The conference series is an opportunity for early-career researchers and
academics from a range of disciplines to meet and share their experiences. This
one-day conference is aimed at discussing the methodologies and methods
utilized in their research, the challenges they face and alternative perspectives in
studying Regional studies. The goal is to provide an occasion for researchers to
present their methodological approaches, reflect on their research and gain
feedback from their peers interested in the same field of study. This conference
also aims to encourage and consider alternative tools and sources, covering a
variation of methodologies, whilst debating and discussing research in Regional
Studies. We welcome submissions from all studying Eastern Europe, Central Asia &
Caucasus and The Middle East, using interdisciplinary approaches and a
variety of research methods.

The conference will focus on:

Methodological choices: Why have you chosen this methodological approach in
particular? How would you justify your chosen methodology? How do
methodological choices influence the formulation of the research question and
design? How has this methodology shaped and guided your research?
How and where do you find the sample group for your research?
Methodological tools used to conduct your research i.e. surveys, interviews,
focus group etc.

Methodological dominance: What is the dominant methodology adopted in
your field and in the study of specific cases? Have you deployed use of the
dominant methodology?

Use of new technology/ tools: Have you adopted new technology within your
methodology? If so, how have you applied the use of new technological tools?
Has the application of new technology within your methodology contributed to
your research? What particular analysis technique will you be adopting for your
research?

Setbacks and encounters: What challenges have you faced in deploying
research approaches and methods whilst studying these regions in particular?
What have you encountered whilst applying theory into practice?
Ethical issues: What are the types of ethical issues involved in utilizing
particular methodologies or methods in Regional Studies? What ethical issues
are important to consider when conducting your research?

The selection process will be based on the variety of methodologies and methods
implemented throughout the course of the research, rather than the topic itself.
We welcome you to submit your abstract papers of no more than 500 words
before 11:59 pm, 12th January, 2015"

Conference venue: Vernon Square Campus, SOAS
Conference date: 14th March 2015