Researching Asia in Pandemic Times

Abstract

This editorial introduces the special issue "Researching Asia in Pandemic Times," which reflects on the impact of digital transformation on academic research during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to online and digital research methods, presenting researchers with both opportunities and challenges. These included ethical dilemmas, methodological adaptations, and structural inequalities amplified by the reliance on technology. Early career researchers, particularly those navigating disrupted fieldwork, played a central role in exploring these dynamics, contributing valuable insights into the interplay between online and offline research spaces. The articles in this issue document grounded experiences from diverse contexts in Asia, examining topics such as digital inequalities, research ethics, and methodological shifts. They critically explore how digital tools reshape data collection, relationships with research participants, and power structures, while raising pressing questions about the location of "the field" and the implications of online methods in volatile contexts. The contributions presented in this special issue underscore the urgency of developing ethically sound and adaptable research approaches in an increasingly digital academic landscape.