Neuchâtel Graduate Conference 2023 | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is on the organizing committee of the conference?

The members of the organizing committee are Robin Stünzi (Education, Careers and Equal Opportunities Officer of the nccr – on the move), Caroline Aka, Sara de Athouguia Filipe, Doris Niragire Nirere, Oliver Pedersen, Eloise Thompson (University of Neuchâtel), Vestin Hategekimana (University of Geneva).

Where and when does the conference take place?

University of Neuchâtel, Av. du 1er-Mars 26, on 11 and 12 July 2023.

What are the criteria for the selection of the contributions?

We used six criteria for the selection, namely: (1) relevance to the research on migration and mobility; (2) clarity of exposition; (3) soundness of the research design; (4) fit with the overall topic of the conference; (5) thematic fit with other paper proposals; (6) variety of the disciplines and the methods represented at the conference.

How many contributions did you accept?

We accepted 64 proposals.

I did not see the call for applications on time and I did not send a submission: can I still participate in the conference?

Since we received an extraordinarily large number of applications, we can only accept external participants if they explain clearly the reasons why they are interested in attending our conference. If you have a special motivation to attend, please write to robin.stunzi@nccr-onthemove.ch, who will discuss your request with the other members of the organizing committee.

I need an additional document (e.g. a formal invitation letter) to apply for my visa.

Please contact our administrative assistant Gina Fiore at gina.fiore@nccr-onthemove.ch. When requesting your VISA, with regard to the length of stay, please take into account all your travel days.

How many sessions are there at the conference?

The conference includes 16 different panels, each including 3-4 paper presentations, one Public Lecture by Mathias Czaika (University for Continuing Education Krems), one Public Lecture by Lorenzo Piccoli (EUI), one guided tour on the traces of slavery in Neuchâtel, one round table on migration governance in Brazil and South Africa, and one movie session (Hit the Road, by Panah Panahi).

How are the sessions in the panels structured?

Each session will include three or four 30-minute paper presentations, divided as follows: presentation (10 minutes), mentors’ feedback (5-10 minutes),  and a Q&A session with all participants (10-15 minutes).

When and how do I have to submit my paper?

We are expecting your paper by 20 June 2023 for those who want to be selected for the best paper award and 1 July 2023 for those who do not wish to be eligible. There are no specific guidelines regarding the format of the paper but it should not exceed 8000 words (excluding bibliography and annexes).

What is the best paper award?

This is a 500 CHF prize for the best paper, awarded by a committee of experts composed of the Education Officer of the nccr – on the move, the Scientific Officer of the nccr – on the move, and two professors of the network. Only non-NCCR members are eligible for the prize. Papers have to be sent to ngc@nccr-onthemove.ch by 20 June at midnight, central European time.

The criteria for the decision are the following:
(1) does the paper engage with an original research question? (2) does the paper convincingly show the relevance of the research question? (3) does the paper clearly outline the key results of the research? (4) does the paper rely on well-grounded research design? (5) does the paper use original data?

The winner of the Best Paper Award is invited to publish her/his work in our Working Papers Series. The prize money will be paid directly to a bank account provided by the winner.

How does reimbursement work?

Eligible for reimbursement are:

1. NCCR members and members of the organization committee – these persons make their own travel arrangements and request reimbursement after;
2. Invited lecturers and guests – travel handled by the NCCR; and
3. Participants who have been granted special funding – the committee is in contact with these persons.

For those who make their own travel/accommodation arrangements, we proceed with the reimbursements immediately following the conference, upon presentation of the original receipts (for convenience, it is possible to leave these at the registration desk). Please read the reimbursement instructions and use the reimbursement form (needed for your personal and bank details). Contact person for questions on reimbursements: gina.fiore@nccr-onthemove.ch.

When you organize your travel, keep these guidelines in mind:
– Air travel: try to find the best ratio price/performance, Economy Class. Please also note that based on a list of destinations in continental Europe, accessible by train in less than ten hours, travel is not reimbursed if it is done by air.
– Public transportation: priority is given to this form of transportation, 2nd Class.
– Reasonably-priced cancellation insurance (air and train travel) can also be covered.
– Private vehicle: must be motivated (substantially timesaving, bad connections with public transportation, etc.). This is reimbursed at CHF 0.50/km.
– Accommodation: 3-star hotels or less, AirBnB, or B&B: https://www.j3l.ch/en/Z10779/neuchatel-tourist-card#accommodation.
– depending on your accommodation you may benefit from the Neuchâtel Tourist Card (https://www.j3l.ch/en/Z10779/neuchatel-tourist-card) giving you access to local public transportation.

Important remark on reimbursements:

It would help if you could bring all your original receipts, with the completed “Note de frais” form to the registration desk. If you do not receive your reimbursement by early August, please contact gina.fiore@nccr-onthemove.ch. Do not forget to keep copies of your receipts.

Practical information?

Practical information is available here.

Can I get an attendance certificate?

Yes, please e-mail your request to gina.fiore@nccr-onthemove.ch.

What is the Twitter hashtag of the conference?

The Twitter hashtag is #neuchgradconf23.

If your question has not been answered here, please contact Robin Stünzi, the Education, Careers and Equal Opportunities Officer of the nccr – on the move, with regard to the scientific part or the administrative assistant Gina Fiore gina.fiore@nccr-onthemove.ch for practical issues.