International Travel Handbook
RESOURCES FOR THESIS RESEARCH
Harvard University Human Subject Research Regulations
University regulations and federal rules require advance review and approval of most human subject
research. Any living person from or about whom information is collected for a scholarly study is deemed a
“research subject” – the term is not limited only to those subjects involved in clinical or laboratory studies.
Faculty and students contemplating a research project involving humans as subjects, whether or not the
work is externally funded and regardless of the area of academic discipline, should ascertain whether the
project requires review. The Standing Committee on the Use of Human Subjects in Research, the Faculty
of Arts and Sciences’ federally mandated Institutional Review Board, is responsible for reviewing proposed
studies. Applications should be submitted two weeks prior to Committee meetings, which are held monthly
throughout the academic year. Judging from the information provided on the application, the Committee
determines whether the proposed procedures will adequately safeguard the rights and welfare of the subjects.
The Committee also aims to insure the appropriate recruiting practices, permissions, and student time
commitments. Some projects may not require full Committee review; others may be exempt from review
altogether. Students planning research projects should contact a
Committee Research Officer to determine
whether review is required.
Thesis Writing Workshops
The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies
offers a series of workshops for all juniors planning to do summer thesis research abroad. Topics range from
“What is a senior thesis?” to “How do I write a successful grant proposal for funding my research abroad?”
Visit the Weatherhead website for dates and details.
Tips for Conducting Research Abroad
• Utilize your Harvard connection. Ask your professors if they know of anyone who might be
willing to speak with you, and follow up with all suggestions.
• Plan your course of research. Do preliminary research and prepare your questions before departure,
so that you can best utilize your time abroad.
• Don’t expect to come back with all of your questions answered; you may come back with many
more questions of your own.
• Use your time abroad to do research you can’t do at Harvard or in the US. Check out the
resources at Widener and other Harvard libraries before you go, both to help you prepare for going
and to be sure you use your time abroad effectively.
• A laptop computer or a recorder can be very useful in researching and interviewing. Keep in mind
that some people are not comfortable being recorded.
• Bring letters of introduction and business cards. Letters of introduction can help you access libraries
and other restricted resources. Business cards are an excellent tool for introduction when trying to
schedule interviews. In some countries, it is customary to exchange cards upon introduction.
• Always go to the top when trying to schedule interviews. Even though you will most likely be
interviewing with assistants, supervisors are more likely to respond positively to informational
interviews.
• Arrange for two interviews with each person if possible, scheduling other interviews in between.
You might come up with many more questions after talking to someone else. Ask your interviewee
for suggestions of other people you might interview. Diversify your sources as much as possible.
• Be aware of local holidays and vacation schedules, as well as local business hours; for instance, in
many countries businesses close – or their employees are not available – in the early afternoon for
lunch.
• Learning to make your way around in a foreign bureaucracy can be very difficult and time
consuming. Be prepared for this and be patient.
• Save time by arranging interviews ahead of time.
• Start writing! It will help you sort through your thoughts, and identify areas and topics to further
explore while you are abroad.
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