Annual Report 2014, Porto

In 2013 the Network decided to accept only long papers for ECER 2014 (minimum 2000 words). Possibly as a consequence of this decision, the number of submissions was considerably down. Redirections included, 42 submissions were received (there were 68 in 2013). However, the acceptance rate increased from 47 % in 2013 to 86 %  in 2014. The reviewing process where all convenors read everything and make a decision based on consensus remained unchanged. This resulted in 15 scheduled time-slots (consisting of two Long Paper presentations). As always a conference dinner was organised in Porto which was well attended and enjoyed.

Network Business Meeting

During the business meeting (attended by 22 delegates) several colleagues expressed an unease with the change to “Long Papers” only.
It was therefore decided to go back to the previous format and accept as well Standard Paper submissions as Long Paper submissions for 2015. Many delegates were pleased that there was now 45 minutes for each presentation (allowing lots of time for discussion). The link-convenor was asked to explore whether this would remain possible for Standard Paper presentations (as this differs from the ECER format).

The procedure to ask for a one page summary of each presentation (distributed during the conference) and a full paper (handed over to the chair during the conference) together with sending  a reminder concerning this (by the link-convenor in July/August) was positively appreciated.
Delegates were informed during the business meeting that from 2015 onwards the reviewing process will be double blind.

Further, attention was drawn to the theme of the 2015 conference.

The link-convenor, Paul Smeyers, reminded the audience of the publication channel that has been created and detailed the reviewing procedure of the journal Ethics and Education.

Finally, delegates expressed their thanks to Jim Conroy who was for many years a convenor but who stepped down given his new position. An election took place and Ian Munday (Stirling, U.K.) was elected as convenor.