1. Join established research networks:
The Berlin conference will host several standing bodies of researchers. Some of these networks are “closed,” meaning organizers are no longer looking for new participants. Other networks are no longer active. But many are actively encouraging new participants. The best strategy is to identify research networks in your area of research and email the organizer to ask about participation. Keep in mind that some organizers begin arranging panels well in advance of the conference deadline of January 12th. It’s best to contact them as early as you can to express interest, even if you do not have a completed paper to offer. Don’t get discouraged if the first groups you email are unresponsive—keep looking! Follow these links to the find out more information about established research networks:
2. Use the discussion board:
LSA has a Meeting Discussion Forum to provide an opportunity for people to communicate with other scholars who will be participating in the meeting. We encourage both organizers and people looking to join panels to post ideas and inquiries on the board. The Program Committee will periodically review the board to see if they can offer any suggestions or introductions. In addition, the meeting has a blog (http://berlin2007.wordpress.com) for information and discussion about the event and may provide the opportunity for networking.
3. Use sponsoring organizations to make new international collaboratives:
The Berlin conference is co-sponsored by several socio-legal studies organizations. Session organizers who are trying to expand their research networks to include participants from other parts of the world are encouraged to contact the representatives of relevant sponsoring organizations. Representatives may be able to recommend likely participants from their membership and in exceptional circumstances, may be able to forward requests for participants to their membership. Feel free to contact any of the following:
- Law and Society Association: Mona Lynch
- ISA Research Committee on the Sociology of Law: Anne Boigeol
- Socio-Legal Studies Association of the United Kingdom: Bronwen Morgan
- Japanese Association of Sociology of Law: Masayuki Murayama
- Vereinigung fur Rechtssoziologie (German): Konstanze Plett
- Sociology of Law Section of the German Sociological Association: Stefan Machura