IRSC26 Venue Update
IRSC will proceed as planned at the University of Sheffield
After careful consideration, we have decided to continue with the plan to locate IRSC at the University of Sheffield.
In reaching this decision, we have given significant weight to the thoughtful process undertaken by RSECon, which IRSC is co-located with, regarding how to respond to the dispute between UCU and the University of Sheffield. As a UK-based organising committee, RSECon is well placed to assess the local context and to determine a response that is informed by, and supportive of, the UK research community. We appreciate the care, consultation and transparency that have characterised their decision-making process.
For IRSC, we believe that remaining co-located with RSECon also best serves our community. The two conferences bring together closely connected communities, and sharing a venue creates valuable opportunities for collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange that would be significantly diminished if the events were separated.
We also considered the practical implications of relocating the conference. As a new conference, developed over the past two years by a small organising team, a late venue change would introduce substantial logistical and financial challenges that could jeopardise the successful delivery of the event. We do not believe that these costs would be in the best interests of the IRSC community.
We acknowledge the difficult circumstances facing colleagues involved in this dispute and respect the choices individuals make in exercising their workplace rights. Anyone wishing to provide direct support can do so via the Sheffield solidarity fund.
We recognise that members will hold a range of views on this decision. We respect that individuals may make different choices in response, and we want to support those choices where we can.