Frequently asked questions

An abstract is short but powerful statement that succinctly describes  a research project, policy or programme. It should contain the scope, purpose, results and contents of the work, and is an original summary of the larger report. It provides reviewers with enough information to evaluate quality, interest and innovation ie why is the research important; what problem does it address; methods used; results and implications for the field and key words.

Abstracts are due on 01 February 2017

We will promptly acknowledge the receipt of you abstract. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within one week, please send an email to Svri.Forums@mrc.ac.za so we can verify if your submission has been received.

If the study is in the beginning phase you are advised not to submit, however, if your study is currently ongoing and you only have preliminary data, but it seems relevant or significant, please submit the abstract.

Please submit your abstract for an oral or poster presentation electronically before the 1 February 2017 by following the abstract submission guidance and instructions on our website.

After an abstract has been submitted, modifications can be made until the deadline. After making your modifications, you need to re-submit to Mandy Salomo (mandy.salomo@mrc.ac.za) who will update your abstract on the system. No modifications will be accepted after the submission deadline.

All submissions will be anonymously reviewed by the abstract review committee. Each abstract is submitted for peer review by members of the abstract review committee. Each abstract is anonymously adjudicated by at least two members of the committee.

Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the submitting author by mid-April. 2017.

Register online  by 01 July 2017 for the forum.

You can pay for your registration through visa or master card or alternatively via bank transfer.

The registration to SVRI Forum 2017 includes entry to all main conference sessions from 18-21 September 2017, meals for the duration of the conference, exhibition viewing and conference materials. For more information click here.

No, your attendance is not confirmed until payment has been received in full.

10% discount will be given to a group registration of 10 or more delegate from the same organisation. All names must be submitted at the same time.

Yes.

We strongly suggest that you register ahead of time as space is limited. Our ability to offer onsite registration is fully dependent on capacity.

Notification of cancellation should be sent to the SAMRC Events management office. Written notification of cancellation should be received on or before 01 June 2017 and a 50 per cent of the registration fee will be refunded. We regret that no refund requests will be accepted after this date.

No, you don't have to be an SVRI member to participate in the Forum.

All the SVRI Forum sessions will be in English, and where possible and appropriate  into Spanish or Portuguese

Exhibition space is available at a cost of $1500. The cost includes: 3 x 2 Stands, 2 delegates per stand, Teas and lunch for the duration of the conference, and a conference pack.

View more information on the exhibition page or contact Mandy Salomo at: Mandy.Salomo@mrc.ac.za

All delegates travelling to Brazil must present valid travel document such as a passport or identify card. Brazil visa requirements vary from country to country, we urge you to contact the nearest Brazilian embassy as soon as possible to determine if you need a visa, and how and when the application should be done.

For more information see the Fact Sheet created by VisitBrasil.com and the General  information page of the SVRI Forum 2017 for the travel information.

In order to obtain a visa letter, you first need to register for the conference, pay in full and have any required supporting documents submitted and approved (if applicable) before a Letter of Invitation will be sent to your preferred email address. The letter does not financially or otherwise obligate the conference organizers in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the conference and immigration requirements are your sole responsibility.

Requests for visa letters should be sent to denise.robberts@mrc.ac.za   before 31 May 2016.

You can email your questions to Svri.Forums@mrc.ac.za , we will respond as soon as we can.

A very small number of bursaries are available.  Bursaries will only be awarded to individuals who have submitted an abstract that has been accepted for presentation at the Forum, or are linked to a project specific bursary. Priority will be given to applicants from low and middle income countries.  A call for applications will be sent out early 2017.

The bursary will cover either one or all of the following:
Conference registration fees
Economy class return flight ticket from your country
Visa fees (receipts would need to be submitted on arrival for reimbursement)*
Hotel accommodation
Ground transport

Please send an email to Svri.Forums@mrc.ac.za with the subject “Declining bursary” so that we can allocate the bursary to others who may not have funding.