Understanding the Call for Papers at Academic Conferences: A Guide for Beginners
Academic conferences are a crucial part of the research and academic landscape, providing a platform for scholars to present their work, engage in discussions, and network with peers. For newcomers, submitting a paper and understanding the call for papers (CFP) process can be daunting. This guide will help demystify the process, highlighting the different purposes and expectations associated with academic conferences.
Key Points for Understanding CFPs
When academic conferences invite submissions of papers, they are often seeking both presentations and publications. The specific purposes can vary greatly depending on the field and the conference's goals. Here's a closer look:
Presentation vs. Publication
The core objective of submitting a paper for an academic conference can be to present your research, network, and get feedback. Many conferences also offer the opportunity for your paper to be published, either as full articles in proceedings or as part of a book of abstracts.
Some conferences focus more on presentations, such as in certain fields of philosophy. Here, the abstract submission process is an initial screening to determine if your proposed talk is relevant and worthwhile. Acceptance for a talk often does not guarantee publication.
Other conferences, particularly in computer science and related fields, prioritize both presentation and publication. These conferences have a dual purpose: to provide a platform for presenting new research and to offer a quick publication cycle to establish 'priority' in presenting new results.
Publication Opportunities
Many conferences publish proceedings, which can vary in the extent of quality control. Some proceedings are highly selective and peer-reviewed, while others may be less rigorous. Publications in reputable journals or collections by academic presses often require a higher standard of quality.
For personal experience, I had an abstract accepted for a conference. Due to personal reasons, I was unable to present, but my paper was still submitted and accepted for publication later.
Different Field Practices
The rules and expectations for CFPs can vary significantly between academic fields. Let's explore a few examples:
Computer Science and Related Fields
In many computer science conferences, submissions are full papers, not just abstracts. These papers undergo rigorous double-blind peer review. The publication in these proceedings is highly prestigious and can establish 'priority' in presenting new results more quickly than journal publication, often within 6-12 months.
Philosophy and Humanities
In fields like philosophy, the process is often more flexible. Abstracts are used initially to vet the relevance and quality of the proposed paper. If the abstract is accepted, the full paper may be published in a book of abstracts. Peer review is also typically less thorough, and sometimes not anonymous.
Conclusion
Understanding the call for papers at academic conferences means recognizing that while many invite submissions primarily for presentations, some offer the dual promise of both presentation and publication. The specific processes and expectations can vary widely, making it important to read the CFP carefully and tailor your submission appropriately.