ReClaim Funded Project: Training on Trauma-Sensitive Research Methods
Twenty-one researchers, including PhD students and established researchers from the CoSSL Schools of Law, Education, Sociology, Politics and International Relations, Information and Communication Studies, and Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice as well as the School of English, Drama, and Film who engage in research on sensitive topics that has emotional, safety and wellbeing implications, connected on Tuesday, 10 June, 9am-5pm for an an in-person training at UCD on trauma-sensitive research methods.
Supported by UCD ReCLAIM initiative and the Wellcome fund, the training was organised by the research team of the 'Fostering Safety and Trauma-Sensitivity in Research with Potential Emotional Impacts' project, Dr. Christie Nicoson (PI, Law), Dr. Caitriona Dowd (SPIRe), Dr. Melanie Hoewer (SPIRe) and Prof. Aisling Swaine (Law). Participants learned essential skills in trauma-sensitive research practices from facilitators Sarah Cook (Cook Consultancy) and Jo Dover (Jo Dover Consulting), which will enable them to conduct research in a manner that minimises the likelihood of causing negative personal impact to themselves or to research participants.
Faculty and early career researchers enjoyed an interactive learning environment with vibrant and inspiring discussions. Not only did the participants deepen their understanding of the complexities surrounding stress in research environments and acquired practical skills in prioritising safety and wellbeing within the research process; the training also opened a space to connect researchers who care about highest research safety and quality and for exchanging experiences, expertise and ideas on how to bring more awareness and action to the need to foster safety and trauma-sensitivity in research with potential emotional impacts in UCD and beyond.