Methodologies and ethical considerations in international mountain research

The availability of robust data and evidence relating to mountain contexts is vital to inform developments in research, policy and practice. The research community is largely tasked with developing, interrogating and contributing to this evidence base, as well as communicating it to a range of stakeholders. Choices made regarding what, where and how to conduct research have a significant impact on the types and quality of evidence available, as well as the experiences of the subjects of that research. All of this has implications for what conclusions can be derived as a result, and the impact of this research for future studies. This session will focus on those methodological choices in mountain research. Specifically, it will consider five themes: The role and application of transdisciplinarity novel methodologies or combinations of methods, including the intersection of qualitative and quantitative methods, and interaction between natural and social science approaches to ensuring ‘impact’ Ethical considerations for researchers and research participants including mitigation of risks data collection: the role of technology in data collection, analysis and interpretation; specifics approaches to fieldwork and difficulties of accessing data.

We welcome contributions from academics and researchers, research participants and other users of research. Throughout the session, we aim to identify and celebrate best practice in this area, while potentially developing guidelines and encouragement to adopt such practices in the future.