Qualitative Demonstrator Scheme Co-ordinator's (QUADS) Final Report

The ESRC funded Qualitative Demonstrator Scheme (QUADS) aimed to develop and promote innovative methodological approaches to the archiving, sharing, re-use and secondary analysis of qualitative research and data, in all of its disparate shape and forms. A range of new models for increasing access to qualitative data resources, and for extending the reach and impact of qualitative studies were explored. The scheme also disseminated good practice in qualitative data sharing and research archiving. This was part of the ESRC’s initiative to increase the UK resource of highly skilled researchers, and to fully exploit the distinctive potential offered by qualitative research and data. The QUADS was a small initiative (some £500,000) over an 18 month period from April 2005 until December 2006. Five exploratory projects were funded together with a Co-ordination role. QUADS Coordination was based at ESDS Qualidata, directed by Louise Corti of the UK Data Archive and run on a small budget of £50,000 over 18 months. The role provided a pivotal role in fostering communication and understanding between the following demonstrator projects, and coherently managing and supervising the Scheme.