Attending conferences

Opportunity and challenge

One of the doctoral candidates interviewed during the research phase of the Premia project said: 'Attending conferences certainly was a challenge worth all the effort.'

For some researchers, the idea of attending conferences can easily produce apprehensive feelings. Indeed, you may have concerns about the feasibility of attending conferences.

• do you identify with any of the researchers' words?
• are there strategies which you could use to make attendance possible?

The most sited scenarios are listed below with possible strategies.

I feel very nervous about giving a presentation at a major conference.

Most researchers find giving a presentation daunting. Even the most seasoned and outwardly confident speakers are nervous beforehand. But giving presentations is part of being a member of a research community. You are investigating a new aspect of your subject and sharing your findings is part of the process of expanding knowledge in that field. It is also a chance for you to receive feedback on your work which you can use to evaluate your methods and further progress your research. Preparation is essential. Practise presenting your work  to your peers within the university whenever you have an opportunity. It does get easier. 

I don't know if I would be able to attend conferences because of the expense.

There are sources of funding to make attendance possible. Talk with your supervisor to identify where that funding is and how you can access it. If you have disability-related costs, they may be met by the DSA (Disabled Students' Allowances). Talk those costs through with the disability advisers at your institution. 

I don't know if I would be able to go to conferences because of barriers to access.

Investigate and identify the potential access barriers  e.g. accessible transport, personal assistance, accessible accommodation, the services of a BSL/English interpreter? Talk through the barriers with the conference organisers to discuss how the issues  can be addressed by them. Talk through remaining barriers with your disability service. 

I am far too busy to go to conferences.

It could be the case that you feel the need to focus all your attention and energy on your research. Conference attendance may appear as an unnecessary and extra drain on your resources.

Against all of that, weigh up the advantages to your research of attending conferences; expanding contacts in the wider research community; getting fresh stimulation and ideas to reinvigorate your own work; stepping outside your own research and being able to look at it objectively when you return to it; having a good time with people who share common interests.

I would find it difficult to go to conferences because I would not know anybody.

It is difficult for most of us to walk into a new environment and initiate conversation with people we do not know.  But workshops, meals and social time can easily create opportunities to make new acquaintances and network. Listening to others and asking questions can make it easier than feeling you must talk about your research.

I am concerned that going away to a conference may be detrimental to my well-being.

If you think attending conferences will adversely affect your well-being, talk with the disability support service about how the impact could be lessened. Also, explain your concerns to your supervisor and discuss the benefits of attending against the disadvantages. Conferences are often flexible, you may be able to attend part of the conference or attend conferences that are local or regional. E-conferences are also becoming increasingly common and provide an alternative solution to attending in person. Furthermore, if you are unable to attend a conference, ask the organisers to send the papers to you or read them afterwards on the web.

Further information

Enabling conference attendance - student perspectives on attending conferences.