Researcher to Reader 2027 opens call for papers

The organisers of the Researcher to Reader Conference 2027 have opened the Call for Papers, inviting proposals for a wide range of sessions exploring the future of scholarly communications, research practices and research management.

The conference will take place on 23–24 February 2027, with the final programme combining invited speakers and sessions selected through the open call.

Submissions are invited for keynotes, presentations, panel discussions, debates, interviews, workshops and lightning talks. Organisers say they are particularly keen to receive proposals from researchers, editors, funders and librarians, as well as contributors based outside the UK. They also emphasise their commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging submissions from underrepresented groups.

To help prospective speakers strengthen their submissions, the conference is operating a two-stage deadline. Proposals submitted by 31 July will receive feedback and suggestions from the advisory board, allowing authors time to revise their submissions before the final deadline of 31 August.

Lightning Talk proposals will continue to be accepted until the end of December 2026.

The organisers stress that the conference is intended as a forum for discussion rather than product promotion. Commercial presentations are not accepted as part of the main programme, although sponsored Lightning Talks may showcase innovations that are considered relevant to delegates.

Held annually each February, Researcher to Reader has become a fixture in the scholarly communications calendar, bringing together publishers, libraries, funders, technology providers and researchers to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping research communication.

Prospective speakers can submit proposals via the conference website.