GROUNDED THEORY CONFERENCE
Grounded Theory Futures: Reconciling Perspectives
Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd September, 2026
Venue: Online
Grounded theory methodology is the most cited methodology in qualitative research. There are several variants of the methodology and there are thousands of grounded theory researchers studying and working in the world right now.
Join us to examine grounded theory perspectives.
Reconciling perspectives: A practical view of GT methods
Using grounded theory in non-academic settings is often straightforward as the emphasis is on producing relevant, useful outcomes. In academia, however, researchers must also address theoretical and/or philosophical perspectives, which can vary by organisation, discipline and researcher. Although the grounded theory research method is exploratory, research degree templates often assume a perspective of verification or confirmation creating tension between institutional
requirements and grounded theory’s key tenet of openness and emergence (Scott, 2025, p. 170).What are the differences between the varieties of grounded theory from a practical perspective? How do the various versions of grounded theory differ in their theoretical or philosophical foundations, and how do the differences impact the research degree process, the conduct of the grounded theory research, and the shapes of the theories that emerge?
Reconciling perspectives: Grounded theory and Gen-AI
How a researcher uses Gen-AI for a grounded theory study can impact its underpinning epistemology, the tenet of emergence and the researcher’s theoretical sensitivity. Irrespective of whether an individual chooses to use Gen-AI or not, critical evaluation of these fundamental issues is imperative in order to inform both our choices and scholarly debate.
The Grounded Theory Futures conference provides an opportunity to explore the impact of Gen-AI through a mix of methodological and practical sessions and panel discussions. This is a forum through which we can actively contribute to and shape the debate about the use of Gen-AI in grounded theory.
Methodological and practical sessions include:
- An overview of Gen-AI and the issues effecting qualitative research and GT
- A consideration of the ‘auto-coding’ tools available and the challenge their use brings to the grounded theory method
- An exploration of how the use of Gen-AI is shifting the meaning of interpretivism, and the implications of automation for grounded theory
- A demonstration of using AI in the grounded theory workflow.
- A guide for researchers using ChatGPT
- A refocusing from coding to emphasising interpretive depth with AI-supported conversational analysis (Strauss and Corbin’s method)
- An exploration and summary of the issues and discussions of this thread, and what they might mean for grounded theorists moving forward.
Invited speakers and discussants include:
Antony Bryant
Carrie Friese
Susanne Friese
Elaine Keane
Stefan Räddiker
Helen Scott
Cathy Urquhart
Nieky van Veggel, Hilary Engward and Melanie Birks
Doctoral researcher and early career sessions
Ethics and grounded theory research design
Gareth Davies, Anne-Marie Martin
Opportunities and challenges of publishing a GT paper
Elaine Keane, Cathy Urquhart
Explaining qualitative research to a quantitative perspective
Isaura Gallego, Gaetan Mourmant, Neiky van Veggel
Reconciling perspectives panels
A practical view of GT methods
Helen Scott plus…
Critical perspectives on AI
Susanne Friese, Elaine Keane, Cathy Urquhart, Nieky van Veggel
AI in practice
Melanie Birks, Hilary Engward, Stefan Räddiker
Our aims for this conference remain the same as in 2024 and are to:
- Create a context of mutual respect in which to explore ways to move forward with grounded theory
- Provide a platform for both novice grounded theorists to launch and nurture their futures, and for practicing grounded theorists to share their expertise
- Foster a vibrant community of grounded theorists.
What do you think?
As a group we are keen to encourage ideas that offer ways in which GT can be developed, and also encourage suggestions for events that facilitate constructive discussion between a wide range of GT researchers. So please join us – the International Association of Grounded Theorists – and together, let’s explore the future of grounded theory!