To be held at the University of Essex

What kind of groups are the Research Sessions for?

A group may fall into one of two categories. It may be:

1. meeting at a very early 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 Press book series, or in Oxford University Press’ Comparative Politics series, published in conjunction with the ECPR.

Groups should indicate in their application whether they fall into category a or b. For the 2014 Sessions a maximum of six groups will be accepted, with no more than six participants in each. Sponsorship of Research Sessions proposals by Standing Groups is encouraged.

What is the format of the Research Sessions?

The Sessions 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 dinners for up to six participants per group. Participants must pay their own travel costs as well as a registration fee of €75.

Who may apply?

Any individuals from ECPR Member institutions may apply. To be eligible, applications must not include more than one ECPR Non-Member applicant. The ECPR especially welcomes applications sponsored by ECPR Standing Groups as well as those that build on previous work supported by the ECPR, e.g. a section or panel at the General Conference. All individuals and groups must follow the same application procedure.

What criteria are used in selecting Research Groups?

The main criterion used to evaluate applications is academic quality. Other criteria that may be used include: a good geographical spread of participants; sponsorship of Standing Groups; track record of developing research through prior ECPR events; potential for realisation of goals (based on topic, reputation of participants etc). However, to be considered, all proposals need to be of excellent academic quality.

What should the proposal include?

The proposal (maximum length: 3000 words) should specify the research question and locate it within the relevant scientific debate and theories. It should include:

• the guiding hypothesis;
• the original and innovative contribution of the project;
• methodology;
• data;
• research steps;
• milestones;
• a rough publication plan;
• a list of intended members, their emails and institutional affiliation.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received before 1 April 2014 will receive a refund of 50% of the registration fee.
Cancellations received after 1 April 2014 will not receive a refund under any circumstances.