Virtual icon Reflections and Futures: Navigating Methods and Careers as Early Career Political Researchers

Abstract

Roundtable participants: Hyojin Seo (Tilburg University), Tanja Paneva (University of Ljubljana and University of Rijeka), Thijs Lindner (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Guido Priem (KU Leuven) Moderator: Sara Velander (Universität Münster and University of Bonn) Abstract: Join us for the final session of the 2025 Early Career Researcher (ECR) Seminar Series on Political Research Methods, where we reflect on key takeaways from the past months and open space for collective learning and exchange. This one-hour wrap-up seminar will begin with a brief overview of the series highlights, followed by a roundtable discussion among series organisers exploring opportunities and challenges ECRs face when applying political research methods in practice across different stages of their research career. Topics will include developing theories and research questions as starting researchers, methodological challenges during data collection and analysis, and reflections on common struggles in advancing future careers in academia. The session will include an open Q&A and a final reflection segment, where we’ll invite feedback on the series and introduce a short follow-up survey. We also aim to gauge interest in broadening our network of early career researchers and peer discussants for future collaboration and support. All are welcome, so please come share your insights and help shape the next steps for this ECR community.