Exploring fieldwork ethics with Catherine Grasham

In this talk recorded at the annual RGS Explore Weekend in November 2023, critical development geographer Catherine Grasham leads the audience through the ethics of working in the field and how researchers can ensure that they take these into account before, during and after they launch their expedition project.

What does the talk cover?

“Regardless of where we’re going or what we’re doing, there are hugely important ethical questions to answer when carrying out fieldwork,” says Catherine.

From ensuring that your expedition does no harm to leaving a positive legacy and building cross-cultural relations in your host country, Catherine paints a picture of what it is like to consider ethics as a key component of being in the field and how we can take this into account when planning our own expeditions.

After spending a year conducting research regarding political decisions influencing river water allocation on the ground in Ethiopia, and the mental health challenges that followed, Catherine tells the story of her work to establish the Oxford University Fieldworkers Network in 2019, the development of the University of Oxford’s Code of Conduct for Ethical Fieldwork, and the achievements they have led to.

Key moments

• 00:40 – The complicated nature of fieldwork
• 02:05 – Why fieldwork ethics is a main priority
• 03:50 – The importance of preparedness in mental health prior to fieldwork
• 05:10 – Introducing the code of conduct for ethical fieldwork
• 07:40 – Questions to take away