What does it mean to conduct ethical research after disasters? A case study of the 3.11 disaster in Japan

Abstract

The 3.11 disaster in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, is a useful case study through which to interrogate research ethics. This region has been the site of a high degree of research interest, which sometimes presented a source of stress to local communities. This study examines researcher perspectives on the ethics of post-disaster health research. Qualitative interviews were conducted with these informants, who noted that recovering communities experienced significant over-research, particularly in the form of survey fatigue, which was seen to influence viewpoints concerning both recovery and agency. Efforts to integrate better into community needs reoriented reflexive research towards ‘post-normal’ forms of working. Simultaneously, researchers had to navigate funding and reward structures that prioritised the swift production of results. Focusing on community engagement and feedback, and managing this ethical complexity, were seen as essential forms of ethical practice to mitigate the negative impacts that the influx of research activity can have on a recovering community.