How Inclusive Are the International Conferences? Attending Conferences in an Unequal World.

Scientific conferences are essential venues where researchers present their preliminary research findings, establish new networks, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. Geopolitical inequalities, however, overlaps with inequalities in academia and have effects on conference participation. These conferences, which are easily accessible for central countries and researchers from these countries, are often unaffordable for researchers from peripheral countries. The main aim of this study is to determine from which country researchers have an advantage in participating in scientific conferences. In this context, the iConference2023 to be held in Barcelona was taken as an example, and participation fees, accommodation, and transportation expenses were compared with the GDP per capita of 218 countries. Visa requirements were also evaluated. As a result of the research, while researchers from central countries with high-income levels can participate in conferences with very little expenditure, unaffordable costs often arise for researchers from regions with low-income levels. For this reason, sharp measures should be taken to ensure equal access opportunities for researchers.