Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs
Abstract Submission FAQs
Presentation FAQs & Guidelines
• Presentation Guidelines

General FAQs

Do I have to submit an abstract to attend the conference?
No.
Will there be a list of participants and schedule of the conference posted prior to the conference?
A list of participants will not be posted prior to the conference, but will be distributed at the conference. The conference schedule with presentation lists should be posted by late February 2009.
What is included in the registration fee?
The fee includes the conference program, snacks throughout the day as well and lunch.
How do we pay the registration fee?
The easiest way to register is on the conference Web site (http://studentconference.nutrition.tufts.edu/register.php) and paying by credit card through Tufts University's secure online payment system. Checks can made out to Tufts University and brought to Marlene Smith in the Jaharis Building at the Friedman School, or mailed to:

Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
150 Harrison Ave
Boston, MA, 02111

Abstract Submission FAQs

If I am an author on an abstract submitted by someone else, can I still submit an abstract of my own about different research?
Yes, but you can only be the primary author on one submission.
Can I submit research or a poster I have already developed and presented elsewhere?
Yes, you may present work that has already been presented elsewhere as long as the work is not yet published.
What counts as original research? Does a term paper count? A meta analysis or literature review?
Original research consists of any work that seeks to answer a self-formulated question. A term paper and meta-analysis may satisfy this requirement as long as there are original ideas or conclusions in the analysis. Reporting of the works of others such as a literature review without new conclusions will not be considered "original research".
Can I submit a poster if I will not be able to attend the conference?
If you are unable to attend the conference, please indicate that on your application. We will consider abstracts from all poster applicants, but priority will be given to those who are able to attend the conference.
What if I am a social scientist and do not have "methods" to report?
"Methods" does not only refer to a scientific experiment, but includes the type of analysis carried out as well as various procedures that were performed in gathering information and dealing with unexpected results. While a physical scientist may discuss a certain assay, a social scientist may discuss a certain type of survey or statistical tool utilized.
I do not have results because my abstract describes proposed or ongoing research. Is this acceptable?
We cannot accept presentations on proposed research projects. If your project is currently underway and you have a significant amount of preliminary data that is sufficient in quantity and relevance for a poster or oral presentation, this may be acceptable.
How do I know if my application was submitted successfully?
You will receive a confirmation email.
When will I find out if I have been accepted?
By February 20, 2009.
Can I submit my abstract after I register?
Yes, as long as you submit the abstract by February 2, 2009.
Do presenters have to pay a registration fee?
If presenters are attending the conference, then they have to pay the registration fee. Register by February 27 to take advantage of the early bird fee of $25.00. There is no fee for submitting an abstract without attending the conference.
Can I submit my abstract now and pay later?
Yes, you can attend as long as you pay the registration fee by March 13, 2009.

Presentation FAQs & Guidelines

What size should my poster be? When can I set it up? Do I need to bring tacks?
Posters size is up to the discretion of the presenter. There is enough board space for 3' x 4'. They can be set up the morning of the conference, before it begins, and presenters should bring their own tacks.
How long should the oral presentation last?
Presentations should not extend beyond 15 minutes. After each of the presenters as presented in a given section, there will be time at the end of the session for questions for all of the presenters. If the presentation requires the use of a computer, presenters should arrive before the start of the conference to load their presentation onto the computer in their designated room.

Presentation Guidelines

The following are a few key points to keep in mind when creating your presentation or poster. The links posted here provide more detailed descriptions about designing a poster as well as some sample.

Oral

If using Powerpoint, be prepared to run it on a PC, and bring presentation on a USB drive.
Begin with an overview of the talk (Background), discuss your contribution (methods, results, discussion), summarize main points (conclusion, application).

Poster

Organize in sequential manner (numbering may help) so readers can easily navigate. Organizing in columns, rather than rows, helps keep reader’s attention.
Include background, methods, results and/or discussion, conclusions, application. Abstract can also be included if space permits.
In using text: avoid overloading the poster, use an active voice, keep sentences short and simple – use visuals where possible (pictures, graphics).
Title should be readable from 15 feet away and the text 6 feet away. Double space and left justify text for easy reading. Suggested font sizes: title: 72-120; subtitle: 48-80; section headings 36-72; content 24-48; keep one font for all content. Fonts lacking embellishment are easiest to read.
For emphasis, background color should contrast with text/graphics. Pastels have been shown to work best for easy reading.

The following links are all pdf documents.