The Impacts of COVID-19 on the Field Research of PhD Candidates and Postdocs [Video]
Publisher: Environmental Peacebuilding Association and International Association of Impact Assessment
Date: 2021
Topics: Assessment, Programming
The COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted almost all aspects of normal life. This disruption has been significant for (1) PhD candidates, who need the field research to complete the requirements for their degree, and (2) Postdoctoral Researchers (Postdocs), who are often hired on the basis of conducting field research. For both groups, an inability to do field research disruptions personal and professional plans and can create financial hardship. As well, significantly modifying or not doing field research affects the scale and scope of learning which would occur if the research had taken place. As most field research is participatory, changing how field research is done, or not doing it at all, can disengage participants from having a say in the question being researched, and removing or reducing their voice in decisions based on the research. Field researchers, like many affected by the pandemic, are adapting and developing different and new ways to conduct research. Sharing these adaptations would improve the overall environment for field research. At the same time, broadening the understanding how institutions are adjusting field research requirements, particularly with respect to funding, is important to anticipate and manage the professional and financial impacts of COVID on field research plans and programs. This webinar includes a moderated discussion and presentations by two PhD candidates and two Postdocs on their experiences with field research and COVID-19.