Call for Papers

• Single papers (abstract max of 250 words)
• Workshop: work, brainstorming, mapping, role play (abstract max of words)
• Poster presentation only (abstract max of 250 words)
• Paper presentation converted to poster (as per reviewer's reco.) (abstract max of 250 words)

The National Bioethics Conference (NBC) is a broad, multi-disciplinary, independent, participatory and national bioethics platform of the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics (IJME). The first NBC was organised in collaboration with 20 Indian institutions in November 2005 in Mumbai.

The Second National Bioethics Conference is being organised in collaboration with over 38 institutions across the country. These institutes also constitute the Organising Committee (OC) for the Second NBC. Membership to the OC closed on 31 March 2007

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR PAPER PRESENTATIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR HOLDING WORKSHOPS

Submissions Closed

Date by which authors will be informed of selection: July 31, 2007

All abstracts and proposals will be reviewed by a scientific committee. A total of 48 abstracts for papers and 30 for poster presentations; and eight proposals for workshops will be selected. The concept note, on the theme and sub-themes of the conference as well as the topics on which the papers may be prepared, is available in the January 2007 issue of IJME or on the website at www.ijme.in/2007CN.htm

GUIDELINES FOR ABSTRACTS

Abstracts that critically discuss cutting edge themes and concepts in Bioethics and those that describe research findings or project outcomes will be selected. We encourage submission of abstracts that relate to the broad themes of the conference. Conformity to the prescribed format is essential.

Format for Abstracts

1.Title
2.Authors, Designation and Institutional Affiliation (if any): Please list authors in order (First Author to Last).
3.Background and Purpose
4.Description of research method or ethical issues / dilemmas
5.Results of research or outcome of ethical inquiry
6.Discussion (relate to bioethics principles and theories) and implications for bioethics
7.Preferred mode of presentation (Tick): Oral /Poster/ Either
8.Name of person presenting the paper at the NBC
9.Maximum number of words (parts 3-6 above) is 250.

Method of Selection

The Scientific Committee of the conference will use, among others, the following four criteria for reviewing the abstracts:
1.Relevance to Bioethics and conference theme
2.Clarity of ideas
3.Originality
4.Methodological rigor

The Scientific Committee appointed by the National Orgnaising Committee will make the final decision on selection of abstracts.

GUIDELINES FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS

Workshops that are highly interactive and/or use innovative communication methods are encouraged. Workshops may aim to generate recommendations/guidelines, build skills, provide information, etc. Only proposals that adhere to the format below will be considered.

Format for Workshop Proposals

1.Title
2.Names of Facilitators with Institutional Affiliations (maximum four facilitators per workshop)
3.Maximum number of participants
4.Significance of topic in the field of bioethics (50 words):
5.Two key learning objectives
6.Describe proposed methods: (e.g. Group work, brainstorming, mapping, role play, panel discussion, etc)
7.Tentative Structure and Time management (Please provide a structure of the workshop with a time schedule.)
8.Method of assessing and recording feedback from participants
9.Maximum number of words (parts 4-8 above) is 500.

Method of Selection

The Scientific Committee of the conference will use, among others, the following four criteria for reviewing the workshop proposals
1.Relevance to Bioethics
2.Methodological innovation
3.Time and scope for audience participation
4.Potential to meet learning objectives

The Scientific Committee appointed by the National Organising Committee will make the final decision on selection of workshops