Congratulations to everyone who submitted papers and panel proposals for the 2024 ICA Gold Coast conference. I am aware that sometimes even the best plans for on-time submission can be derailed, due to the vicissitudes of life and unexpected personal circumstances and world developments. I hope that you had a good experience during the process.
The next step is reviewing submissions. This is a huge task for the divisions/interest groups chairs, who need to assemble a line-up of dedicated reviewers. As we know, it is increasingly difficult to find reviewers for conferences, journals, grants, and books. We often get multiple review requests, as our global community of scholars continues to grow, while we are busy with research, teaching and other occupations.
Anyone who has been in the position of soliciting reviewers has first-hand knowledge of the extent to which academic work relies on the kindness, curiosity, and labor of strangers (as well as friends and colleagues). Free-riding is contrary to the spirit of our work. The entire scholarly enterprise runs on peer review - all of us carving out time to read and provide valuable feedback to our colleagues. We benefit from the dedication and ideas from each other. We are on this together.
So, we ask you, if you can make the time, to volunteer to review submissions. I am sure you will learn something interesting given the caliber of the work presented at our annual meetings. You never know what paper or proposal may spark interesting ideas. Please accept invitations or contact Div/IG chairs to let them know that you are available. I am sure they will greatly appreciate it. It will make their lives easier. Every email from volunteers brings a smile to program planners.
Also, if your conference plans allow for, also volunteer to serve as chair or discussant. After mid-January, when the decisions on submissions will be announced, program planners will try to identify suitable panel chairs and discussants. This is another opportunity to contribute to the ICA community by keeping time, moderating conversations, and sharing your thoughts on presentations. Thanks in advance to those who volunteer to serve.
We truly appreciate the hard work of program planners. Turning submissions into panels and programs is a remarkable feat and laborious process.