We are SRN Midlands (the Sensitive Research Network), a collective of PGRs from the Midlands who are researching complex and emotionally demanding topics across the social sciences. We aim to meet regularly to discuss the intersecting methodological and ethical issues we face, support each other, share information and knowledge, and create a welcoming space in a peer-led informal setting. Although we are not a support network, we aim to support each other through peer-learning and sharing of information and experiences.
“Research that demands a tremendous amount of mental, emotional, or physical energy and potentially affects or depletes the researcher’s well-being ... [it] is not limited to research on sensitive issues ... research can also be emotionally demanding when it concerns topics similar to the personal/traumatic experiences of the researcher...”
(Kumar and Cavallaro, 2018; Burrell et al., 2023)---
We’ve collated a selection of open-access resources designed to support researchers working in emotionally demanding fields. These materials aim to provide practical guidance, strategies for maintaining well-being, and insights into managing the unique challenges that can arise in this type of work.
Members will have priority access to SRN Midlands workshops. Any workshop hosted or organised by SRN Midlands will prioritise members first before the general public. Further exclusive workshops may be made available to SRN Midlands members depending on members' priorities and interests.
Alongside more informal methods of communication, we also have a Jisc Mailing list. All members have access to the list to share opportunities, events and news with other members. It is one of many ways we try and keep members connected within and beyond the EDR community.
Members also have access to the SRN Midlands blog. This is a space for any member to reflect on the personal and professional sides of academic life. We welcome reflections on fieldwork, commentaries or simply updates to any work that is being conducted by our members.
This website and brand were built in 2024 by Adam Chen. It was last updated in August 2025. To access the brand toolkit, including its guidelines, please email Adam (srn.midlands+admin@gmail.com)