You are here
Field Safety in the News
Serious field accidents are infrequent, but they do happen and the consequences can be life-altering. We have compiled a list of recent incidents involving field researchers to highlight the importance of assessing and managing field hazards. We want to learn from these tragedies and strive to prevent, or mitigate the impact of, similar incidents in the future.
Field Activities
2016: University of Maine Professor Killed in Research Trip to Antarctica
2014: Scientist Rescued From Cave After 12 Days
2014: Scientist Dies From Fall
2014: After Falling into Crevasse, Researcher Rescues Self
2012: Graduate Student Dies in Fall
2011: Volcanic Eruption Kills UK Professor
2000: Five Scientists Die in Research Boating Accident
Wild Animal Attacks
2015: Postdoc Killed by Elephant
2014: Researcher Killed by Bear in Wyoming
2010: Geologist Survives Bear Attack
2005: Graduate Student Killed by Wolves
2003: Marine Biologist Killed by Leopard Seal
2001: Venomous Snake Bite Kills Researcher
Illnesses
2015: Scientist Dies of Heart Attack in Ethiopia
2011: Student Dies of Heat Stroke
2010: Researcher Dies From Malaria
2008: Biologist Dies From Plague
2004: Graduate Student Dies of Hantavirus
Personal Safety
2014: Study Finds Sexual Harassment and Assault Common In Field Work
2013: American Academic Raped in Papua New Guinea
2009: Researcher Shot, Mistaken for Thief
2007: Geology Student Murdered in Colorado
Legal Issues
2014: University of Toronto Researcher Arrested for Treason in Tajikistan
2009: Graduate Students Arrested In Brazil for Visa and Permit Violations