Handbook Project

SAFEResearch in the Social Sciences

A Systematic Handbook of Human and Digital Security

Conducting field research has become an increasingly risky endeavor in recent years, particularly in regions that are characterized by violent conflict, repressive political regimes, or state failure. Researchers need to think of ways to assure the physical safety of their respondents as well as themselves, and they must consider whether and how the confidentiality of information can be maintained.

SAFEResearch aims at addressing these issues with the launch of a new handbook providing researchers, as well as others engaged in on-the-ground research in difficult places, with a targeted resource guiding them in engaging in safe, ethical research.