Examples of more and less justifiable purposes for high-carbon travel, with career stage weighting
All
It may be that high-carbon travel is justifiable for fieldwork that cannot be undertaken by local partners or where contractual obligation means there is no alternative available.
However, it would be difficult to justify travel as a means of maintaining existing relationships or when there are no new results to share.
Early mid career
High-carbon travel would be justifiable to present and promote your own research at conferences, seminars and project meetings. And also to establish new relationships likely to benefit career.
However, it would be less justifiable to attend training not available locally.
Mid career staff
It would not necessarily be justifiable to present and promote your own research at conferences, seminars and project meetings. Or use high-carbon travel to establish new relationships.
Senior staff
High-carbon travel would not necessarily be justified when exploring new topics/research areas with potential for further funding. Or for progressing major projects/collaborations.
Travel would be less justifiable to present your own research, including invited lectures.