A growing number of academic researchers from developed countries are conducting refugee-based research in developing countries. Despite gaining theoretical knowledge in the classroom, early career researchers are inexperienced in the application of knowledge to fieldwork, especially in an international setting. In this practice note, the author draws upon the experience of working with Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Indian refugee camps in order to discuss the ethical challenges faced during fieldwork. The note describes how Rowson's (2010) FAIR framework-Fairness, Autonomy, Integrity and Results-provided a flexible structure to prioritize ethical demands and assume accountability for the research process and outcome. The author argues that promoting mutual respect and an open dialogue between the researcher, university and community ethical bodies, collaborating community agencies and community elders can instil research practices with the creativity, flexibility and common sense that is ideal for conducting refugee research in developing countries. © The author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Tamil refugees Fair framework Research ethics Sri Lanka Refugees

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