ECPR

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About us

Established in 1970, the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR) is a UK-registered charitable organisation headquartered in Colchester. We are Europe’s leading association dedicated to advancing political science.

ECPR connects and supports over 300 institutional members in nearly 50 countries, forming a global community of scholars that ranges from students to Emeritus Professors.

Audience attending an ECPR conference lecture

Our story

ECPR was founded to break down the barriers between national traditions and create a truly international community of scholars within Europe.

We started out as a collaboration between twelve founding European universities, and as the result of a project led by eminent political scientists, Jean Blondel and Stein Rokkan.

With generous support from the Ford Foundation, ECPR quickly established a robust framework of membership and activities that continue to shape European political science today.

Read our history
Two people talking at an ECPR conference

Our mission

We foster collaboration across borders through events, education, publications and research groups.

As a registered charity, ECPR brings scholars together to advance political science research and strengthen the discipline for the broader academic and public benefit.

We fulfil our mission by supporting students and early career researchers with training and career progression, hosting forums for research development and network building, offering grants, and publishing cutting-edge research.

Read more about our activities
People networking at an ECPR conference reception

Our members

ECPR's members are universities and the communities within them, engaged in research and teaching across the social sciences.

More than 300 world-leading institutions and tens of thousands of scholars benefit from ECPR membership. Benefits include opportunities for collaboration, training, and knowledge exchange, as well as access to events, publications, and research groups.

This global network is central to our mission, helping the discipline grow and adapt to new political and societal challenges.

Explore member benefits
Audience attending an ECPR lecture

Our impact

ECPR helps interpret the world’s complex and changing political landscape for the benefit of all.

Through our global network, we build bridges between countries, schools of thought and the academic and public spheres.

We provide evidence, expertise, and insight to advance understanding of political challenges, and to strengthen democracy and academic freedom. In our second half-century, we remain committed to supporting a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community that strengthens political science globally.

Read our ANNUAL REPORT
Audience at an ECPR conference session

Our leadership

ECPR is led by political scientists, for the benefit of political scientists.

Made up of twelve trustees elected from the membership, our Executive Committee provides academic and strategic oversight for the organisation.

As a UK-registered charity, ECPR ensures all activities support education, research, and public benefit. After 35 years working from the University of Essex – a founding member institution – since 2015, ECPR's secretariat has been based at Harbour House in Colchester.

Read more about our GOVERNANCE