EVIDENCING EVIDENCE: an interdisciplinary approach to the nature of evidence in research

Call for Submissions

THEME
In the current context in which knowledge is caught between information but also fake-news,  mis- and dis-information, the nature, quality and use of research evidence are of pivotal importance for quality research, excellent teaching, and successful knowledge exchange and social impact. Yet, across disciplines there is much debate on what counts as evidence, how that evidence is gained, and how and whether it can be easily translated into practical applications.
Within this complex state of affairs, a key aspect of evidence is that to become evident, it should be shared, tested, and challenged. Centres, faculties, PGR researchers, ECRs and staff from diverse disciplines are invited to contribute to share, test and debate the nature of evidence in their research and within their discipline.
Contributions can focus on any aspect of the research process, from searching the literature, to the theoretical and practical aspects of methodology, to the application of research findings and community engagement.

Everyone at UON is welcome to participate in the conference, on campus Tuesday 24th June and online Wednesday 25th June 2025. We invite researchers at all levels to contribute and we particularly welcome co-presentation (for example, involving PGRs and supervisors, academic researchers and technician researchers, ECRs and more experienced presenters) and examples of research with other academic and community partners. In addition to traditional research presentations, a range of opportunities for sessions is available and contributors are encouraged to consider how each can help develop skills in research communication.

Contributions addressing the following are welcome, although the list is not exhaustive:

• How do we demonstrate the quality of the evidence from our research?
• What are the benefits of cross-disciplinary research in ensuring quality evidence?
• How can disciplines and theory/practice work together to strengthen the quality of evidence in research?
• How do we include diverse perspectives and/or methodologies in research?
• How can we ensure participant ‘voices’ are captured in a non-bias way?

Conference Organising Committee

The conference is co-organised by the Graduate School and the following research centres:

• Centre for Education and Research (CER)
• Centre for Active Digital Education (CADE)
• Centre for Sustainable Futures (CSF)
• Centre for the Advancement of Racial Equality (CARE)
• Centre for Health Sciences and Services (CHSS)
• Northamptonshire Dementia Research and Innovation Centre (NDRIC)
• Centre for Psychological and Social Sciences (CPSS)

Format of presentations

There are a variety of ways to present and the formats below are open to all.

• Oral presentation (on campus on Tuesday 24th June, online on Wednesday 25th June): 20 minutes long, with time allocated for questions. Presentations will be placed in themed sessions once all entries are confirmed.
• 3-Minute Thesis© (3MT) competition: Developed by The University of Queensland, 3MT is a worldwide competition in which PGRs are asked to condense their thesis into a three-minute presentation with one simple slide. (NOTE: 3MT is open to PGRs who have passed through the Transfer stage (or are just about to) or have moved into the research part of the professional doctorate or DBA, and will be held online on the 25th ONLY at 13-13.30)
• Round table discussion (on campus on Tuesday 24th June, online on Wednesday 25th June): an hour-long session for a themed discussion on any research-related topic/ provocation/ challenge. Proposals are welcome from Research Centres and Institutes, from staff networks, and from informal groups of researchers with shared interests (e.g. in particular approaches to research).
• Workshop: an hour-long, primarily instructional session, focused on developing particular research skills, or collectively exploring a specific issue. Please indicate in your proposal whether the workshop can be conducted online, or whether it would be best placed during the on-campus day, Tuesday 24^th June.
• Poster/infographic: to be displayed online.

If you wish to submit in one, or all, of these formats, please complete a separate form for each entry, providing a 400-500 word abstract for oral presentations, 500-600 words for Round Table discussion and workshops, 200 words for 3MT, and 200 words for poster.

Please use this link to submit your contribution.

The closing date for submissions is now May 9 2025