This paper reflects on the authors’ experiences conducting educational research in conflict-affected contexts, and the implications it holds for ethical research practices today. Critically examining ethical dilemmas encountered in research in conflict settings, the paper deepens the discussion on research ethics for working in/with participants from conflict-affected contexts. Insights are offered across different stages of a project from design to dissemination. The paper is organized into five sections: an initial section outlining the study background, methodology, and positionality of the authors. This is followed by the theoretical background. Then, six design principles for ethical research in conflict-affected contexts are presented. Next, the principles are illustrated in practice through reflecting on examples from the authors’ recent research in Afghanistan, China/Taiwan, Cyprus, Korea, and Somalia/Somaliland. Before concluding, a discussion and implications are offered. The main contribution of the paper is toward generating dialogue on ethical research practices in conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of contextual flexibility, reflexivity, and reciprocity.