27.03.2026

Listen to the Audio Article here.

During her research stay in Ghana, Alexandra Humpert, a PhD student at the Section Global Health, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health (IHPH) and the Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University of Bonn, delivered an engaging seminar on qualitative research at the TAKeOFF-KCCR Partner Site. The session was hosted by the Filariasis Research Group (AG Debrah), led by Professors Alexander Yaw Debrah, TAKeOFF Consortium Director, and Mrs. Linda Batsa Debrah, Ghana Principal Investigator.

Alexandra’s presentation offered a clear and accessible introduction to qualitative research, covering its purpose, methods of data collection, and the fundamentals of coding interview transcripts. She emphasised how qualitative approaches allow researchers to explore context, meaning, and human perspectives that cannot be fully captured through quantitative statistics alone.

Highlighting techniques such as focus groups, interviews, and thematic analysis, Alexandra demonstrated how these methods uncover lived experiences, reveal patterns, and generate evidence-based narratives. She showed how qualitative insights complement quantitative findings, strengthening decision-making in both academic and professional settings.

The seminar underscored the relevance of qualitative research across disciplines, from the social sciences to healthcare, and encouraged participants to consider its value when addressing complex challenges. The lively discussion reflected the audience’s appreciation for the depth and creativity that qualitative methods bring to research.

We extend our gratitude to Alexandra Humpert for sharing her expertise and inspiring us to look beyond data points to the stories and perspectives that shape knowledge. We also thank our Project Leads for their active contributions, which enriched the conversation, and all participants for their engagement.

This seminar was a powerful reminder of the role qualitative research plays in building evidence-based narratives that foster creativity, deepen understanding, and drive innovation.

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