Are conferences worth time and money?

Phys.org  March 14, 2022
A team researchers in the US (Northwestern University, industry) developed a new mathematical model to understand and predict how scientists form collaborations at both in-person and virtual conferences. They validated the model with extensive data. The results suggest that the way organizers design conferences can have a direct effect on which scientific collaborations are formed and, by extension, on the direction of scientific inquiry. The patterns of interaction during conferences can be used to predict who will subsequently form a new collaboration, even when interaction is prescribed rather than freely chosen. After applying its mathematical model to six virtual Scialog conferences, the team found that virtual conferences were just as effective—if not more effective—at encouraging interactions and, thus, sparking collaborations…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE