Exploring New Frontiers in Qualitative Research: UKZN Hosts Renowned UK Scholar

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The Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences (BELS) within UKZN’s School of Health Sciences hosted a two-day qualitative research workshop on the Westville campus which featured distinguished scholar Professor Brett Smith of Durham University in England.

Smith is an internationally respected expert in disability studies, narrative inquiry and arts-based research methods.

Titled: ‘Exploring New Frontiers in Qualitative Research: Insights from a Leading Expert’, the workshop attracted over 65 researchers, postgraduate students and academics from a range of disciplines. Sessions covered advanced topics including co-production, post-qualitative inquiry, publishing strategies and visual methods in qualitative research.

Opening the programme, UKZN Dean of Research Professor Bongani Nkambule welcomed Smith and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing methodological innovation and fostering scholarly collaboration.

Nkambule emphasised the importance of cross-disciplinary engagement in strengthening research capacity.

Smith fostered a vibrant, inclusive learning environment throughout the workshop. “I thoroughly enjoyed facilitating this workshop,” he said. “The level of engagement, the thought-provoking questions, and the openness to new ideas made for a dynamic and stimulating space. It was a privilege to be part of such rich conversations and to contribute to UKZN’s growing qualitative research community.”

Event host Academic Leader of BELS Professor Rowena Naidoo thanked all collaborators, sharing her vision of making the workshop an annual event. Plans are also in motion to introduce a series of online sessions to promote continuous learning and broaden access to qualitative research training.

Participants praised the workshop for its practical value. Comments included the following:

•    “The facilitation style was inclusive and participatory, making everyone feel heard and valued.”

•    “The interactive activities and hands-on learning were the most effective and engaging aspects.”

•    “I learned how to use photographs and photo elicitation in research, address ethical considerations, and analyse visual and narrative data.”

•    “The focus on co-production and research rigour was a game changer.”

Co-host Professor Verusia Chetty, a longstanding advocate for qualitative research, emphasised its transformative value: “Qualitative research allows us to explore the richness of human experiences. It enables voices that are often marginalised to be heard and understood in context. At UKZN, we are committed to fostering these approaches, especially in health sciences, where complexity and context matter.”

The workshop was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through a Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration (KIC) grant. Special thanks were extended to Dean and Head of the School of Health Sciences Professor Percy Mashige for his strategic support, and to Academic Development Officer Ms Bongiwe Gumede and Teaching and Learning Administrative Officer Mrs Pam Singh for their dedicated co-ordination of the event.

The closing reflections left participants inspired and equipped with new skills to improve their qualitative research practice. The workshop not only reinforced UKZN’s position as a leader in research excellence but also marked a significant step in building a vibrant, inclusive and methodologically diverse academic community.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Lunga Memela