Ignited and united

World-shaking events, shifting values, and an uncertain future are prompting new initiatives that aim to uplift and enable stellar researchers and research. Ignite brings together these disparate enterprises under the common themes of sparking community-building, mutual uplifting, and embracing the margins.

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Who we are

Uplifting and demarginalizing

Human-computer interaction (HCI) research is all about making technology work for people. In these unprecedented times, a significant number of the best and brightest members of our community are facing barriers and blockades to research as normal. In response, we aim to:

Spark community-building, globally and virtually
Uplift those at the margins and the disenfranchised
Enable full participation in research

Explore the initiatives under the Ignite banner

While each initiative operates individually, we are united in our purpose and values

(re)presented

Rua Williams and Jennifer Mankoff

Who: For scholars who face travel limitations.

Why: Reduced networking and visibility opportunities.

What: Offers local alternatives to scholars who cannot present in person by gathering university and industry partners who reserve 1+ slot a year in their existing seminar series for a new “unrepresented presentations” connected to academic conferences.

How: Join our mailing list to find out more about this and related initiatives. You can also volunteer your seminar (or just volunteer to help) here.

The IDE+A Network

Katie Seaborn, Lukas Daniel Klausner, Goda Klumbytė, Michael Muller, and Jennifer Mankoff

Who: For researchers with sudden funding upsets seeking support abroad, and those able to provide support.

Why: In response to recent and ongoing restrictions to research within and beyond the US borders.

What: Offers a matchmaking service for those studying human diversity who cannot continue their research due to funding disruptions.

How: Find out more on the website.

pano.chi

Katie Seaborn

Who: Researchers around the world who are hosting events before, after, or parallel to the ACM CHI conference.

Why: Travel limitations, sustainability, geopolitics, crises, and more. Conferences held in a single location limit community building and networking for a subset of our community.

What: Broadcasting the panorama of events related to CHI, including para.chi events, pre-CHI events, and unconferences. In 2024, para.chi was created in response to global crises affecting CHI. In 2025, pano.chi was established as a broader initiative.

How: Submit your event on the website.

Mentoring Workshops

Rua Williams

Who: For students and early career researchers seeking mentorship.

Why: Reduced networking and visibility opportunities.

What: Offers virtual mentoring workshops especially to those affected by the loss of virtual and hybrid formats at career-critical events. Encourages others to do the same.

How: Choose an hour, post it on social media, and send email to our community list letting folks know they can sign up.

alt.CHI Redux

Jennifer Rode, Phoebe O. Toups Dugas, Rua Williams, and Katie Seaborn

Who: For those feeling the pang of the formal loss of alt.CHI.

Why: alt.CHI is a beloved and necessary alternative venue to the main ACM CHI conference and broader community.

What: A full conference experience with peer review, proceedings, presentations, and networking. Hybrid is under discussion.

How: TBD.

[Your initative]

[Your name]

If you’re interested in starting an Ignite initiative or joining our collective, please contact us!

Leadership

We are a grassroots team of HCI researchers at all career stages who are united in our goal of fostering community and uplifting one another, especially those who are early career, underrepresented, and marginalized