ABOUT CONFERENCE CONNECTION
Academic conferences are unique events curated by communities of scholars, researchers, and professionals. ​They are exciting opportunities to network and learn about leading research developments. Conferences are usually 2-5 days long and deliver a variety of sessions in the form of interactive workshops, thoughtful paper sessions, and insightful symposiums. Presenting at an academic conference is a high honour.
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Conferences typically celebrate the sharing of diverse perspectives; one of the main principles is to bring people together from different backgrounds to challenge the status quo. Conversely, however, academic conferences are notoriously inaccessible. They are expensive and spots are highly competitive. Attending one is an elusive privilege.
OUR MISSION
Conference Connection was designed to tackle the inequality of academic conference attendance. ​For a space that promotes sharing different perspectives and collaborative thinking, conferences are highly inaccessible to underrepresented communities, particularly within the undergraduate student population.
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We believe there is a seat at the table for everyone, regardless of background. Undergraduate students are at the forefront of the next generation of academia, and we believe in fostering their ambition and excellence. Underrepresented communities (BAME backgrounds, low-income families, disabled people, and more) have historically been discriminated against in higher education, and we are committed to targeting this inequality.
WHAT WE DO
We provide undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with access to academic conferences.​ For free admission, free accommodation, and funded travel, students can attend a conference in exchange for volunteering with set-up and administration of the conference. Conference organisers receive invaluable help from enthusiastic and motivated individuals, whilst these individuals get a one-of-a-kind experience. It's a win-win.
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We select ambitious students who are thinking about their next steps, whether that's postgraduate education, industry work, or entrepreneurship. We aim to provide these students with opportunities to develop their career goals whilst getting hands-on experience in a unique and exciting envionment.