Project Highlights:
- Although the proposed supervisors have written extensively on the contexts and motivations for the use of acid in crime events (see Hopkins et al., 2021; Neville et al., 2022), no known academic studies have conducted systematic research with survivors of corrosive substance crime (acid attacks). Therefore, the project would not only build on existing work, it would fill a gap in the research, be novel and ground-breaking. It would also have the potential to yield recommendations and outputs that could have an impact on the experience of survivors.
- The project would use creative methodologies with survivors – including photovoice and art-based fieldwork – this would not only be appropriate for this sample group, but this would be the first time such methods have been used with this group. This could potentially yield a range of exciting project outputs.
- The project would be in partnership with the Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle. The hospital has an ophthalmology unit that specialises in burns / eye injuries and the proposed additional supervisor (Prof Francisco Figueiredo) is a leading ophthalmologist. The hospital, through Prof Francisco Figueiredo, is able to provide access to this hard-to-reach group.
Project Summary
This project is proposed by the Centre for Hate Studies (Violence Hub). Its aims tie in with the core mission of the centre, especially transforming responses to violence and a commitment to evidence-based public health approaches. This is a unique opportunity for a Postgraduate Researcher to conduct a ground-breaking project that will not only generate world leading academic outputs, but also have a practical impact on the lives of survivors – possibly changing the support that survivors are able to access. The proposed supervisors have previously noted there is some literature on the spatial/temporal contexts of acid attacks, the demographic characteristics of survivors and the motivations of perpetrators (see Hopkins et al., 2021; Neville et al., 2022), but no systematic studies have focused on the experience of survivors. The project would address this by researching the experiences of acid attack survivors, with a focus on harms, lived experience, impact on everyday lives, and coping strategies. Access to a sample would be achieved in partnership with the Newcastle Royal Victoria Hospital, where many survivors access treatment with leading ophthalmologist Professor Figueiredo. The ophthalmology department at Newcastle treats patients from across the UK, ensuring that a national sample group could be achieved. Patients contacted through Professor Figueiredo would participate in the study through engaging in the use of creative methods – such as photovoice or art-based fieldwork (see Fitzgibbon, 2022). The key to the fieldwork would be to engage with survivors in ways that limit further trauma, ensuring that participation can be viewed as a positive experience. We recognise the project will have to engage with ethical challenges. However, the supervisory team are all experienced at working in this field; and have knowledge of the appropriate methods, the emotional labour involved in such research, and of university/NHS ethics processes. The UoL team will be led by Dr Lucy Neville, an early career researcher who will be supported by Matt Hopkins, who has a wealth of supervisory experience. Overall, the supervisory team feel this is an under-researched area with huge potential for international impact. Thus, the case for F50 funding is well merited.
Start date: Sept 2023
Eligibility:
UK and International* applicants are welcome to apply.
Entry requirements:
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent.
The University of Leicester English language requirements may apply.
To apply
Please refer to the information and How to Apply section on our web site https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/future-50-cssah
Please ensure you include the project reference, supervisor and project title on your application
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