The use of qualitative research methods has become increasingly widespread throughout the social sciences. It has, however, become evident that while qualitative research is a popular and visible way of collecting and analysing data, there is a proliferation of sub-specialisms which reflect both national and disciplinary boundaries. 
There is evidence to suggest that some qualitative research is methodologically limited. Difficulties have been reported in the recruitment of researchers with sufficiently well-developed skills to carry out funded research. In addition, the methodological literature has been dominated by publications from the UK and America, thereby (to an extent) overlooking the traditions of other national and intellectual disciplines in Europe. There is thus a need to bring together important, but mutually isolated, traditions to inform the existing literature and the collective skills of European social scientists to enhance research capacity. 
This programme, linking social scientists across Europe, will ensure that expertise is shared across the major national and regional research communities and allow the development of further innovation.