Academic conferences are where scholars gather to present new findings, network with peers, and discuss emerging trends. But many researchers, especially early-career academics, wonder: Does attending or publishing at a conference really count as a research achievement?
The answer is yes, though with some important context.
Academic conferences play a vital role in the research ecosystem. They serve as platforms for:
Presenting novel ideas
Sharing work-in-progress
Receiving peer feedback
Building collaborative networks
These experiences contribute to the advancement of knowledge and are essential steps in the research process. While conference papers may not always carry the same weight as journal articles, they are still considered formal contributions to scholarly dialogue.
Many institutions, particularly in fields like computer science, engineering, and education, do recognize peer-reviewed conference papers as valid research outcomes. These are often listed on CVs, used for grant applications, and included in performance evaluations.
If a conference paper is published in indexed proceedings — such as those included in Scopus or EI Compendex — it gains further recognition and credibility. These indexed papers are frequently used as evidence of scholarly output in both academic and industry settings.
Even if a paper is not published in proceedings, presenting at a recognized academic event can still be listed as a research activity. Oral presentations and poster sessions demonstrate active engagement in the academic community and often count toward institutional research metrics, especially in teaching-focused roles.
The key factor is the quality and reputation of the conference. Participation in high-quality events is valued far more than those with questionable peer review or unclear academic standing.
In fields like medicine, social sciences, or humanities, journal publications are often the gold standard. However, in more technical disciplines, conference papers are treated almost equally to journal articles, especially in prestigious venues. Some faculty promotion criteria even list top-tier conferences alongside major journals.
So, do academic conferences count as research achievements? Absolutely. Whether through published papers, accepted presentations, or invited talks, conferences are a recognized and respected component of a researcher’s academic portfolio.
To find high-quality conferences that support your academic growth and recognition, explore the curated listings at iconf.org — your trusted guide to global scholarly events.