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 four or five small (maximum of six people) 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.

The Research Sessions have not taken place since 2001, but they will be re-launched in 2011 in a slightly different format, that gives priority to groups sponsored by ECPR standing groups.

The 2011 Research Sessions will take place at the European University Institute, Florence, from 25 to 28 May.

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.

Priority will be given to research groups which are sponsored by ECPR standing groups. However, proposals by other applicants will be considered as well. The prime criteria of decision-making in awarding a research session is academic quality.

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 six participants per group. Travel costs are to be covered by the participants.

Who may apply?

Priority will be given to ECPR standing groups who fulfil the necessary criteria, but other applications are also considered. 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.

The deadline for proposals is October 15, 2010. Accepted groups will be announced on Dec 1, 2010.