Sensitive interviews include interviews about emotionally difficult topics or deeply personal issues, interviews with vulnerable populations or research that could have negative consequences for participants. What constitutes a potentially ‘sensitive’ interview? What are the ethical considerations in conducting such interviews? What are the risks for respondents? How should these be these managed? What will researchers need to consider in order to gain ethical approval for such research? What are the researcher’s responsibilities? What skills and competencies are required in the conduct of such interviews? What issues might arise in practice and what strategies can interviewers employ in the moment? What are the possible impacts for researchers? How can these be addressed?

In this session we will explore these issues in the context of research conducted by the facilitators and of research conducted, in train or in planning by participants. Participants are welcome to bring their own research projects and examples, experiences, questions and concerns to the session.