Often unfamiliar to lab-based researchers, field work offers unique insights that can transform biomedical studies. In this episode we’ll meet Sarah Warkentin from ISGlobal who will discuss her use of field work to uncover the environmental factors contributing to childhood obesity in local communities. On the other side of the table, we’ll have Marta Álvarez-Presas ComFuturo researcher at IBE (CSIC-UPF) sharing her field experiences in the Atlantic forests of South America, where she collects invertebrate samples to aid her conservation work, while navigating the logistical and safety challenges of accessing the habitat.

Together, we explore the impact of field work in their respective fields, the practical challenges they face, and consider alternatives for research teams with limited funding. We also tackle the broader issue of academic work culture, questioning the necessity of long hours for success and discussing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.