How Inclusive Are the International Conferences? Attending Conferences in an Unequal World


DOĞAN G., TAŞKIN Z., Kulczycki E., Szadkowski K.

18th International Conference on Information for a Better World: Normality, Virtuality, Physicality, Inclusivity, iConference 2023, Virtual, Online, 13 - 17 Mart 2023, cilt.13971 LNCS, ss.501-508 identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 13971 LNCS
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/978-3-031-28035-1_37
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Virtual, Online
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.501-508
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Inclusivity in academia, Inequality in academia, International conferences
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Scientific conferences are essential venues where researchers present their preliminary research findings, establish new networks, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. Geopolitical inequalities, however, overlaps with inequalities in academia and have effects on conference participation. These conferences, which are easily accessible for central countries and researchers from these countries, are often unaffordable for researchers from peripheral countries. The main aim of this study is to determine from which country researchers have an advantage in participating in scientific conferences. In this context, the iConference2023 to be held in Barcelona was taken as an example, and participation fees, accommodation, and transportation expenses were compared with the GDP per capita of 218 countries. Visa requirements were also evaluated. As a result of the research, while researchers from central countries with high-income levels can participate in conferences with very little expenditure, unaffordable costs often arise for researchers from regions with low-income levels. For this reason, sharp measures should be taken to ensure equal access opportunities for researchers.