Safety in (and after) the field

Abstract

Speakers: Vera Mironova, Harvard University Harmonie Toros, University of Kent Samar Al-Bulushi, University of California, Irvine Fieldwork is an important aspect of research. While newly gained data can enrich the end product of a researcher’s efforts, the oftentimes draining and painstaking process is easily overlooked. Furthermore, these real experiences 'from the ground' still are rarely reflected upon in many handbooks and so researchers often fail to benefit from them prior to departure for the field. As such, there is a big knowledge gap between theory and real-life experiences such as how to navigate safety-related aspects during and after the field and how to balance one's own and others' risks. In order to address these questions, this session will bring together experienced researchers and draw on their extensive knowledge in various volatile contexts of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.