Qualitative social scientist - Research, University of York

Omar: qualitative social scientist

Omar is a social scientist who predominantly works from home, attending the office a couple of times a week.

The majority of Omar’s work involves using a computer for tasks like literature reviews, reading academic articles, maintaining databases, utilising analytical software, writing proposals and papers, and handling administrative duties. Alongside computer-based work, he occasionally relies on paper for printing documents and requires stationery. For specific projects, he follows University procurement procedures to acquire new equipment.

Omar collects empirical data through interviews, workshops, and focus groups, sometimes using video-conferencing software to facilitate focus group online interactions. However, in-person meetings are preferred when appropriate.

Collaboration is key to Omar's work, as he communicates with researchers at the University of York and externally. He frequently attends internal meetings via video conferencing and participates in workshops across the UK and EU, usually travelling by train for domestic events and only flying for non-European ones. When in-person isn’t necessary, he opts for online attendance.

Omar occasionally hosts workshops at the University, sometimes providing food for attendees. When attending workshops or conferences, he can claim expenses for meals, typically opting for quick options like sandwiches, but occasionally dining at restaurants when the expense allowance is higher.

Omar's environmental choices and impacts

Workspace energy

Whichever workspace Omar uses, his energy use for lighting, heating, and powering equipment contributes to his research's environmental footprint. In a shared office, he is responsible for a portion of the total energy used, while at home, it's the energy needed for his workspace during working hours.

High energy tasks

Some of Omar's computer work requires more energy than typical tasks. For example, in quantitative research, the statistical modelling tools he uses rely on large datasets, which need significant storage and computing power.

Cloud computing

Omar relies on cloud computing services like Google Drive for much of his computer-based work, which uses energy from remote servers. This energy consumption isn't accounted for in his office space's energy use.

Paper and printing

The amount of material Omar prints, along with practices like printing double-sided or using lower quality for drafts, affects the environmental impact of his paper-based activities.

Equipment purchasing

When Omar buys new equipment for a project, his choices affect his research's environmental footprint. To understand this impact, he must consider the whole life cost, energy use, efficiency, and disposal of the equipment.

Travel decisions

Omar's travel choices for workshops and meetings impact his overall environmental footprint. Attending workshops virtually via video conferencing is less carbon-intensive than flying. When in-person attendance is necessary, he can reduce his carbon footprint by opting for train travel whenever possible.

Workshop attendance

When hosting workshops, Omar should assess the necessity of in-person attendees and consider virtual options. The energy for lighting, heating, and equipment at the venue contributes to his research's environmental footprint. If providing food, he should evaluate the type and quantity, along with its production and sourcing, as these also affect his research's overall impact.

Food choices when travelling

Omar's food choices while travelling for work contribute to his research's environmental footprint. Factors such as what he eats, how it was produced, and where it came from all affect the impact of his food choices on his research footprint.