Safety and security for fieldwork research

Introduction

When conducting field-based research or fieldwork, researchers often operate within complex and dynamic social and political contexts, and derive their data from that environment. Both the quality of research and the security of the researcher are a function of how well-planned the research is, taking into account the local context and the risk environment.

This course, awarded with the prize for Best EGSH Course of 2021, is designed to assist researchers in conducting their research in hazardous, remote or complex environments as safely and securely as possible, both for those working within their home country, or as foreigners.

More information about this and other CERES courses can be found in the CERES 2024-2025 programme.

Course information

ECTS: 1,5
Number of session: 3
Hours per session: 5 (online) - 8 (offline)

Learning objectives

• Prepare to travel to and work in the field in an insecure environment for the purposes of conducting research;
• Understand the security risk management framework and be able to apply this to personal and team security to reduce risk;
• Conduct a basic risk assessment and be able to identify security threats and their likelihood and impact;
• Be able to understand and apply personal risk assessment and risk reduction measures in a dynamic environment;
• Understand the link between personal security and security and integrity of research;
• Have an enhanced understanding of key preparations before, during and after travel;
• Identify the most prevalent threats to researchers and have an awareness of appropriate strategies as to how to best reduce exposure and minimise impact;
• Be aware of, and able to minimise personal and team vulnerabilities to threats;
• Understand what support to expect from the university and how to access this.