A Practical Guide to Effective Fieldwork

A Practical Guide to Effective Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a common component of a JCU research degree.  Knowing how to carry out fieldwork safely and effectively is extremely important in the data gathering process for many HDR projects.  Because fieldwork is carried out as a work-related activity, there are legislated requirements to ensure that fieldworkers are provided the tools and training to work safely. Fieldworkers must also be able to identify and mitigate risk ahead of time, be able to respond to a risk that emerges during the conduct of the work and, in the event of an injury, respond in a manner that minimises harm.

This workshop, run by highly experienced researchers with many combined person years spent in the field, introduces HDR candidates to the various practical issues that can arise in the field. It will encourage participants to engage in developing solutions through a number of fieldwork scenarios.

The course will provide:

• a platform for HDR candidates to think through the generic safety issues associated with fieldwork;
• an introduction to the major generic risks that might be encountered in the field; and
• a framework through which to (i) assess fieldwork activities prior to departure to ensure known risks are adequately mitigated; (ii) adaptively manage safety issues that might arise during the conduct of fieldwork; and (iii) respond to safety incidents should they occur.

The workshop will be led by Professor Michael Bird, a geoscientist with extensive experience in field-based, natural sciences research.  He will be joined by Professor Sean Ulm, an archaeologist with extensive field experience, including the maintenance of effective landowner relations.  Other experts are likely to be included if they are available at the time.

Registrations open 6 weeks prior to the workshop date via CareerHub.

Participation in these workshops may be counted in the Elective Component of RD7003 for PhD candidates.