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Field Research Resources

Last updated on March 5, 2025 2 min read Research Safety & Health - Field Research Resources

Boston University students, faculty members and other researchers frequently engage in research and instructional work away from the Boston University campuses. The purpose of this website is to direct BU faculty, staff and students to resources and information that can make their field experience safer and more productive. The resources on this site are also available to adapt to your specific field research program.

Some examples of field activities are:

  • Visiting archives
  • Surveying, collecting specimens or a field study observations in Ecology
  • Visiting households to conduct social science interviews
  • Directing a field station with local employees and student researchers

RISKS

Field activities of all kinds present unique risks which need to be considered as you plan your activities. Such risks may include, among other things:

  • Crime and general safety
  • Environmental conditions and/or potential for natural disasters
  • Handling sexual misconduct in remote settings
  • Travel conditions and public transportation
  • Political climate and economic conditions
  • Personal health and safety related to infection, disease of injury
  • Availability of health care resources and access to emergency services
  • Safe chemical and waste disposal at field sites
  • Unfamiliar hazardous biota including toxic plants or venomous animals
  • Pathogens to which you have not previously been exposed

GETTING STARTED

Codes of Conduct 

Examples and Checklists

Checklists for Individual Researchers

Checklists for Faculty and Staff Group Leaders

Field Site Safety Handbooks:

Specific Risks:

BU POLICIES AND RESOURCES

Insurance

Travel

International Activity

Helpful Offices and Individuals

OTHER BU RESOURCES

Research with Human Subjects

Animal Research in the Field

Boston University Marine Program

BU Student Activities

Internship Programs at BU

Student Research and Innovation at BU

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at BU

Policy Practice in Field Education Initiative

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

MDPH Travel Order – Massachusetts Department of Public Health site with information regarding travel orders for quick access

Coronavirus testing sites:

Massachusetts COVID-19 Testing

City of Boston COVID-19 Resources

Travel Clinics – A resource for updating vaccinations

Boston Medical Center Travel Clinic: 617-414-4290, option 1

Mount Auburn Travel Clinic: 617-499-5757

CDC Travel Website– A website for travelers.  People can enter the specific country they plan to travel to and obtain up to date travel alerts, vaccination information recommendations for staying healthy and safe while traveling and when returning from a trip.

US Department of State – Country and regional risk ratings from the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Please contact LSC@BU.EDU to suggest other resources for this page.

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