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We Early Stage Researchers are often in contact through online platforms, so when an opportunity to meet in person arises, we take it. During our online discussions, we realised that we were struggling with data analysis. For some of us, it was the first time we were using qualitative research so the data analysis was new to us too. When we realised that some of us would be in Belgium in October and November 2023 for our secondments, we contacted our colleagues in Belgium to arrange some needed training and invited those not in Belgium to join online.

Data Coding Day
Since most of us are at the point of coding and analysing our data, we chose to focus on these two areas. Eileen Lauster proposed that we meet in Leuven on the 9th of October at the LUCAS Offices for Data Coding training. Seven of us met there, with Jeany Teguihanon joining us online. It was an opportunity to share our challenges and receive suggestions from our fellows. We had prepared a section of text that we coded in advance and shared a blank copy with another person who then coded it. We then went through each pairing as a group. In this way, we all gained new perspectives on our individual coding process. The discussion was lively, touching on data management and ethical considerations. After connecting over lunch, we resumed the coding feedback and then turned our attention to coding software programmes. Since our group is using a variety of programmes, we discussed it in general terms. Throughout the day, we shared links to helpful articles and resources. Overall, those attending found it helpful, so we agreed to meet again in November to discuss the next step, data analysis.

Data Coding Day in Leuven pictured clockwise from top: Bec Conway, Eileen Lauster, James Kutu Obeng, Yannis Perifanos, Mattia Mansueto and Atefeh Safarabadi Farahani with Jeany Teguihanon joining online and photo by Athina Moroglou

Data Analysis Day
The Data Analysis Day was led by Yannis Perifanos and held in the FEANTSA office in Brussels on the 10th of November. Four of us met in person on this occasion, with Atefeh Safarabadi Farahani joining online. We started by reviewing our coding work since the last meeting. Everyone had progressed their work. We then discussed our next steps for analysis. We reviewed the analysis options available in the software programmes we are using as well as the approaches outlined in the literature. After lunch, we watched a short video on moving from coding to themes. After discussing the points raised, we agreed to stay in touch and continue the conversation if further questions arise or to share resources.

Data Analysis Day in FEANTSA left to right: Athina Moroglou, Bec Conway, Yannis Perifanos with Atefeh Safarabadi online and photo by Eileen Lauster.

Both training days were great opportunities to share and learn from our colleagues. Joining together and exchanging information is a very positive aspect of the Astra Project. We thank the partnership organisations for giving us space in their offices for these training days.