The Qualitative Research Commons and Studio (QuRCS) is a state-of-the-art multimedia research facility that allows for high-speed audio and video connectivity among multi-site national and international research groups. The facility was recently finished in 2010 as a Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) infrastructure project funded under Dr. Janice Graham’s Canada Research Chair. The QuRCS consists of research commons and studio located in the Clinical Research Centre on the Carleton Campus of Dalhousie University. 

In the QuRCS, researchers are able to do the following: 

- Digital video recording of live and off-line performances for later analysis

The available equipment includes the following:

• Tanberg C60 HD Videoconferencing Codec

• Crestron TPMC-8X wireless docking touchpad

• Crestron DM16x16 switcher

• Polycom EF2201 Telephone Interface

• Polycom EF2280 Audio Processor

• Smaart ID422W Annotation Tablet

• Smart Technologies SmartBoards (in both rooms)

• Christie LX-25 projector

• Tanberg Precision HD VC PTZ Camera

• Shure SM58 Hand-held microphone and microphone boom stand

• Pioneer Blu-Ray disc player

• Panasonic TYSP58P10W Loudspeaker mounted on monitor (pair)

• Panasonic TH-58PF20U Flat Panel Display (two)

• Sony DVD/VHS players (in both rooms)

• Elmo HV-5100XG Visual Presenter document cameras (in both rooms)

• DV Camcorders, digital audio recorders, video-capable laptops (field sites)

• Tri-element table microphone with RF shielding, 7-pin XLR-M

• Panasonic BB-HCM581 Room View IP PTZ camera

QuRCS provides the physical platform for Dr. Graham’s innovative, interdisciplinary, and  participatory qualitative research programme. Inspired by the traditions of medical and visual anthropology and ethnographic film, this facility enables interactive access among participants and communities in multi-sited research projects. The Research Commons has seven computer workstations including video editing and qualitative analysis software for Dr. Graham’s Research Team.  The Studio is a dedicated site for research interviews including patient and clinician encounters, focus groups, and community meetings, with full video recording and transmission capabilities. The QuRCS has built capacity for sustained research collaborations in the Maritimes as well as nationally and internationally.