Call for Applications: 6th International Young Scholars Workshop
Advancing Public Sector Solutions in An Era of Change: Strengthening the
Commitment to Evidence Based Research in Public Policy and
Administration
Applications Due: Friday, April 7, 2017
Chennai, India
July 11-15, 2017
Click here to download a PDF of this Call for Applications.
Click here to submit your application.
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) invites young scholars to submit abstracts for the 6th International Young Scholars Workshop in Public Policy and Administration Research, to be held in Chennai, India from July 11-15, 2017. ASPA is pleased to partner with the Kothai Arumugam Charity Foundation for this initiative.
The Young Scholars Workshop aims to strengthen academic and social exchange mechanisms for young scholars in public policy, administration and related subfields. It will provide an academically rigorous platform for the presentation and evaluation of research as well as social networking. It offers an international forum that brings together outstanding young scholars and distinguished senior scholars who serve as mentors.
This intensive four-day program was modeled after conferences held at the Ronald Coase Institute, where participants present their work twice, each time receiving feedback from senior scholars on potential areas of improvement. Using feedback from their senior scholar mentors, and fellow panelists, the participants improve their papers through an iterative process of oral presentations, culminating in the presentation of final versions during the closing showcase.
Research in all areas of public administration and policy are eligible. However, the 2017 workshop will focus on the theme: Advancing Public Sector Solutions in An Era of Change: Strengthening the Commitment to Evidence Based Research in Public Policy and Administration. The Sixth International Young Scholars Workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to receive professional development and evaluation of their research. Competitive research papers and projects should have a clear theoretical and empirical focus, employing quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods.
Eligibility
DPA/Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows and young professionals (assistant professors, lecturers, or research fellows) are eligible to apply. Applicants must be a current member of ASPA to be considered eligible.
Working Language
English is the working language of the workshop.
Procedure and Timeline
Applicants must complete the online submission form, which includes summary information on their research papers and a recent curriculum vitae. Only single authored papers will be considered.
- Summary submission deadline: April 7, 2017
- Acceptance notification: April 20, 2017
- Full paper submission: June 9, 2017
Location and Fees
The workshop will be held in Chennai, India. Accepted participants will receive a registration fee waiver. Additionally, lodging accommodations (double occupancy with a fellow young scholar), local transportation and daily meals for four days will be provided. The only cost for participants is to cover their airfare travel expenses and secure their own visa (if required).
Participants should plan to arrive in Chennai on July 11, 2017, with official programming starting on July 12.
The International Young Scholars Workshop is possible through the generosity of the Kothai Arumugam Charity Foundation, which was established officially in 2014 by Dr. Anbu Arumugam in memory of her parents, Mrs. V. Gnanapoongothai and Mr. C. Arumugam. The foundation is based out of Chennai and primarily focuses on bridging the gap between accessibility and affordability in education for the needy. The foundation has so far enabled education for nearly 100 children toward school and college education. The foundation also works with a government school in Maduranthagam district for infrastructure development. The aim of the founder trustees is to help access to education for children and higher education for young adults. The foundation does not seek donors and is self-sustained.
Features
This workshop is distinct from other related types of events in the following ways:
- It is longer in length than similar workshops—four days—so that participants enjoy ample time for deliberation and exchange.
- It not only brings together young scholars, but also invited senior scholars, distinguished in the field of public administration and policy, who act as mentors, coaches, and discussants.
- The workshop format is highly intensive as young scholars have an initial presentation, followed by designated individual and group level discussions with senior scholars and then a final presentation.
- Faculty members are assigned to young scholars grouped by sub-fields and concentrations, and engage in group discussions and individual consultations related to their research projects.
- Faculty present their recent works in a relaxed atmosphere, allowing young participants to get fresh experiences on the process of conducting empirical research—from topic choice to reviewing the literature, from framing and analyzing to presenting.
- Senior faculty provide instructional lectures adapted for the young scholars.
- Provide an opportunity for participants to both engage in the development of research papers, and interrogate some of the pressing issues currently taking place regarding pressing public administration issues and policy concerns.