Workshop: Notes from the Field

This closed-group, half-day workshop builds on the sucess of the interdisciplinary conference 'Notes from the Field' hosted by the Institute of Advanced Studies in November 2024. At that conference, 35 PhD students and Postdoctoral Fellows working on ethnographic methods across disciplines including Geography, Education, Psychology, Law, and Urban Planning presented their research.

The workshop will bring together fifteen PhD students, who have completed fieldwork and are currently navigating the challenges of writing, from different disciplines. It will offer PhD students an opportunity to experiment with methodological tools, receive expert guidance, network and gain peer support in tackling post-fieldwork challenges and opportunities. The workshop will comprise three sessions:

- A keynote masterclass by Tatiana Thieme (UCL Geography), addressing ethnographic methods, writing ethnography, and her new book: Hustle Urbanism: Making Life Work in Nairobi
- Photo-Voice Methods Lab: Participants will engage in an interactive session exploring visual and participatory methods to deepen ethnographic analysis.
- 'Notes from the Field' Collaborative Forum: Attendees will pre-circulate creative fieldwork reflections—such as drawings, videos, photographs, field journals, or sound recordings—and engage in peer discussions to refine their methodological insights.

The workshop is organised by Tyler Valiquette (PhD Candidate, Geography), Sarojini Sapru (PhD Candidate, Geography), Neyla Fidan (PhD Candidate, Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction). If you have any questions, please contact the organisers.

Interested in more events like this for Early Career Researchers? Register for the IAS Early Career Network Newsletter here and find more information about the Network here.