THE PSAS EPOP ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 AND THE ROLE OF THE ECN
We also organised a number of events at the ECN day. There was a question time at which early career academics could ask the assembled panel – Professor Rob Ford, Dr Marta Cantijoch, Professor Anand Menon, and Sophie Stowers – anything they liked. We organised a keynote address, given by Professor Menon, and a networking event in the evening. The emphasis on encouraging networking reflects its importance for early career academics. Building a professional network is crucial for academics, especially those who are just starting their careers. The EPOP conference itself similarly offered numerous opportunities to connect with established scholars in the field of election studies. The smaller, more intimate, setting of the conference allowed for meaningful conversations during coffee breaks, lunches, drinks, dinner, and evening events. The EPOP conference’s welcoming environment made it easier to approach senior academics and engage in discussions about research and potential collaborations. For early career academics, connections can lead to valuable opportunities for collaborative research projects, postdoctoral positions, and other forms of professional support. The ECN’s officer holders were present throughout the ECN day and the EPOP conference to facilitate such networking.
However, one cannot network if one is not present. Early career academics often face problems of financing their travel to, and accommodation at, academic conferences. Therefore, the ECN provided accessibility grants for early career academics to assist with travel and accommodation costs. A total of seven such grants were provided.
Quantitative methods dominated, but space for qualitative research
A common perception about the EPOP conference is that it is dominated by quantitative methods. It is true that a majority of papers presented at the conference utilised quantitative approaches to study elections, including statistical modelling, survey analysis, and other data-driven techniques that are well-suited to the field of electoral studies. However, this year’s conference also demonstrated that there is ample space for qualitative research within the EPOP framework. Several papers based on qualitative methodologies received significant attention and fostered valuable engagement with attendees. These papers applied techniques such as case studies, interviews, and discourse analysis to explore electoral phenomena in ways that numbers alone might miss.
The inclusion of qualitative research allowed for a more nuanced discussion of elections and public opinion, addressing complex political questions that benefit from rich, in-depth explorations of context and meaning. The presence of these qualitative papers at EPOP demonstrates that while quantitative research may dominate, qualitative approaches add value to the field of election studies.
Constructive feedback environment
One of the major reasons why EPOP stands out as a conference is the quality of feedback that participants receive on their work. For many researchers, especially early career academics, presenting at conferences can sometimes feel intimidating, but EPOP creates a uniquely constructive and collegial atmosphere for scholarly exchange. It is known for attracting leading figures in electoral studies, making it an opportunity for attendees to share their research with prominent scholars in the field. Presenting at EPOP is more than just an opportunity to showcase work – it is a chance to receive substantive, actionable feedback that can significantly improve ongoing research.
The setup of the conference, with its well-organised panels, ensured that each paper was given the time and attention it deserved. The structure also gave rise to engaged audiences that were keen on offering suggestions and insights rather than just critiquing work. As a result, presenters could walk away with concrete ideas for refining their projects. Attendees at EPOP repeatedly highlighted the importance of feedback for their work in progress.
Flexibility in presentation topics
Another notable aspect of EPOP 2024 was the flexibility the organising committee showed when it came to presentation topics. Often, when researchers submit papers to conferences, they can find themselves under pressure to present precisely what they proposed months in advance. However, the EPOP committee made it clear that their goal was to support research development, not to enforce rigid guidelines. As such, they allowed presenters to change the focus of their papers if the original submission was no longer the best representation of their work.
This flexibility was particularly beneficial for scholars whose research had evolved since the initial submission. Academic research can sometimes shift direction during the writing process, and EPOP recognised this by being adaptable to presenters’ needs. The committee was keen to ensure that the conference served as a space for ongoing research rather than a showcase for completed work. This focus on providing a supportive space for scholars to experiment and receive feedback on evolving ideas was much appreciated.
Awards and funding
EPOP provides a variety of awards and funding opportunities. One such award is the Sir David Butler Prize for Lifetime Contribution to the Study of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties. This year’s Sir David Butler Prize was awarded to Micheal Thrasher and Colin Rallings for their contribution in establishing the Local Election Archive in 1985. The EPOP has also established the Professor Ron Johnston Methodological Training Award, which helps members of EPOP with the costs of attending a methods training course. The latter award is particularly focused on early career academics.
Conclusion
The EPOP Annual Conference 2024 and the ECN day preceding it were resounding successes, offering a rich mix of quantitative and qualitative research, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for feedback, and providing ample networking opportunities for scholars at all stages of their careers. For early career academics working in the field of elections, public opinion, and party politics, EPOP continues to be an invaluable platform for sharing research, receiving feedback, and building lasting professional relationships.