Research is an essential part of academic practice irrespective of the discipline/scholarship. Conducting social science research in particular can involve extensive fieldwork into complex, conflict affected and fragile contexts some of them unknown to the researcher and sometimes challenging to navigate. These challenges can manifest in diverse ways inclusive of ethical and cultural dilemmas, systemic constraints, insecurities, power-relations with accompanied emotional and psychological impact on the researchers’ wellbeing (Islam 20241; Kurd and Hummel 20242). These are not only limited to the experiences of doctoral researchers pursuing their PhD studies but also early career, mid and senior level academics. While the emotional and mental toll of research are often overlooked and less discussed, it is important to recognise the multidimensional nature and dynamics of these challenges, so that academics, regardless of their level, can be well-prepared to navigate the complex realities of conducting field research. Therefore, this roundtable aims to create spaces for reflection, experience-sharing and knowledge exchange on three broad questions:
- What practical and ethical dilemmas do researchers face during or exiting research contexts?
- What are the emotional and mental challenges of fieldwork for the researcher?
- What personal, relational, and institutional strategies can help researchers navigate and mitigate these challenges?
Speakers
- Dr Daeun Jung, University of Reading
- Dr Celestina Atom, Teeside University