IRSPM Online Forum
IRSPM is pleased to launch the IRSPM Online Fora, a new initiative aimed at creating a space for timely and reflective discussions within the international public management research community.
Slow science in public management research
May 20th, 2026
4 - 5 PM (Brussels time) Online
Free participation
Registration is required: Process your registration for the Form HERE
The link to the event will be sent to the registered participants only.
The first forum focuses on the theme of “Slow science”. In response to the increasing acceleration of academic work, scholars have begun to question whether the current pace of research is sustainable or conducive to high-quality knowledge production. The pressure to publish, review, and secure funding has intensified, often at the expense of work-life balance and the depth and relevance of scholarly contributions.
The growing volume of papers we produce, and often do not read, the increasing number of reviews we are asked to complete, and the proliferation of research proposals contribute to mounting work pressures and raise concerns about the overall value generated by academic activity. These dynamics invite a fundamental question: should we rethink how our academic community is organised?
This panel will explore whether and how we can reduce the speed of academic work while improving its quality, and how we might create space for intellectual curiosity beyond performance metrics. It will open a discussion on what “slow science” could mean for the international community of public management scholars.
Speakers
- Albert Meijer (Utrecht University)
- Karen Johnston (University of Portsmouth)
- Rita M. Grandinetti (Universidad Nacional de Rosario)
Moderator
- Ileana Steccolini (Università di Bologna & University of Essex)
Information:
For any additional information, please cintact Forum Coordinator, Prof. Maria Cucciniello on: maria.cucciniello@unibocconi.it