The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to the importance of open data sharing to improve epidemic preparedness and response. However, qualitative data—unlike quantitative data—poses specific ethical, legal, and interpretive challenges. With the support of ISIDORe, Professor Phaik Yeong Cheah (Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Thailand) received specialized training by Dr. Tamara Giles-Vernick (Institut Pasteur) on sharing qualitative research data responsibly.
This training focused on understanding the co-constructed nature of qualitative data, the complexities of anonymization, and the risks of misinterpretation when data is detached from its collection context. These findings will inform best practices for ethical data sharing and serve as the foundation for a high-level international workshop in May 2025 in Bangkok, gathering global experts to advance responsible qualitative data governance during health crises.