We're a network and initiative that opens doors into research for students. Conferences should be a place of active discussion, new perspectives, and bold ideas, a place where the next big questions are asked. The next generation of researchers deserves a seat in the room where it happens, and a voice in shaping what comes next.
At conferences, we’ve seen world leading academics present groundbreaking work, spark insightful discussions, and pose critical questions.
But, time and time again, from our own true experiences, we’ve found that there is almost always room left in the audience. This is space that could belong to curious, passionate students. As academia grows harder to access, we're losing student participation, and with them, we lose their genuine drive, fresh ideas, and creative perspectives.
Students are not lacking in passion, curiosity, or motivation, but instead they are lacking an invitation. So, we built SCAN: a network of students, academics, and conferences, who believe in giving more students this invitation. Together, we aim to lead by example and change the system from the inside.
How it works
SCAN also works with the people and institutions shaping research
For researchers and academics
We're building an advisory board of researchers, academics, and experienced professionals who want to help students access the real research ecosystem earlier.
Advisors can help shape our direction, open doors to conferences and research communities, and mentor passionate students.
For conferences, publications, and partners
If you run a conference, journal, publication, society, lab, or student-facing initiative, SCAN can help put your opportunities in front of students who are actively looking to learn, attend, and engage.
We're interested in student ticket access, featured opportunities, event partnerships, scholarships, and other collaborations that bring students into meaningful academic spaces.
For interested student members
We're looking for committed student members who want to help build SCAN from inside the network, not just participate in it.
We want representatives at each university who can help connect local students to conference opportunities, share what their campus needs, and grow a stronger student research community.
Practical ways people and organisations can work with SCAN
Help shape strategy, strengthen our academic credibility, and advise on how students can engage with conferences and research communities well.
Offer discounted or free student tickets, observer passes, introductory sessions, or dedicated events for students.
Share calls, opportunities, editor talks, or student-friendly explainers that help emerging researchers understand how the field works.
Join the committee as a campus representative and help build a stronger bridge between your university's students and the wider research world.