By Bernadette Louise Halili, Assistant Professor at University of Deusto. 

The Young Scholars Initiative is a global community of early-career researchers supported by the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET). YSI provides a platform for young scholars to collaborate across disciplines and explore new approaches in economics. We came to DSA2025 to connect with the broader development studies community, present research through new and inclusive formats, and promote dialogue among early-career scholars across disciplines.

Our panel at DSA2025 sought to critically examine how institutions are conceptualised and operationalised across disciplines and particularly from the vantage point of the Global South. We designed this panel to break disciplinary silos in development research and centre critical and contextual perspectives. We felt it was necessary to create space for interdisciplinary reflection and encourage the integration of different perspectives into development economics.

Rather than offering definitive answers, the panel opened space for critical reflection and new lines of inquiry across disciplinary boundaries. The experimental format – where each participant discussed another’s paper rather than their own – fostered genuine peer-to-peer engagement. While papers weren’t always aligned with a participant’s direct research interests, the willingness to engage meaningfully created a supportive environment for intellectual exchange. This structure created a deeply engaged, peer-driven learning process.

As a result, participants received detailed, thoughtful feedback often more in-depth than in standard panel formats, and so we are very grateful to our panelists. They also gained exposure to diverse methodologies and perspectives. Overall, the format built a collaborative ethos rather than competitive academic presentation.

We’re grateful to both YSI and DSA for the support that made this panel possible. We would love to see this collaboration become a regular fixture at the DSA conference and extend into year-round initiatives. YSI welcomes members from all disciplines, and we invite DSA members, especially early-career scholars, to explore YSI’s working groups and events, including their Economic Development Working Group.

A key call to action from YSI: let’s create more peer-led spaces where new voices can shape development discourse – interdisciplinary, inclusive, and grounded in critical thinking.