This proposed edited research book is focused on the phenomenon of researchers at risk – that is, the experiences and perceptions of scholars whose topics of research require them to engage with diverse kinds of dangers, uncertainties or vulnerabilities.

Sometimes this risk derives from working with variously marginalised individuals and groups, or from being members of such groups themselves; at other times, the risk relates to particular economic or environmental conditions and/or political forces influencing the specific research fields in which they operate.

In this issue we feature 11 current papers on the theme of social capital, chosen by Fabio Sabatini (Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”):