Research Sessions 2013

9 - 12 July, University of Essex

We are now accepting proposals - Propose a workshop

The deadline for all proposals is 8 April 2013.

What kind of groups are the Research Sessions for?

A group may be:

  1. meeting at the earliest stage of a research project to draft a proposal for submission to a funding organisation; or
  2. more advanced in its research and planning a book proposal.

If the latter, the group is encouraged strongly to publish its results in peer-reviewed journals or in an ECPR book series, such as the ECPR/OUP Comparative Politics Series or those produced by ECPR Press.

Groups should indicate in their application whether they fall into group (a) or (b). To maintain the rigorous academic standards synonymous with the ECPR, we accept a maximum of six groups with no more than six participants in each. The prime awarding criterion is academic quality. If two groups are deemed to be of equal quality, those sponsored by ECPR standing groups will be given preference.

What is the format of the Research Sessions?

The Sessions will take place over 3−4 days: arrival in the afternoon/early evening of day one, departure in the afternoon of day three or four.

Funding covers accommodation, organisation, lunches and some of the dinners for up to six participants per group. Participants pay their own travel costs.

Who may apply?

ECPR Standing Groups that fulfil the necessary criteria (see below). The ECPR also considers applications not sponsored by Standing Groups, without prejudice. If participants judge a section or panel of General Conferences to be extraordinarily successful, its section and panel chairs are encouraged to continue their work via the Research Sessions. However, groups must follow the same procedures as any other applicant. A proposal that comes from a previous panel/section has does not have a priority advantage over other proposals.

Which criteria do you use in selecting research groups?

Academic quality is the most important factor. Other criteria include: having a good geographical spread of participants; no more than one non-ECPR participant; and excellent potential for turning the idea into a reality (based on topic, reputation of participants etc.). An excellent scientific proposal will not fail even if most of the secondary criteria are not met; however, proposals that meet all the secondary criteria flawlessly but do not score better than ‘good’ for scientific quality will not be considered.

What should the proposal include?

The proposal, which should be no longer than 3000 words, should specify the research question and locate it within the relevant scientific debate and theories. It should include:

  • the guiding hypothesis;
  • the main ‘message’ or the major and innovative contribution that the research group wants to make;
  • methodology;
  • data;
  • research steps;
  • milestones;
  • a rough publication plan;
  • a list of members.