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Demystifying Academic Conferences: Dr James Burford at University of Birmingham
On 7th May 2025, Dr James Burford, Associate Professor in Education Studies and Deputy Director of the Doctoral Education and Academia Research (DEAR) Centre, delivered a dynamic workshop for postgraduate researchers at the University of Birmingham.
Titled "Making Sense of Academic Conferences", the session aimed to open up the world of academic conferencing, especially for emerging researchers. Drawing on practical experience and research—including his co-authored book Making Sense of Academic Conferences (Routledge, 2023) with Prof Emily F. Henderson—the workshop explored what conferences are for, how to prepare, and how to engage critically and inclusively.
Participants discussed key aspects of conferencing such as pre-conference planning, presenting, and organising, as well as broader questions around researcher wellbeing, accessibility, and democratising knowledge production. The workshop was hybrid, warmly welcoming both in-person and online attendees from the College of Arts and Law.
The event reflects the DEAR Centre’s ongoing commitment to fostering critical, inclusive, and supportive cultures of doctoral education and academic life.
