Cartoon

This comic-style guide uses vignettes that invite you to consider what you would do in the role of a research leader, bystander, or supporter when navigating identity, wellbeing and safety in field research. This resource can be used alongside the Inclusive Fieldwork Hub’s wider suite of guidance materials.

Fieldwork is not safe for everyone. Sometimes there is an assumption that everyone’s needs are sufficiently met. But people with different identities face different risks and barriers in the field.

It is vital that everyone feels safe to do their work, both in and out of the field. They should also feel free to set boundaries about what parts of their identity they choose to share—or choose not to share.

So, how do we identify these needs? And how do we support fieldworkers in staying safe—both socially and feeling supported by their institution?

The cartoon draws from insights from two workshops with peer researchers to explore their real-world experiences of working in the field. The discussions included postgraduate (PhD) researchers, research leaders, and support staff, who highlighted necessary actions for ensuring wellbeing and safety in the field.

To increase the accessibility of these documents, see the PDF print version, an easy print version, and a greyscale version.

Jointly produced by Professor Martin Zebracki, Dr Robin Hayward, and Tilen Kolar in collaboration with NiftyFox Creative, funded by Research England Enhancing Research Culture – as part of the project module Field Forward: Fostering Leadership Development for Wellbeing and Resilience in Field Research

Cite resource as:

Zebracki, M., Hayward, R., & Kolar, T. (2026) Fieldwork for all: What’s my role? (Nifty Fox Creative, Illus.). University of Leeds: Inclusive Fieldwork Hub.