ABSTRACT:
Traditional research ethics often prioritise procedural compliance and “checkbox” requirements, frequently overlooking the psychological and emotional impacts of research on those involved. This session acknowledges the pervasive presence of trauma shaped by historical and ongoing systems of oppression and associated violence, and examines its implications for the wellbeing of both researchers and participants across diverse research contexts. Moving beyond standard ethical protocols, the session introduces Trauma-informed research ethics and explores how trauma-informed principles and practices can be embedded within research ecosystems grounded in decolonial and feminist approaches. This 60-minute session is structured in three parts. Part I features a panel discussion with key actors across the research lifecycle, including an ethics committee member, a researcher, and a community representative. Panellists will reflect on their experiences of research processes and critically examine the extent to which current ethical systems recognise, mitigate, or exacerbate trauma-related risks and needs. Part II consists of interactive small-group discussions focused on two domains: (a) researcher wellbeing and (b) participant wellbeing across the research lifecycle. Guided by structured discussion prompts, groups will explore ethical and wellbeing considerations at different stages of research, as well as the roles ethics committees and funders play in enabling or constraining trauma-informed research practice. Part III brings participants together in a plenary session, where group facilitators will share key insights, tensions, and recommendations emerging from the discussions. Expected outcomes include the identification of key risks to researcher and participant wellbeing and the generation of practical, contextually relevant considerations for implementing trauma-informed research ethics within diverse institutional settings. A summary of the session will be shared with all attendees to support ongoing learning and the integration of trauma-informed principles into future research ecosystems. Participants will also be invited to engage with the organisers’ ongoing efforts to embed TIRE within their respective research projects.