ATPS 2011 - ATPS Annual Conference 2011

Papers are invited from our range of stakeholders including researchers, policy makers, private sectors, civil society organization, non-governmental organization, farmers’ organization, etc. that will address any of the following conference sub-themes:
Conceptualizing research, policy and practice for sustainable African development
This subtheme seeks papers that will address the concepts of research, policy and practice; the theory and practice of research engagement for policy and practices; strategies and methodologies for conducting policy relevant research; strategies for use of research evidence in policymaking and policy analysis; pathways for translating research evidence through policy to practice; and institutional arrangements for stakeholders’ engagement in strengthening linkages amongst researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
Youth and Gender empowerment
Papers under this subtheme should address youth and gender issues that would promote effective linkages between research, policy and practice; youth and gender contributions in research, policy and practice; challenges face can be overcome to enhance their contribution to policy, research and practices linkages; lessons that could be drawn from gender mainstreaming initiatives, where the relationships between researchers, policymakers and practitioners have arguably been better institutionalised.
Mechanisms and Approaches for effective linkages amongst researchers, policymakers and practitioners
Papers should address various functional models, mechanisms, tools and approaches for effectively linking research, policy and practice especially in the African context. Case examples of successful models, mechanisms, tools and approaches that have led to successful linkages of the stakeholders form top in the list of papers under this subtheme. Papers should examine factors that interact dynamically todetermine the sort of evidence likely to be adopted by policymakers and also discuss enabling tools to build a broader consensus on the role of empirical evidence in good policymaking and implementation. Other issues covered under this subtheme include; investments in research, policy and practice; international cooperation and partnerships; curriculum reforms; and intellectual property rights, accessand benefit sharing.
The role of capacity development
Papers should focus on new knowledge, skills, and infrastructure required for effective research, policy and practice for African development. How best can the capacity of the relevant actors be strengthened in the short, medium and long terms in order to achieve effective policy research that will lead to Concept note & Call for Abstract- 2011 ATPS Annual Conference & Workshop, 7 ? 10 November 2011 5policymaking and implementation. Papers should emphasize the good practices that exist in capacity development to realize effective linkages among the actors.
Research uptake, communication, advocacy and brokerage
Papers under this subtheme should emphasize innovative strategies and channels for communicating research outputs for policymaking and policy implementation. It should emphasize the role of the media in research uptake, communication, advocacy and brokerage. Others include; the incentive structures and enabling environment for effective communication of research outputs to policymakers for use bypractitioners;
Challenges and Opportunities for effective linkages between research, policy and practice
Emphasis should dwell on the economic, social, political, environmental, cultural and other factors that constrain effective linkages between and amongst the actors. Papers should also show the prospects and opportunities of an effective linkage under prevailing conditions.
Submission Guidelines
We particularly invite contributions to the Conference that address the above sub-themes from and interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approach.
Abstracts:
Abstracts of 350-500 words are invited from prospective conference participants. The abstracts should contain the title of the paper, name(s) of the author(s), contact information, 5 keywords and biographical notes about the author(s). Authors are also invited to indicate the conference sub-theme pertaining to their papers. All abstracts will be anonymously evaluated by the Conference Technical Committee on the basis of the following criteria: originality and creativity; clarity of content; contribution to the knowledge base/ evidence base; linkageswith research, policy and practice; relevance and timeliness in terms of findings and conclusion. Abstract will also be selected based on their relevance to one or more of the conference subthemes. A book of selected abstracts will be published and made available during the conference. The deadline for the submission of abstract is 11 October 2011. All submissions should be made to: atpsconferences2011-AT-atpsnet.org .
Full Paper submission:
Candidates whose abstracts are selected are expected to submit their full papers by 25 October 2011. The papers shall be evidence-based and can be theoretical, empirical or policy oriented, and can approach the issues from a range of disciplinary or trans-disciplinary perspectives. Papers submitted will be peer-reviewed for originality, technical and research contents, depth correctness, relevance to the conference themes, contribution to knowledge, readability, etc.
The full paper should be between 4000-6000 words, A4 word format, one column, font size: 12pt, Times New Roman, 1.5 spaces, margin width (2cm if possible). Papers shall include the following: Title of the paper, Full name(s) of the author(s), contact details, Abstract (250words), 5 keywords. All submissions should be made to: atpsconferences2011-AT-atpsnet.org .
Conference Language
The official languages of the conference are English and French. Submission of abstract can be in English or French; however, full papers must be submitted in English. Simultaneous interpretation during the conference will be ensured.

Conference Proceedings
Selected papers will be considered for publication as a book volume. This book will be extensively reviewed to meet all the scientific requirements and add value to existing knowledge base in Africa.