Research communities depend on regular interaction, shared learning, and collective reflection to remain effective. Events and initiatives provide the practical mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
For the Association for Technology, Information Systems, and Research (ATISR), events and initiatives are central to its mission of supporting a connected, inclusive, and high-quality global research community. This article outlines how ATISR’s activities contribute to collaboration, capacity building, and sustained scholarly engagement.
Purpose
ATISR’s events and initiatives are designed to support knowledge exchange and community development rather than isolated dissemination. They provide structured opportunities for researchers to present work, receive feedback, and engage with peers across regions and disciplines.
The underlying purpose is to strengthen research quality and relevance while fostering long-term professional relationships. Events are positioned as part of a broader ecosystem of support rather than standalone activities.
Events
ATISR organizes a range of events that address different stages of the research lifecycle. These include conferences, symposia, workshops, and panel discussions.
Conferences provide platforms for presenting completed research and engaging in formal peer dialogue. Workshops and seminars focus on methods, emerging topics, or professional development. Panel sessions encourage discussion of broader issues such as ethics, governance, and future research directions.
By offering varied formats, ATISR accommodates diverse participation needs and research interests.
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important consideration in ATISR’s event design. Hybrid and virtual formats reduce geographic and financial barriers, enabling broader participation from researchers worldwide.
Recorded sessions, flexible scheduling, and inclusive submission policies support engagement across time zones and career stages. These practices contribute to a more representative and equitable research community.
Accessibility also supports sustainability by reducing travel-related constraints.
Initiatives
Beyond events, ATISR undertakes initiatives that provide ongoing support to the research community. These initiatives often focus on capacity building, standards development, and ethical guidance.
Examples include mentorship programs, research method training, and collaborative working groups. Initiatives typically operate over longer timeframes than events, allowing for deeper engagement and measurable outcomes.
Such initiatives reinforce continuity and shared purpose within the network.
Collaboration
ATISR’s events and initiatives are designed to encourage collaboration rather than competition. Structured networking sessions, thematic tracks, and collaborative projects support connections across institutions and disciplines.
Collaboration is further supported through clear expectations around authorship, data sharing, and ethical conduct. These structures reduce uncertainty and promote trust among participants.
Collaborative outcomes often extend beyond individual events into sustained research partnerships.
Quality
Quality assurance is embedded within ATISR’s activities. Peer review processes, program committees, and clear submission guidelines help maintain academic standards.
Feedback mechanisms allow participants to improve work in progress, not only finalized outputs. This emphasis on developmental review supports learning and continuous improvement.
Maintaining quality across events and initiatives reinforces ATISR’s credibility within the research community.
Inclusion
Inclusion is addressed through deliberate outreach and program design. ATISR seeks to engage researchers at different career stages, from early-career scholars to established academics.
Initiatives that support mentorship and skills development help reduce structural barriers to participation. Inclusion also extends to interdisciplinary engagement, recognizing that information systems research benefits from diverse perspectives.
Inclusive practices strengthen the resilience and adaptability of the community.
Impact
The impact of ATISR’s events and initiatives is reflected in strengthened networks, improved research quality, and shared standards.
| Activity Type | Primary Contribution | Community Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conferences | Knowledge dissemination | Shared insight |
| Workshops | Skills and methods training | Capacity building |
| Initiatives | Ongoing collaboration | Sustainability |
| Networking | Relationship development | Trust |
Impact is assessed not only through attendance or outputs, but through sustained engagement and collaboration over time.
Continuity
Continuity is essential for community strength. ATISR designs its events and initiatives to build on previous activities rather than operate in isolation.
Recurring themes, follow-up sessions, and long-term working groups help maintain momentum. This approach supports cumulative learning and reinforces shared values across the network.
ATISR’s events and initiatives demonstrate how structured engagement can strengthen a global research community. By combining accessibility, quality assurance, collaboration, and inclusion, these activities support a research environment that is both rigorous and connected. Over time, such efforts contribute to a resilient community capable of addressing complex and evolving research challenges.
FAQs
What types of events does ATISR organize?
Conferences, workshops, and research forums.
Why are ATISR initiatives important?
They provide ongoing community support.
Are ATISR events accessible globally?
Yes, many use hybrid or virtual formats.
Do events support early-career researchers?
Yes, through mentorship and training.
How do events strengthen research quality?
Through peer review and feedback.