What is CRSF?
CRSF is short for Current Research in Speculative Fiction, an annual conference organised by postgraduate students for postgraduate students. The conference was first held in 2010 at the University of Liverpool and has been held annually since, attracting an international selection of speakers from as far afield as Turkey and the USA. The conference aims to provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for researchers who are at the very beginnings of their fields to test ideas, network with others, and gain valuable conference experience.
What is Speculative Fiction?
Simply put, we consider speculative fiction to be the collective name for the non-mimetic genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and their related sub-genres. Essentially if its a bit weird it's probably eligible, if in doubt feel free to run your idea by us. At this juncture its probably also worth us pointing out that the conference doesn't discriminate between mediums and papers on television, film, video games, music, fan culture etc... are as welcome at CRSF as papers on literature.
How do you define postgraduate?
CRSF is designed to be a conference for researchers engaged in their own research projects (ie. not on taught courses) but who have not yet obtained their Ph.D. That said, exceptions are made for the "recently qualified" who have obtained their doctorate within 12 months of the conference date. As with anything, if in any doubt just ask.
I'm an undergraduate student/ university faculty member/ speculative fiction fan/ author, can I attend?
We welcome non-presenting delegates from all aspects of speculative fiction whether you be a non-academic fan or a professor at a university.
I require AV support (powerpoint etc...) do you have the facilities to accommodate this?
All conferences presentation rooms are fitted with projectors and PCs. After compatibility issues at previous conferences we would request that you make your material compatible with windows media player and/or powerpoint and either bring it with you on a USB stick or e-mail it to the conference team in advance. If you have doubts about the compatibility of some of your material please send it to us with plenty of time and we will test it for you.
Can I present my paper in my native language?
Whilst we welcome an international audience we request that presentations be English-language only please.
How much does CRSF cost to attend?
Since CRSF is funded entirely off the delegate fees we can never be 100% sure of our budget until we know how many papers we will be accepting for the conference. As such, confirmed fees are not available until after abstracts have been processed and invitations to present accepted. However, as a guide, past conferences have charged £30 for the day with an early bird discount available for those who register early. This fee includes lunch and refreshments.
How do I pay my attendance fee?
We use the online fee payment system employed by the University of Liverpool, who process all of our finances.
Do you offer any bursaries or travel grants to attend the conference?
Unfortunately we are not in the financial position to offer funding, however there are several external bodies you can apply to for aid and most universities offer some form of travel bursary. An additional option is to combine your attendance at CRSF with a visit to the Science Fiction Foundation Collection, housed at Liverpool University's Sydney Jones Library and apply for the travel bursary made available by the SFF. For more details, see: http://www.sf-foundation.org/bursary/index.html
I'm setting up my own conference, can you offer any advice?
If you want to get in touch we'd be happy to discuss things with you but in general the tips would be: get a good team of enthusiastic people to help you (many hands make light work), never be afraid to ask for anything, persevere, publicise anywhere and everywhere you can, and have fun.
If you have any other questions on any issues not covered here, or are seeking further clarification on any of these matters then please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at crsf.team@gmail.com
