Suspected imposter participants in qualitative research: Shared reflections and conversations

Please book tickets here.

As more of us encounter the dilemma of suspected ‘imposter participants’, this session creates space to come together, share experiences, and draw on the collective wisdom of the group. While the presenters are based in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, we see cross-Faculty dialogue as essential - this is a shared issue that spans disciplines, and we actively seek to open up conversations with colleagues across the university.

We’ll begin with brief introductions from researchers who have navigated these challenges, each framing some key questions or dilemmas for discussion. After a chance to connect over lunch, the second half of the session will focus on smaller group conversations. Together, we’ll explore what this topic brings up for us - our thoughts, responses, and learning - and then share highlights back with the room. These insights will be curated and shared after the event as a form of evolving, collective wisdom.

The ethos is one of shared learning, not expertise: no one holds all the answers, but together we can deepen understanding of this important ethical challenge.

Proposed Timings

• 12:00 – 12:10: Welcome and introduction
• 12:10 – 12:45: Short reflections from speakers (5–7 mins each) + framing questions for discussion
• 12:45 – 13:30: Lunch and small group conversations
• 13:30 - 14:00: Sharing insights and close

Co-hosted by the Qualitative Reflective Practice Group (Faculty of Medicine and Health) and the Social Research Methods Centre (Faculty of Social Sciences)