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 i.e. why is the research important; what problem does it address; methods used; results and implications for the field and key words.

Abstract submission is closed

We will promptly acknowledge the receipt of your abstract. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within one week, please send an email to forums@svri.org 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 scientific pitch (poster) presentation electronically before the 25 January 2019 by following the abstract submission guidance and instructions on SVRI Forum 2019 website.

After an abstract has been submitted, no modifications can be made. You welcome to notify Mandy Salomo (mandy.salomo@mrc.ac.za) if modifications will be required to a specific abstract. 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-July 2019.

Registrations will only open the 2 December 2018. You will enter the Event system with your profile credentials and then click on registration. Registrations can be paid via your credit card or via bank transfer (once paid, confirmation of bank transfer payments would need to be sent to Mandy Salomo (mandy.salomo@mrc.ac.za) who will then confirm your registration.

The registration to SVRI Forum 2019 includes entry to all main conference sessions from 22-24 October 2019, teas and lunches for the duration of the conference, exhibition viewing and conference materials. For more information, click here. Registration for pre-conference workshops are at an additional cost. Please click here for information on pre-conference workshops.

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

A 10% discount will be given to a group registration of 10 or more delegates from the same organisation (should they register before 1 June 2019). 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.

Cancellations must be sent in writing to Mandy Salomo, a member of the events management team: mandy.salomo@mrc.ac.za.

Cancellations received before 30 September 2019 will qualify for a refund less 25% to cover administration costs.  Refunds and cancellations received after 30 September 2019 will be made in exceptional circumstances.

The payment for refunds will be processed 30 days after the last day of the conference.

No, you don't have to be an SVRI member to participate in the Forum. We would however welcome your membership. Please register to join the SVRI by emailing us at svri@svri.org

All the SVRI Forum sessions will be in English. Provision of translation at the event will be dependent of the availability of funding.

Exhibition space is available at a cost of R25 000. 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 Robert Ganesh at Robert.Ganesh@mrc.ac.za

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

For more information, visit Department of Home Affairs website and the Visa Information page of the SVRI Forum 2019 for the travel information.

Click here to obtain a letter to assist you with your visa application. The letter does not financially or otherwise obligate the conference organisers in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the conference and immigration requirements are your sole responsibility.

For tailored visa letters please email Mandy Salomo (mandy.salomo@mrc.ac.za).

You can email your questions to forums@svri.org , we will respond as soon as we can.

A very small number of bursaries are available.  Bursaries will most likely 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. More information will be made available via the Forum bursary link and SVRI Update early 2019.

Please send an email to forums@svri.org with the subject “Declining bursary” so that we can allocate the bursary to others who may not have funding.