The research into sensitive topics (RIST) project has been designed to explore the impact of researching sensitive topics on the researcher. This project, funded by BU pump priming, has interviewed researchers who have undertaken research on sensitive or challenging topics such as child abuse, sex work, and domestic abuse.
The aim is to develop insights into the impact of such research on the researcher, as well as exploring the types of support required when undertaking such research. On Wednesday 11th July Bournemouth University are hosting a free event for researchers to hear the team present their preliminary findings of this project. This event will also be an opportunity to discuss the types of support institutions offer to researchers, as well as explore the future direction of this project.
Lead researchers Professor Lee-Ann Fenge (Bournemouth University) and Dr Lisa Oakley (University of Chester) are looking forward to sharing the data they have so far collected, which raises issues such as researcher positionality; conflicts around the representation of vulnerable and/or marginalised voices, and insights into how concepts of power and privilege can be both a gift and a burden when it comes to researching sensitive topics.
Though the RIST team share a background in the social sciences, they feel that the findings of this study have implications beyond this field, to any whose profession involves interacting with subjects that might be considered sensitive or disturbing. All are welcome to the event, but there are a limited number of spaces.
For more information, or to book your space on the workshop, visit the Eventbrite page
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/research-into-sensitive-topics-rist-workshop-tickets-46794351164
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