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As a research-based organisation that facilitates the design, production and dissemination of
research, one of the key ECPR events over many years has been its annual Research Sessions.
These took place virtually every year from the early 1970s until 2001. The format was for a few
cross-national groups of researchers to meet over two to three days in order to discuss the early stages of research projects.
Over the years, this led to the establishment of several long-term research projects
and has resulted in many publications. After
the very successful relaunch of the Research
Sessions in 2011, and since there were so
many applications, the number of
participants has been increased. ECPR
now offers this opportunity for eight research groups
with a maximum of eight participants per research group.
The 2012 Research Sessions will take place at the European University Institute, Florence, from
19 to 22 June.
What kind of research groups are the Research Sessions for?
Groups may be able to meet at the very earliest stage of a research project, that is,
the purpose would be to draft a detailed proposal that could then be submitted to a funding organisation.
In addition groups which are advanced in their research are encouraged to meet to work out a book proposal.
They would be encouraged strongly to publish their results in peer-reviewed journals but also within an
ECPR book series, such as those produced by ECPR Press or the ECPR/OUP Comparative Politics Series.
Note that groups should, in their application, indicate whether they wish to meet to discuss the
establishment of a new research group OR whether they are advanced in their work and wish to
discuss a book proposal.
The prime criteria of decision-making in awarding a research session is academic quality. In case of
the same level of academic quality groups which are sponsored by ECPR standing groups will be given preference.
What is the format of the Research Sessions?
The Research Sessions will take place over about two to three days: arrival in the afternoon/early
evening of day one, departure in the afternoon of day three or four.
Funding of the Research Sessions covers the accommodation, organisation and some of the
lunches/dinners for up to eight participants per group. Travel costs are to be covered by the participants.
Who may apply?
ECPR standing groups who fulfil the necessary criteria, but
other applications are also considered without being discriminated for not being sponsored
by standing groups. Some sections or panels of General Conferences may be regarded as
extraordinarily successful by participants. The respective section and panel chairs are encouraged
to continue their work via the Research Sessions. However, they must follow the same
procedures as any other applicant. A proposal which comes from a previous panel/section
has no a priori advantage over other proposals
What criteria are used in selecting research groups?
Academic quality is the most important factor. Other criteria include having a good
geographical spread of participants, no more than one non-ECPR participant, excellent
potential for turning the idea into a reality (based on topic, reputation of participants etc.).
An excellent scientific proposal will not fail even if most of the secondary criteria are not met;
however, proposals which meet all the secondary criteria flawlessly but do not score better than
‘good’ with regard scientific quality will not be considered
What should the proposal include?
The proposal should specify the research question and locate the research question within the
relevant scientific debate and within the relevant theories. There needs to be sufficient
information on methodology, data, research steps, ‘milestones’, a rough publication
plan and a list of members of the research group. The proposal should include the guiding hypothesis,
the main ‘message’ or the major and innovative contribution that the research group wants
to make. Proposals should provide sufficient information on these topics.
They should be not longer than 3000 words.
Applications for the 2012 Research sessions are now closed
If you require any further information please contact Jenna Barnard.
Deadline for proposals
This is now closed. Thank you for taking the time to submit a proposal.
Applicants will be informed of the success or otherwise of their application
by 20 March 2012.
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