The Standing Group’s overall aim is to promote comparative research and theory-building on the institutionalisation, capacity, operation, and performance of legislatures and the dissemination of such research. The Standing Group is both the starting point for those interested in studying legislatures and the meeting point for existing scholars in the field. The Standing Group on Parliaments brings together scholars dedicated to the study of legislatures, including but not limited to parliaments and congresses, across the world.

The Standing Group aims to:

1. Contribute to the development of the comparative study of legislatures, including but not limited to parliaments and congresses, across the world;
2. Establish, develop and maintain an international network of researchers in the field of legislative studies;
3. Work with other organizations dedicated to the scholarly study of legislatures;
4. Develop links between experienced academics and junior scholars working in the field of legislative studies;
5. As appropriate develop specialized courses for PhD students and early-career researchers whose research and thesis fall within the field of legislative studies;
6. Organize regular events for the international legislative studies community such as, conference panels, workshops, summer schools and specialized conferences;
7. Articulate its members’ views vis-à-vis ECPR central bodies and the wider academic community.