cross-disciplinary qualitative research, data collection, analysis and findings, while showcasing excellence in Canadian and global research.
The 2021 Conference theme, "Conceptualizing Theory: Analytic Practices in Qualitative Research" will explore the practical accomplishment of analysis and theory-work, inviting researchers to present on the actualities of how they arrived at their findings. The Conference will feature: concurrent qualitative sessions; two dynamic lectures from keynote speaker, Eviatar Zerubavel and from featured speaker Iddo Tavory; the William Shaffir Festschrift Panel; Editors' Roundtable and multiple networking and idea-mobilization receptions.
Brescia Associate Professor and lead conference organizer, Dr. Kleinknecht is thrilled to have been awarded the SSHRC Connection Grant to support this relevant and global Conference to come to Brescia – especially during this turbulent time for our world. “The Qualitatives is an incredible opportunity to not only reflect on the crucial qualitative research being done on an international scale, but to also bring different perspectives together to explore how we are using theories and research to solve pressing social issues.” Dr. Kleinknecht goes on to say, “This year’s conference focuses on taking a deep dive into the actualities of how qualitative researchers come up with their big ideas. Knowing more about this process will help us develop innovative analytical techniques for better understanding social problems.”
In addition to highlighting the research of senior qualitative scholars, the Qualitatives are also intended to inspire and engage the next generation of researchers. Not only will graduate students present alongside faculty members, but this year's event will also host a series of undergraduate student sessions. These sessions will provide a unique opportunity for students to pursue their interest in qualitative research, in a supportive atmosphere, while also receiving mentorship from leaders in the field. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Student Networking Lunch and Editors' Roundtable.
“For the conference organizers, the Qualitatives was one of the first conferences we attended as students. So, we know well the benefits that come from fostering a collegial and encouraging environment for sharing one’s work,” affirms Dr. Kleinknecht. He explains, “It’s often hard as a student to see what you’re doing as having scholarly value. We strive to disabuse students of such thoughts and warmly welcome them into the qualitative community.”
Following the Conference, complete copies of program abstracts will be made available in hard copy and maintained electronically on the Conference website. Moreover, the international open-access journal, Qualitative Sociology Review, recently published a special issue based on articles by former students of Professor Shaffir – featured in the Festschrift Panel.
The 37th annual Qualitative Analysis Conference, funded in part by a SSHRC Connection grant, will take place in June 2021, in-person at Brescia University College or online – subject to COVID-19 health and safety regulations. This will be the third year the Conference will be hosted at Brescia University College. To learn more about the Conference, please visit: www.qualitatives.ca.
To learn more about the SHHRC Connection Grant, please visit: https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/connection_grants-subventions_connexion-eng.aspx
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For more information, please contact:
Rhea Johnson, Director, Communications, Marketing & External Relations at rhea.johnson@uwo.ca or 519-636-9408, or Caitlin Core, Communications, Marketing & External Relations
Officer, ccore@uwo.ca.
Brescia University College, Canada’s women’s university college, is affiliated with Western University. The 1,600 women registered as either full- or part-time students at Brescia study a wide variety of subjects in the Schools of Behavioural & Social Sciences, Food & Nutritional Sciences, Humanities and Leadership & Social Change in an empowering, compassionate, student-centred and invigorating environment. Degrees are granted by Western. The Catholic University College welcomes students from all backgrounds and values diversity. For more current and archived news, a listing of faculty experts, and photos please visit our Online Media Room, at www.brescia.uwo.ca/communications/media_relations