2011 International Conference on Stigma
Call for Scientific Abstracts for Posters and Creative Arts, Poetry and Poster Contest for Students
The Center for Stigma at Howard University is inviting you to submit abstracts for posters for the 2nd International Conference on Stigma to be held at Howard University Blackburn Center, Washington DC. Scholars, community, and government leaders and stakeholders will gather for this unique conference on December 1st, 2011 in Washington, D.C to have a serious conversation about Stigma related to HIV/AIDS. Two posters will be chosen by the scientific committee for awards. The best poster would receive $250 and the runner up $100.
The goals of this year’s conference are to discuss HIV related stigma, describe how stigma fuels the spread of HIV/AIDS, and interventions to de-stigmatize HIV. High quality posters will reflect these goals and provide professional or community-based evidence.
Please review the following guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact the Scientific Program, Evaluation and Publication Committee Chair, Dr. Meseret Deressa at mderessa@howard.edu or 202-865-3388. Please send your abstract attachment to the same email address above.
Abstract Guidelines
- The abstract submission deadline is October 30, 2011.
- Design the abstract in such a way that both professionals and general public could understand it.
- All persons whose papers are accepted by the Peer Review Committee for presentation should register for the conference and should attend the conference. In the event a substitute will present the original poster, the organizing committee must be notified at least a week prior to the conference.
- Each author is limited to the submission of THREE ABSTRACTS as the primary author.
- No revisions can be made after the abstract submission deadline.
- Abstracts should be written in clear and concise English and it is assumed that the presenting author will have adequate command of English to present and to respond to questions.
Abstract Format
Abstract should be prepared in word format and be limited to 250 words. The title should be short and concise (less than 200 characters). Authors and their affiliations should be indicated. The contact address for presenting author is required. The body of the abstract should follow logically from the title. Abstracts should contain five sections:
- Background: Significance
- Objective: Why did you perform it?
- Methods: How did you conduct the study?
- Results: What were the results of evaluation?
- Conclusions: What does it mean (implications)?
Abstract Review and Selection Process
- After the abstracts are reviewed, presenting author will be notified of acceptance or rejection.
- Abstracts will be evaluated on their scientific merit and value to the audience.
- Incomplete abstracts will not be reviewed.
- All abstracts submitted will be considered eligible for poster session presentation only.
- Poster Sessions allow the view of a poster illustration of the abstract. Authors are expected to post their posters at designated time/place and should be present to answer questions during the time designated for poster presentations and break sessions.
We are also looking for a creative talent to Fight HIV Stigma!
The Stigma Center at Howard University believes it’s time to have an honest conversation about the attitude that spreads HIV/AIDS, Stigma. Stigma refers to a group of negative attitudes and beliefs that cause people to fear, reject, avoid, and belittle people with certain illnesses. Stigma involves labeling people as “different”. Stigma is a major problem for persons living with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS has come a long way in the last 30 years, with lots of research, medication, education and condom distribution programs. However, the disease keeps spreading globally. It is our belief that we need to include stigma into every conversation, prevention method and research about HIV/AIDS. Therefore, we have invited scholars, community and government leaders and affected individuals to a unique conference happening on December 1st, 2011 in Washington, D.C.
In addition to scientific posters, The Stigma Center at Howard University is inviting everyone, particularly high school students and teachers, to develop and submit their creative talents in the form of artistic posters, essays or poetry surrounding the topic of HIV and Stigma. Prizes will be awarded in each of the 3 categories, and winning pieces may be featured at the 2nd International Conference on Stigma to be held at Howard University Blackburn Center, Washington DC.
