The program recognizes both In-Person Emerging Scholars and Online-Only Emerging Scholars, ensuring that researchers unable to travel can still hold a visible and valued role in the conference. Across all formats, Emerging Scholars participate fully in the life of the event: they chair parallel sessions, help guide and sustain discussion, and serve as bridges between established and early-career colleagues from different regions, institutions, and disciplines.
As part of CGScholar’s Event (KX) environment, Emerging Scholars contribute to a wider knowledge experience that links conference activity, community engagement, and publication. Their work is shared through Presentation Pages, digital media, and discussion spaces; they receive structured support to develop their research through the Network’s journals and book imprint; and they gain sustained visibility within the worldwide scholarly community formed around the Research Network.
The Award includes complimentary conference registration and Research Network membership, along with formal recognition during the conference proceedings. Emerging Scholars enter a supportive, scholar-led community in which they can build connections across disciplines, regions, and generations of researchers. Professional development, mentoring encounters, and opportunities for collaboration are integrated into the conference and the Network’s year-round activities.
Award recipients are expected to: attend an orientation and training session (typically the day before the conference), and participate fully throughout the conference by fulfilling assigned chairing and discussion-leading responsibilities.
The Emerging Scholar Award is open to researchers currently enrolled in a graduate studies program or identifying as early-career scholars in a field relevant to the conference. Applicants should demonstrate strong potential for scholarly contribution and a commitment to participating in the collaborative ethos of the Network.
What I’ve learned as an emerging scholar is that there’s a long legacy of people working to make museums more inclusive. This work has been happening for years across countries, disciplines, and approaches. There’s a global community of practitioners who have been trying, experimenting, and pushing for change in countless ways. When you find each other and build community around this shared intention then there is hope that transformation is not only possible, but already underway."
It was truly a pleasure to be a part of such an incredible conference, and to be a facilitator of dialogue around such amazing work. The breadth of materials covered and the people involved are absolutely wonderful."
The emerging scholar's experience has expanded my knowledge in multiple ways. As a moderator, I invited our presenters so they could share their thoughts, ask questions, and comment on their fellow presenters' presentations. I also followed the presenters to make social connections with them."
It was a great honour to be part of the Emerging Scholars at my first international conference. Beyond the prestigious recognition, I observed the efficiency of the organisation and the naturalness with which everything happened. The humility and more of the people who made this event possible remains a great example for me to be inspired by."
It was an incredible experience for me to engage with global museum professionals and make my contributions to meaningful discussions on inclusion and digital engagement in museums. I feel so honored to be part of this inclusive community and dedicated to applying these values to my further research. Lastly, I look forward to future collaborations."
Participating as an Emerging Scholar was a wonderful opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and innovative practices in the field of inclusive museums. The conference offered a welcoming space for collaboration, inspiration, and intellectual growth. I loved every moment!"