Difficult Research Support Network

Are you researching emotionally challenging topics?

Would you benefit from a safe environment to share your challenges and learn new coping strategies?

Join Difficult Research Support Network, a new student-led community within the Social Sciences Division.

About the Network

As a known saying goes, ‘the most important things are the hardest to say’; similarly, the most urgent social issues are often the hardest to research, precisely because of the personal and emotional involvement in the topic. DRSN has been established to help researchers to maximise their work’s potential without compromising their own wellbeing. Through regular check-ins and events with experienced researchers, DRSN will support its members with developing healthy boundaries between themselves and their work.

About the Convenor

Maria Obrebska is a DPhil student at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, focusing on the anti-gender backlash against violence prevention laws. Through her previous research on challenging topics, Maria has recognised the need for greater institutional support. She is committed to addressing this gap at Oxford, ensuring that no one feels isolated in their research journey.

How to join

Membership is free and open to all postgraduate students and early-career researchers.

Though the network primarily focuses on Social Sciences, students from other fields are welcome to join. To sign up, just fill out the form, and you'll be added to the mailing list with event updates. As this is a peer network, attending events is entirely optional, so feel free to sign up to the network using the link below regardless of your availability.

JOIN HERE