Navigating Academic Crossroads: ICIS 2023 Spotlights Mid-Career Faculty Workshop

Hyderabad : The International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) 2023 wrapped up in Hyderabad on December 13, marking the conclusion of an intellectually enriching event. Among the various sessions and discussions that unfolded over the four days, the Mid-Career Faculty Workshop emerged as a pivotal forum for academics to contemplate their professional trajectories and strategize for the road ahead.

Hyderabad became the epicentre of global discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation at the ICIS 2023 which saw participation from 45 countries and over 1000 participants represented by Information Systems researchers, academics, Industries, and professionals across sectors.

For the very first time in India after it was founded 43 years ago, the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) 2023 hosted in Hyderabad by Association for Information Systems (AIS) put spotlight on the intellectual discussions among the most prestigious gathering of Information Systems academics and research-oriented practitioners in the world.

Billed as the most exclusive AIS conference—and one of the most exclusive in the entire field—ICIS attracts the top research papers in the field, and their authors, from around the world for Invaluable networking and research experience.

The Mid-Career Faculty Workshop, a standout feature of ICIS 2023, brought together a constellation of esteemed panelists from diverse corners of the globe. Alok Gupta from the University of Minnesota, Julia Kotlarsky from The University of Auckland, Maung Sein from Kristiana University College and the University of Southeastern Norway, Antonio Díaz Andrade from the University of Agder, Atreyi Kankanhalli from the National University of Singapore, Ilias Pappas from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Monideepa Tarafdar from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Samir Chatterjee from Claremont Graduate University graced the panel, sharing their invaluable insights and experiences.

The workshop aimed to guide academics through the pivotal transition from the early to mid-career stage, emphasizing the significance of reflection and reassessment. Dr. Alok Gupta, one of the panelists, remarked, “The mid-career phase is a critical juncture demanding introspection and a reevaluation of one’s academic journey. It’s about identifying evolving interests, priorities, and avenues for growth.”

Addressing the audience, the workshop delineated the unique challenges faced by mid-career scholars while fostering an environment for collaborative idea-sharing and networking. “As academics evolve in their careers, their interests and circumstances inevitably shift,” stated Julia Kotlarsky. “This workshop aims to equip them with strategies to navigate these changes effectively.”

Structured as an interactive event, the workshop featured round-table discussions and a panel addressing the multifaceted aspects of being a mid-career academic. The discussions spanned the challenges and opportunities across different geographical and professional contexts, culminating in strategies for career development and the cultivation of support networks crucial for this phase.

The workshop catered not only to academics at the mid-career stage but also welcomed those contemplating a shift in their academic endeavors or exploring new geographical landscapes for their work. Emphasizing the importance of continual support, Maung Sein highlighted, “Creating lasting peer networks is pivotal; they serve as a wellspring of advice and support long after the workshop concludes.”

Sunday, December 10, witnessed enthusiastic participation from scholars eager to chart their academic trajectories more thoughtfully. The event, characterized by robust discussions and meaningful exchanges, concluded on December 13, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with newfound insights to navigate their mid-career journeys effectively.

Among other highlights of the conference is a “paper hackathon” to facilitate new research collaborations, help scholars develop their research ideas while making new professional connections, and—for the most promising projects—to accelerate a publication review process.

After ICIS concludes, one or more of the presented papers may be invited for a fast-tracked review process for possible publication in a top journal. On an average only 27% of research papers are accepted.

“ICIS 2023 boasts an array of 23 research tracks covering diverse facets of AI and digital innovation. From human-technology interaction to the societal impact of AI, the program is designed to stimulate discussions on cutting-edge advancements and their implications across various sectors. In the research tracks, scholars presented cutting edge research on topics such as AI in Business and Society, Platforms and the Sharing Economy, Cybersecurity and Privacy, Governance and Digital Strategy, Future of Work, and Societal Impact of IS.” Honorary Conference Chair, Rahul De’, Ph.D., Indian Institute of Management Bangalore said.

ICIS 2023 not only offered a platform for showcasing cutting-edge research but also proved instrumental in guiding academics through pivotal career junctures. As the conference drew to a close, the Mid-Career Faculty Workshop stood out as a beacon of guidance and collaboration, paving the way for academic growth and evolution.