In this post Elizabeth Adams, Researcher Development Manager, discusses fieldwork, new and developing university fieldwork-related resources and courses, and how to stay safe and well.

Jetlag. Sickness. Loneliness. Mosquitoes. Corruption. Theft…

Overseas travel can be physically and mentally challenging at the best of times, even before you start thinking about fieldwork-specific challenges, such as what type of visa you need, gatekeepers, cultural differences and potentially the impact of undertaking research that is emotionally demanding. 

Last year, we had a request for specialist training for researchers traveling to more fragile or hostile environments. Around the same time, Lydia, an English literature student, wrote about some of the challenges she faced undertaking a solo research trip to Kolkata and the advice she has for other researchers.

These prompted us to do some investigation into the types of fieldwork PGRs are undertaking and what support is needed to equip them for this, deal with challenges on the way, and also feel supported throughout their preparation and journey and on their return.

We ran a short survey, with over 100 responses from PGRs (who were visiting over 35 different countries). We talked to researchers across the University, to staff supporting researchers (e.g. Campus Security, Health & Safety Teams, the University Insurers, the Equality & Diversity unit), to other Universities and also to NGOs or similar organisations who send staff or volunteers abroad for placements.

Diverse experiences with fieldwork

One of the most important things that came out of these discussions was that researchers can also face challenges to personal safety or their mental health while undertaking UK-based fieldwork or data collection in addition to the challenges researchers face abroad. 

We found lots of examples of good practice but, as is common in most Universities, people don’t always know what’s out there or where to look.  What we’ve done is try to bring together resources, support and signposting and also share good practice and help to embed it and make it available to everyone who needs it.  

We also found that it’s difficult to change the collective knowledge of the university. There’s a misconception among some that the insurance isn’t available for PGRs, but it absolutely is, and if you’re travelling outside of Glasgow for research purposes, you should get insurance.

A diverse package of support and training

As a result of these, and other, insights, we’ve:

• piloted practical training for researchers going to fragile environments.

• made first aid training and Mind Your Mate training more easily available (and bookable through My campus).

• developed an online course that is highly recommended for anyone doing fieldwork in the UK or abroad.

• been looking into other training, such as personal safety briefings (based on resources from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust).

• developed a course on managing conflict in oral history research. If you’d like to sign up for it, you can do so on MyCampus (RSDC, 6041). This will be delivered by Erin Jessee, a Lord Kelvin Adam Smith Research Fellow in History, who has also outlined some of these issues in her publication Managing Danger in Oral History.

One of the most useful things you can do, if going abroad, is speak to someone else who has been to that country. We’ve been working on putting people in touch through the Glasgow Centre for International Development PGR cluster. We hope the Moodle course will also play a role in this, and we recognise that there is a need to ‘debrief’ and connect with others who ‘get it’  on return from fieldwork.

Something you can look out for in the new year is a new app called SafeZone, which will allow you to check in and out of interviews or get access to local help and support in a crisis. 

Our efforts at supporting researchers on fieldwork are still a work in progress, and we are keen to get your feedback. Please contact Elizabeth Adams if you have any suggestions for how we can improve things or get the word out about these initiatives.