Third International Conference for Social Sciences, Health and Environment

AREU’s deputy director, Dr. Chona R. Echaves attended the 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences, Health and Environment in Bali, Indonesia on the 26th to 27th of August 2014, where she presented as a plenary speaker a paper on “Conducting a Study on Sensitive Topic in Fragile Situations: Lessons and Considerations in Afghanistan.”

One of the major achievements of the conference was exposing academic researchers to the world of actual research work and how research is operationalised in various contexts. In this case, AREU in sharing of its experience and in documenting lessons learned played a major role. This is so as not much has been said in when it comes to conducting research in fragile areas.

One of the highlights of the conference was the recognition given to researchers who are just starting in the field. Plus, like-minded people who are doing similar types of work were being linked and networked with one another. A further important aspect of the conference was the sharing and the shaping of an enabling environment for research to thrive and the sharing of findings to a bigger audience.

In this regard, experience of institutions like AREU is important as they share as to what works in specific contexts where they operate. Documenting the observations and practices will surely help other individuals and or other organisations that will be undertaking work in a similar environment.