Annual Report 2015, Budapest

What a beautiful university with an amazing river view on one side and market on the other! ECER 2015 found us with 105 successful papers that led to 5 symposia, 72 papers, 1 workshop and 10 posters.

126 papers were originally submitted so we rejected about 18% (just above the ECER average). Many thanks indeed to our 12 Reviewers from 7 countries: Silvia Alves, Gottfried Biewer, Cristina Devecchi, Helga Fashing, Hermina Gunndorsdottir, George Head, Katja Petry, Sip Jan Pilj, Jonty RIx , Jo Rose, Susanne Shwab and myself Liz Todd.

All those who agreed to act as a chair are also very warmly thanked as this is a crucial role.

The presentations were all very well received and turnout was generally very good to sessions. The focus of the network is very broadly on inclusive education and this covers all areas of diversity, not only special educational needs, but most of the papers had a special needs focus.

The main area of concern and interest for ECER 2015 was the refugee crisis. Being so near to Keleti Station, on the route into Europe for so many refugees, brought this crisis home to many of us in a different way. Many of us went to Keleti Station to offer volunteer time. The conference as a whole gave time to talk about this issue and Network 4 had a special meeting about it. It was agreed that a statement was needed from the conference but that some action as educational researchers needed to happen. Network members were reminded of the availability of project funding to apply for from ECER - and encouraged to put in for projects on the topic of the refugees  - the children's needs in particular.