“It was inspiring to hear about different research areas and see the creativity and thoughtfulness my peers have put into their work.”
On Thursday, June 20th, 2024, pre-doctoral research assistants from various economic and social science disciplines organized the annual Pre-Doc Conference, showcasing their own innovative research. The event, co-sponsored by the Industrial Relations Section, Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies, and the Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy and Finance, featured a diverse array of presentations across four key sessions: History, Political Economy, Health, and Labor.
The conference, held in JRR 301 with a virtual option available, kicked off at 9:30 AM with breakfast, followed by engaging presentations throughout the day. Attendees witnessed a broad spectrum of research topics, from historical analyses of unemployment insurance and incarceration to contemporary issues such as political engagement in Peru, migration responses to abortion policy, and labor market reforms in Chile.
It was an amazing opportunity to practice presenting and get great feedback from our peers," remarked Sergio Nascimento, highlighting the conference's supportive atmosphere. Catriona Farquharson added, "I loved the range of topics everyone has been working on. It was inspiring to hear about different research areas and see the creativity and thoughtfulness my peers have put into their work."
The event not only provided a platform for predocs to present their individual research but also showcased collaborative projects with faculty members, demonstrating the opportunities available at Princeton for mentorship and equal collaboration between predocs and more established researchers.
By accommodating both in-person and remote presentations, the conference ensured broad participation and inclusivity, allowing predocs to share their work regardless of location constraints. This format was particularly appreciated, with Bruno Jimenez stating, "I greatly appreciated that the organizers accommodated remote presentations."
For many, this marked their first conference experience. "This was my first conference, and I found it to be incredibly enjoyable and enriching," shared one presenter. "I am grateful to have had the experience of presenting, giving and receiving feedback, as well as seeing what other young researchers are doing in their respective fields."
The Pre-Doc Conference 2024 proved to be a valuable experience for these early-career researchers, offering them the chance to receive constructive feedback, gain presentation experience, and engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue with their peers. It underscored Princeton's commitment to nurturing the next generation of economic researchers and fostering innovative scholarship across a wide spectrum of economic inquiry. View the agenda.
Images from the Pre-doc conference
