The planning of logistics is a crucial initial step that shapes the overall experience of fieldwork. This may include arranging for accommodation, applying for a visa and/or establishing a plan to manage personal finances, belongings and research records during fieldwork. Logistics are also highly intertwined with the methodology applied. During fieldwork, it is not unusual to adapt research methods to the continually changing fieldwork situations. Accordingly, in the field, researchers must remain flexible to adapt or even change the methods in response to unforeseen circumstances. This may well require a new logistical approach, which if not appropriately managed may cause considerable distress and uncertainty.

This seminar (the first in a three-part series) will address common logistical and methodological challenges encountered by researchers prior to and during fieldwork. It will also examine how methods can change during fieldwork and how to respond to the same. The goal of this seminar is to share tips and provide practical advice to address doubts and build on mutual support from researchers. This seminar will adopt the format of a forum where participants are encouraged to share their experiences, observations and questions.

Fieldwork is a crucial stage for many doctoral researchers and early career researchers. It often shapes and reshapes the nature of research and the researchers themselves. When fieldwork takes place in challenging settings such as(post)conflict societies, when respondents are from less favoured backgrounds, or when power relations are unequal, to name a few, the volume of academic and personal preparation required can be a daunting task. Moreover, the specificity of each research topic makes fieldwork a unique experience. This can often leave researchers isolated because of an inadequacy of training or literature to rely on. Therefore, there is a need to address the challenges and failures that fieldwork in a challenging setting can entail to provide support to novice researchers and make fieldwork a rewarding experience.

In view of this, this three-part seminar series aims to address the various issues in fieldwork related to logistics, methods, gender and identity, power relations, ethics and security, and well-being. Each seminar is based on the format of a semi-structured forum, which allows the seminars to be participant-centred and led. The aim is to prioritise not only the sharing of common fieldwork related concerns but also the sharing of context-specific personal experiences, successes and failures, general advice and/or questions by the participants. Accordingly, these seminars aim to create a safe and confidential space (for PhDs and ECRs) away from the regular academic setting to talk about sensitive topics, seek advice, share experiences and, above all, create and strengthen the community of researchers who can continue these conversations.