Frequently Asked Questions

When can I submit my abstract?

The abstract submission site opens on May 15, 2008. You may submit your abstract any time after May 15 and before September 5. 

When is the deadline for abstract submission?

The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM, Pacific Standard time on September 5, 2008. The deadline will be strictly enforced and no exceptions will be made. 

I am an undergraduate freshman. Can I submit an abstract?

No, undergraduate freshmen are not eligible to submit abstracts, but are encouraged to attend the conference.

I am a postbaccalurate student. Will my presentation be judged on-site if my abstract is accepted?

No, only undergraduate presentations are judged on-site.

Is there a limit on how long my abstract can be?

Yes, your abstract text can not exceed 2,500 characters, not including spaces. The submission site will not let you submit your abstract if it exceeds 2,500 characters.

Should the presenting author be the submitter of the abstract?

If possible, yes. Contact information is collected on both the submitter and the presenting author. However, ABRCMS prefers to communicate directly with the presenting author in order to ensure all of the information is received.

Can I submit the same abstract that I submitted for a previous ABRCMS?

No, if you are a returning participant you must submit an abstract that contains new research. To further professional development, students are encouraged to attend professional meetings within their respective discipline after participating in ABRCMS.

If I submitted my abstract to another conference, can I submit the same abstract to ABRCMS?

Yes, you can submit the same abstract to ABRCMS, however, it is your responsibility to ensure that you follow the ABRCMS abstract submission requirements and review criteria. Requirements are not always the same for every conference.

Can I request to present on a particular day and time?

Only if you have a justified reason (religion, exam or medical) that prevents you from presenting on a particular day or time. If so, you must contact ABRCMS staff (rrodela@asmusa.org) by September 5.

The “review my work” page states that my abstract is complete. Does this mean my abstract has been accepted?

No, after the September 5 deadline all abstracts will be reviewed. By September 26, you will be notified by email if your abstract has been accepted into the conference.

How will I receive notification?

All abstract notification letters will be sent via e-mail by September 26. The e-mail message containing your abstract notification will be sent to all authors in the author block including your research mentor and your program director (if applicable) after all the abstract reviews have been completed.

If my abstract is rejected, can I address the reviewers’ concerns and ask for a new review?

No, abstract rejections are final. If you prepare an abstract that follows the rules and guidelines presented in this call for abstracts, then your abstract stands an excellent chance of being accepted.

If my abstract is accepted, am I registered for the conference?

No, all attendees have to register separately to attend the conference. An accept notification letter does not equate to a free registration. The advanced registration deadline is October 10.

What is the deadline for withdrawing my abstract without penalty?

The abstract withdrawal deadline is October 3. Prior to the submission deadline, you can withdraw your abstract by returning to the abstract submission site and selecting the button that states “delete this submission.” If it is after the submission deadline, you must contact the conference staff by e-mail (rrodela@asmusa.org) immediately and request that your abstract be withdrawn from the conference. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action.

I am the presenting author on an abstract that was accepted and now I cannot attend the conference. Instead of withdrawing, can another student present the abstract in my place?

Yes, only if the other student is one of the co-authors listed in the author block of your abstract. However, the presentation will not be judged and will not be eligible to receive an award. In addition, you must contact ABRCMS staff (rrodela@asmusa.org) prior to the conference to inform them of the situation.

Are there travel awards available to students?

Yes, two types of travel awards are available, ABRCMS Travel Award and FASEB Travel Award, to undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students who are accepted to present either a poster or oral presentation during the conference. Application is required. Visit http://www.abrcms.org/page06a.html for more information.

How can I save a copy of my abstract submission?

We recommend that you write your abstract in a word document before beginning the abstract submission process. The final page of the submission site will show your completed abstract. Print this page for your records. We cannot honor requests for copies of submitted abstracts.

What font and character size should I use?

It does not matter, as all submissions will be similarly formatted for publication.

How do I know my abstract submission has been received?

The final page of your submission is your confirmation. Print the final page as a record of receipt. In addition, the bottom of the summary page gives you the option of having a confirmation e-mailed to you. Note that this is not an indication of acceptance to the conference. Abstract notifications are sent out after the review process.

If I cannot find my research advisor or Program Director to review my abstract, can I still submit?

No. It is required that both your research advisor and/or program director review and approve your abstract before submission. 

My contact information has changes since I submitted my abstract. What do I need to do to update my information?

Prior to the submission deadline, you can change your profile on the submission site. After the submission deadline, you must contact the ABRCMS staff by e-mail (rrodela@asmusa.org) immediately.

I am having trouble with the abstract submission system. What do I do?

Each page of the submission site has a "help" button that explains the ontents of the page. If you are not able to resolve the problem, contact the technical support personnel at support@abstractsonline.com or 217-398-1792.

If my abstract is accepted to present, what is the size of the poster board?

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