Many qualitative research training courses focus on techniques for
recruiting and working with groups that are potentially vulnerable or
powerless in relation to the researcher. However, for social science
post-graduates interested in the life sciences, fieldwork often
involves researching scientists, policymakers and other members of
?elite? groups. This raises particular practical and ethical issues,
which are different from those confronted when researching less
?powerful? groups. These issues will form the focus for this event,
which will provide opportunities for postgraduate students to exchange
ideas and obtain practical advice from those with more experience of
this type of research. One potential output from the event would the
production of a list of hints and tips for future PFGS members.

Date: Friday 25th April 2008

Venue: ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum, St John’s Land,
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ (http://www.genomicsforum.ac.uk)

Programme 9.30 ? 10.00 Coffee and registration

10.00 ? 11.00 Presentation by Professor Dave Wield, director of
Innogen on his experiences of researching elite groups, including a question and answer session

11.00 ? 12.00 Session with two researchers on their experiences, focusing on practical issues in two contrasting areas of research taken by Dr James Mittra research fellow and lecturer at Innogen and Dr Becky Hanlin lecturer in development policy and practice at the Open University

12.00 - 13.00 Lunch

13.00 ? 14.00 Discussion groups facilitated by PhD students with relevant experience will use a series of vignettes to address practical and ethical problems related to researching elites.
However, they will also provide an opportunity for students to discuss any issues that are of particular concern to them in their own research, and receive feedback and peer support.

14.00 ? 14.30 Tea/coffee break

14.30 ? 15.30 Feedback from group sessions and general discussion

We aim to finish promptly allowing those who are interested to attend
the Erving Goffman Memorial Lecture 2008 Neglected Time Transaction:
Microsociology for a Global World which is being given at 4pm by Karin
Knorr Cetina. Further details of this event can be found at
http://www.sociology.ed.ac.uk/seminars.html#goff08

REGISTRATION + TRAVEL SUBSIDIES

Registration is free, and travel subsidies, lunch and refreshments are being provided by way of our ESRC Seminar Series Grant. As a result, please register as soon as possible as spaces are limited in order to keep numbers at a good workshop level.

In order to register for the event simply email Isabel Fletcher (I.Fletcher@sms.ed.ac.uk) with your institutional affiliation, short
keywords of your research interests, and what year/stage you are in your postgraduate studies. Attendance is directed at, but not limited to, PhD students.

Isabel Fletcher PhD Student

Science Studies Unit School of Social and Political Studies University of Edinburgh 21 Buccleuch Place Edinburgh EH8 9LN tel: +44 (0)131 650 6142 fax: +44 (0)131 650 6886

— The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.