Call for papers 2023 annual conference at the University of Malta

Valletta Campus of the University of Malta will host the annual meeting of the COST ACTION VOICES Making Young Researchers’ Voices Heard for Gender Equality on 14-15 February 2023. The conference will focus on the topic: Voicing young researchers for the future of Europe: Trends, challenges, and policies.

Several studies flag the role played by young researchers in advancing research innovation and knowledge development and bringing fresh perspectives to research (Chen et al., 2015; Cantwell, 2011; Musselin, 2004; Åkerlind, 2005). Young researchers also greatly contribute to the enrichment of academic life and culture, through innovative teaching, creating associations and networks – and therefore to research excellence overall. They also represent a growing pool of professionals in Europe; yet only slightly over half of those in the academic sector are employed on permanent contracts, compared to the vast majority of those in other sectors (European Science Foundation, 2017, p.11). Moreover, their working conditions have become increasingly unstable as they are particularly affected by the growing casualisation of the academic workforce and precariousness of the academic life (Murgia & Porgio, 2019). They face, among other things, insecure employment conditions (short-term contracts, part-time), low remunerations, long working hours, increasing requirements (mainly mobility), intense academic competition, overwhelming administrative and organisational tasks, and a lack of recognition by research organisations.

Many of these work experiences are profoundly gendered, with intersectional dynamics at play (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, 2021). Gender equality has been on the European political agenda for research and innovation over the last decades, and many EU-funded projects focus on gender mainstreaming in research institutions through the implementation of Gender Equality Plans. These include LeTSGEPs (2020-2023), GEARING ROLES (2019-2022), SPEAR (2019-2022), GENDERACTION (2017-2021), EQUAL-IST (2016-2019), ACT (2018-2021). Several certification and award schemes already exist in Europe (Athena Swan Award, Label égalité, etc.); while the CASPER project (2020-2022) examines the feasibility of establishing a European certification system for gender equality for Research Performing Organizations (RPOs).

Objectives of the annual conference and action voices

Drawing on such good practices, the COST ACTION CA20137 Making Young Researchers’ Voices Heard for Gender Equality (VOICES) is tasked with increasing the visibility of inequalities faced by young researchers, with emphasis on a gender perspective; and promoting a sustainable dialogue between young researchers and stakeholders in the research ecosystem at the systemic level (European & national policymakers) and at the institutional level (senior researchers, academic managers) by creating a community of gender equality practitioners composed of various stakeholders (young researchers, independent researchers, academic managers, organisations) across Europe. The Action has among its outcomes: training schools for young researchers, scientific publications by young researchers, recommendations and guidelines for academics and policymakers.

Now in its second year, VOICES features four active, proactive, responsive and organically developing working groups, namely:

Working Group 1: Employment, Career Development and Mobilities

Working Group 2: Leadership and Decision-Making

Working Group 3: Gender as a Research Dimension

Working Group 4: Sexual Harassment, Gender-based Violence and Institutional Culture

Working Group 5: Intersectionality

Working Group 6: Monitoring and Evaluation.

Call for papers

In the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality, and in the context of the International Year for Basic Science and Sustainable Development 2022 #IYBSSD2022, under the auspices of Organisation of Basic Science for Sustainable Development and of the European Platform of Women Scientists, the COST VOICES network will draw on intersectionality perspectives, in hosting an authentic and inclusive space to discuss:

Trends, challenges and policies impacting young researchers and their futures;
Methodologies, collection, analysis and evaluation of data concerning young researchers and their participation in the scientific communities;
Terminologies, classifications, categorisations, indicators etc.;
Ethical issues, privacy and legal issues.

Thematic areas that conference sessions with specifically and critically engage with will include:

Precarity in academia: intersectional perspectives
Early career researchers’ voices in universities and research performing institutions
Discrimination and gender-based violence in higher education
Female and minority researchers and faculty: (In)Visibility in data and untold stories
Female and minority researchers and faculty in Basic Sciences

Abstract submission

Abstracts are invited from researchers and stakeholders to present works-in-progress or published papers, posters or other audio-visual presentations that stimulate discussion and debate and help discern and gauge trends, challenges and policies impacting young researchers, their futures; and related intersections with the present and the future of research and innovation. Interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches and perspectives are strongly encouraged.

The VOICES network will consider papers accepted for this conference for open access publication in one of the forthcoming scientific publications of this Action.

Abstracts of 200 words need to include, with 3-4 keywords and details of the author/s that specify affiliation, engagement/employment status in this affiliation and designation.

Kindly use the form provided here to submit your abstract:

https://forms.gle/5F6xB44x5A1LgYwF8

Only submissions made through this form will be considered for selection.

Criteria for selection include:

(1) Interdisciplinarity & intersectional approach

(2) In line with the topic of the conference

(3) Contribution towards policy

The scientific committee is tasked with selecting abstracts that show evidence of excellence whilst securing participation of researchers at diverse stages of their careers, with attention to the inclusion of young researchers, COST intensive target countries, and researchers with minority and intersectional backgrounds.

A limited number of participants’ travel and subsistence expenses can be funded through COST, subject to COST Regulations applicable at the time.

Kindly specify in the submission form if COST funding is required.

A limited number of self-funded presenters are also welcomed to participate.

No registration fees are applicable.

KEY DATES