What makes for a good academic conference?

Bridget Nneka Obiageli Irene @Bridget_Irene

02 February 2017 3 8K Report

As researchers, it is often recommended that we present research papers in different forums especially academic conferences. It is also true that not all conferences are actually beneficial and sometimes one can leave a conference wondering if it was worth the time.

I would like your opinions on the following questions:

1.What would you consider to be a great academic conference?

2.What are your expectations from a conference?

3. Would you recommend a forum for young or upcoming researchers to have a session where they present their ongoing research and get advice from experts in their field?

Thanking you in advance for your responses and contributions.

Bridget

Naveed Ahmad

It depends on indexing of a conference. If a conference is indexed in good databases then it must be beneficial for you and even some conferences offers you to publish your research in some EI/SCI/SSCI journals. So, you must consider indexing of the conference.

Bridget Nneka Obiageli Irene

Thanks Naveed.

Marcel Van der Watt

Dear Bridget, hope this finds you well. My two cents response to your questions:

A great conference is one that has a golden threaded theme that runs through all the presentations/sessions/days. It includes a diversity of presentations by multi- and interdisciplinary professionals and researchers who seek to triangulate/crystallize knowledge and understanding around the theme of the conference. Too much variety, too little depth can leave one with a sense of 'I wish there was more...' Good coffee and a networking slot after one of the sessions breaks the ice for more in-depth conversations in the remaining conference days, and the shaping of partnerships in the subsequent months and even years;

Expectations: New knowledge; translating theory into practice (How does this apply to me); Access to copies of the presentations; Exchange of ideas and business-cards; A working group or platform for continuing engagements;

Absolutely: This is mutually beneficial to all concerned - young researchers, presenters, 'experts', and delegates. We all have blind-spots and sometimes don't know when we don't know. Young and upcoming researchers often have arrows in their quivers which others knew very little (or nothing) about. New knowledge, new ideas, new potential and a new way of thinking is much needed when we are to deal with the complexity and plurality of our times.

I am sure there are more ideas and thoughts out there Bridget. Best wishes with the work that you do! Marcel

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