Discussant

You may submit multiple proposals, but individuals may perform the function of Section Chair, Panel Chair and Discussant only once. All proposals must be submitted in English. Discussants do not need to be from an ECPR member institution.

There are two ways to participate as a Discussant:

1.    Form a complete Panel with a Panel Chair, who will propose the Panel (click here for more information on Panel Chairs)
2.    Volunteer to discuss a Panel, put together by the Section Chairs, made up of Papers on a similar theme

After the deadline, Section Chairs approve/decline/reserve all Panels and Papers proposed, and form new Panels from individually approved Papers on a similar subject. At this point, we may need volunteer Discussants. If you would like to volunteer to act as Discussant, email the Events Team.

Panel Discussants are expected to attend the Conference to generate conversation about each Paper.

The role of a Discussant:

• If a panellist tells you they can't attend, email ECPR straight away so we can amend our online updates page.
• Prior to the Conference, Paper presenters will upload their Paper to the ECPR website or email them to you and the Panel Chair. You must read each Paper in preparation, taking time to understand their contributions, strengths and weaknesses, and what the audience needs to know about them.
• Your first and most important responsibility is to help the audience understand the Papers better.
• Your second responsibility is to the authors. What are your reactions to the Papers and why? What can the authors do to improve the Paper? Learning how to read other Papers with the critical eye of a good Discussant will help you write Papers that appeal to the profession.
• Summarise briefly the Paper’s main message and its contribution.
• Provide an assessment of the Paper: does it make its case convincingly?
• Suggest constructive ways to improve the Paper.
• Highlight the relevance of the Paper to academia and society.
• Stimulate conversation among the audience by posing questions for discussion.

If you have any questions please email the Events Team.