Sustainable and Equitable Research

During the period of pandemic-related travel restrictions, our international research teams developed new ways of working to maintain their research activity. While international travel has largely returned to "normal", the climate crisis means it is important to critically consider our international travel footprint. We gathered insights from our research community about how they learned to adapt their research to imposed travel reductions. The sections below draw on those insights to provide practical guidance on how to maintain equitable and effective research relationships while simultaneously reducing travel.

If you have any suggestions that could be added to this guidance, please contact us.

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Guidance

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Navigating the Digital Divide

Digital inequalities exist in most countries and taking the time to consider who you want to communicate with, what barriers different groups may encounter and how these can be addressed will help to support more effective communication.

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Virtual Collaboration

Reflecting on what is achievable and managing expectations (including your own) from virtual collaboration is important.

High-rise buildings, many under construction, along a river in Chongqing, China

Planning International Travel

Identifying crucial travel needs in the early stages of partnership development can help reduce overall travel while ensuring trips are used strategically to bolster collaborations and deliver research outcomes. 

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Training and Development

Provision of training and development in international partnerships may need to be approached differently when less travel is conducted. 

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Communication Tools

This section provides an overview of several platforms, along with some of the factors you may wish to consider when deciding which options might be best for your team.