At the Forefront of Contemporary Research with Children and Young People in Ireland

PhD Symposium

6th September 2016

Invitation and Abstract Submission

Where: Maynooth University

When: Tuesday 6th September, 9am – 5pm

What: PhD Symposium

The Children’s Research Network for Ireland and Northern Ireland and Maynooth University Department of Education are hosting a symposium for doctoral candidates undertaking research related to children and young people.

Doctoral students who conduct research with children come from a diverse range of disciplines and adopt a multitude of approaches and methods. One commonality, however, is that PhD students are often at the forefront of contemporary issues for children, and are frequently advancing innovative,state-of-the-art research approaches. This one-day PhD symposium offers an exciting opportunity to share your research, meet and learn from other researchers and academics, and exchange ideas in a friendly and supportive environment.

The symposium is free and open to both members and non-members of the Network (see below for details of the Network). Lunch and a post-symposium drinks reception will be provided.

Call for abstracts

We invite abstracts from doctoral students who are conducting research that involves or impacts on children and/or young people. Guidelines for formatting your abstract are presented below. The deadline for submission of abstracts is July 8th 2016 at 5pm.

Details of Abstract Submission

Participants wishing to present at the PhD symposium should read the following guidelines carefully and complete the abstract submission template provided below.

Participants are invited to present an overview of their research project, or to present on particular aspects, such as the context and rationale for the research, the theoretical framework(s) underpinning the work, the research process/methods, or the findings and implications. The symposium is intended to offer a forum where students can troubleshoot problematic issues early on in their projects or share findings and insights from research that is at a more advanced stage.

Abstracts should be send to y Friday, 8th July, 5 pm. Please put PhD Symposium in the subject line of your email.

Presentations should be between 10-15 minutes duration-strict timekeeping will apply

Abstracts should include:

Title: Provide a title of 15 words or less
The body of the text should be no longer than 400 words and should include:
Background: Include the context and rationale for the research, the primary objectives, and the stage the research is at (early or advanced). Please also include the theoretical framework that underpins the research.
Methods: comment on the study design, the participants, methods of data collection and analysis. Participants who are at the beginning stages of their research may want to include areas of concern for them while participants who are at a more advanced stage may want to share their experiences conducting their research and comment on how they overcame challenges.
Results/findings (if applicable): If the research is at an advanced stage participants may wish to discuss their findings and the implications of them. Participants at an early stage of the research process may want to comment on what impact their research findings could make and why their research is important.

Along with your abstract, we also invite you to send us a photograph!!We would like you take a photo that represents your PhD journey to date! For instance, you could take a picture that captures the theme of your research, any day-to-dayaspect of the research process, the struggles or joys of the PhD journey – the choice of photo is up to you and you can be as creative as you like!

The photo will form part of an ice-breakeractivity on the day. Please send the picture along with your abstract (jpg or similar format) and include your name in the file name.

About the Children’s Research Network

The Children’s Research Network for Ireland and Northern Ireland is a membership organisation that aims to support the research community to better understand and improve the lives of children and young people, by:

creating and maintaining an inclusive, independent, non-profit network
sharing information, knowledge, experience, learning and skills.

Since its inception in 2010, it now has over 350 members drawn from third level, government, voluntary and independent sectors. It hosts a range of events throughout the year and plays a role in helping members to share relevant information and skills. This is its second time hosting a PhD symposium, with the first held in UCD in August 2014. This was a successful and well attended event and the feedback from participants has been very useful in planning this one. Whilst networks and training opportunities exist in individual institutions, the PhD Symposium offers an opportunity to network with a wider group of people drawn from Ireland and Northern Ireland and it also allows researchers to connect who have a specific interest in research with or about children and young people.

About Maynooth University Department of Education

Education is one of the most fundamental and important activities in any society.At the Education Department of Maynooth University, we areconcerned with the study of education. We are engaged in a broad range of educational research; we work to develop and critique the provision of education, and explore how it transforms society and shapes the lives of individuals.

Located in the heart of Ireland's only university town, Maynooth is just 25 kilometres from the centre of Dublin. The vibrant and beautiful campus is closely integrated with the historic town of Maynooth, Co. Kildare, which is easily accessible by car, bus, bicycle and train.

Directions to the University and campus maps can be found here:

Registration Form and Abstract Submission

Please include the surname of the presenter in the filename when saving the document.

Name:

E-mail:

Affiliation:

Do you have any specific requirements (dietary, access etc.):

Abstract Title:

Please insert abstract here. See author instructions above. Max word count is 400 words. Please do not include a reference list)

Don’t forget to attach a photo that represents your PhD journey when you make your submission!