Field Research

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

Avalanche Awareness

Jeff Holmquist
2026

Avalanche safety awareness for field researchers.

Video

Speaker: Jeff Holmquist, PhD, UCLA Research Scientist, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, White Mountain Research Station, Mono County SAR Volunteer

Wes Chase

Senior Certified Industrial Hygienist
Air Quality
Workplace Safety
Field Research
Wildfire Smoke

UC Field Safety Leadership Training Series

UC Field Research Safety Center of Excellence
Updated November 2025
2023

Improve your leadership and communication skills! The UC Field Research Safety Center of Excellence’s leadership training series features timely, challenging topics led by subject matter experts, presented online in workshop format with example scenarios, practice skills, and planning guidance to promote safe teaching and research outdoors, at remote sites, and abroad. Access the UC Field Safety Leadership Training Series Library below.

James Hayward

UC NoCal (UCB/UCM) and Gump Station Dive & Boat Safety Officer (UC Santa Barbara)
UC Dive & Boat Safety Enterprise
Diving Safety
Boat Safety
Gump Station
UCOP

Campus Committees

Certain high-hazard activities and equipment require additional safety training and written pre-approval. Faculty-led committees issue use authorizations for high hazard activities to ensure the work is safe and monitored appropriately. These include:

collapse all expand all Laboratory Operations & Safety Committee

Summary of Charges

The campus Laboratory Operations...

Field and International Research Resources

January 10, 2025

The following materials are for researchers, principal investigators, staff, and faculty involved in off-campus fieldwork–both domestic and international.

Off-Campus, Field, and International Research Resources for a Safe and Inclusive Experience collapse all expand all Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork

Held Wednesday,...

Reminders: Working in Hot Weather

September 30, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Warmer temperatures are returning. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the region. Heat can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Please share this information with supervisors and employees in your department that work outdoors or may be exposed to high temperatures indoors during their workday.

Outdoor work when temperature exceeds 80°F

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus...

Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork Symposium

October 2, 2024
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Off-Campus, Field, and International Research: Resources for a Safe and Inclusive Experience Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork

The town hall will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 online from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Zoom Information

Access Zoom link

Zoom Meeting ID: 948 3905 3719

Passcode: 6427540.

About the Town Hall

This town hall...

Sara Souza

Program Director, UC Field Research Safety
UCOP Center of Excellence
Field Safety
Field Research
Outdoor Air Quality
Wildfire Smoke

Working in Hot Weather: Reminders for Employees and Supervisors

May 13, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Working in high temperatures can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Please share this information with supervisors and employees in your department that work outdoors or may be exposed to high temperatures indoors during their workday.

Outdoor work when temperature exceeds 80°F

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus ...