Power hierarchies during “field” visits: recommendations for researchers

This project examines how power hierarchies affect research visits conducted by staff and students at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and outlines practical recommendations to help researchers navigate these dynamics. While efforts to promote equitable research partnerships and decolonise research have resulted in guidance about shifting decision-making from "Northern" (e.g., UK) to "Southern" (Global South) institutions more broadly, there is less practical guidance on how to identify and navigate complex power dynamics (especially those related to gender, race, age, and expertise) during “field” visits, when data collection, training or meetings occur. These power dynamics exist not only between Northern/Southern actors but also within research teams themselves and can manifest in many ways, including as sexism, racism, White Saviourism, microaggressions, cultural insensitivity, and assumptions about expertise. However, there are many promising practices being implemented to promote equitable research and change these dynamics. The project aims to develop practical recommendations for researchers to address these micro- and macro-level power hierarchies during overseas visits, through: a) a rapid review of literature; b) interviews with LSHTM staff, Research Degree students, and research partners, and c) feedback workshops with research participants, as well as other interested staff, students and research partners, filling gaps in existing global health research guidance and LSHTM's own resources.