There’s a lot that goes into preparing for an academic conference. You need to choose the right one, create an interesting proposal, and prepare your presentation before going on stage or in front of a panel of judges. Conferences are exciting opportunities for academics because they offer a way to share research with colleagues from other fields and even from other universities. However, it can be intimidating to submit your work for judging and evaluation by experts in the field. This is especially true for those new to academia who may feel like their ideas don’t measure up against the rest of their peers. But this fear is often unfounded, as most academics love sharing ideas with others who view issues from different perspectives than their own. Whether you are currently considering submitting a proposal or have some hesitations about the process, read on for our guide to understanding conference panels so you’re prepared next time they come up in your research journey. ...