Field Research

Safely working and conducting research outdoors, off-campus, and abroad.

The UC Field Operations Safety Manual(link is external) serves as a reference document and teaching tool to promote safe, successful field courses and research trips. It includes guidance on planning, training, incident response, risk assessment, effective communication, campus resources, and common field hazards.

Sign-up for seasonal field safety newsletter to stay informed about emerging hazards, best practices, and training opportunities by emailing fieldsafety@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail). Past issues by topic are available on the UC Field Research Safety(link is external) website.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) requires plans for safe & inclusive off-campus and off-site research, effective January 30, 2023. Learn more.

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Wilderness First Aid Training

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training is sponsored by EH&S for field researchers and field course instructors. This hands-on first aid training is appropriate for researchers or trip leaders that work in remote areas, at least 30 minutes from emergency medical services or with limited communications.

The intensive 8 hour class should be taken as initial training, or as a refresher to practice skills and renew your certification.

2024/5 Training Dates: 

  • Friday January 31:  Archeological Research Facility Room 101, College 2251 Building
  • Friday February 28: Archeological Research Facility Room 101, College 2251 Building
  • Saturday March 1: 2063 VLSB
  • Friday May 2: Archeological Research Facility Room 101, College 2251 Building
  • Saturday May 3: 2063 VLSB

All classes run from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm with a break for lunch. 

EH&S hosts this 8-hour course taught by Sierra Rescue for UC field researchers and field course instructors. Dress warmly and bring water, snacks, and a lunch. Space for these trainings is limited, so pre-registration is required. Please contact fieldsafety@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) for more details or to register.

The training is taught by Sierra Rescue and includes CPR/AED certification. See the Course Outline (PDF) (PDF file)(link is external).