SET for BRITAIN 2010 Event: Frequently asked questions

• What is meant by early-stage or early-career researchers?
• Can non-British nationals apply for the event?
• Can people apply again if they have been selected to attend a previous SfB event?
• Are applications acceptable from joint authors?
• What kind of content should the abstract have?
• Can I submit more than 1 abstract?
• What size should the abstract be?
• Are bibliographic references required at the end of abstracts?
• Can submitted abstracts be altered or edited at a later date?
• When should reference letters be provided?
• What aspects should the reference letter cover?
• Who should provide the reference letter?
• Will there be any feedback available if applications are not successful?
• When are the actual posters required?
• What audience should the posters be targeted at? Should the style of the poster be the same as conventionally used at scientific conferences?
• What size and format should the posters be in?
• Can additional equipment or visual aids be taken along on the day in addition to posters?
• Can colleagues, supervisors or relatives accompany presenters to the event?
• I cannot submit my abstract without its being approved by my employer, who cannot clear it before the closing date. What should I do?

This includes university research students/postgraduates, appropriate MSc students, research assistants, postdocs, research fellows, newly-appointed lecturers, part-time and "mature" students, and those who are embarking on a second career, etc. and their equivalents in national, public sector and industrial laboratories, or companies, all of whom are engaged in scientific, engineering, technological or medical research

Applicants do not have to be British nationals, but they must be conducting research in the UK

No

A maximum of 2 authors but only 1 presenter per poster is acceptable

A good abstract should indicate the research problem being investigated, why and how it is being investigated (e.g. the techniques being used), the results being obtained and the conclusions reached. The competition is for researchers who have made significant progress into their projects and are obtaining results rather than researchers who are just about to start their projects.

If we receive more applications than there are poster places in any session, the judging panel will make a selection based on the following criteria:

• Is the submission well written and could it be understood, preferably on first reading, by a lay audience?
• Did the abstract have a good introduction and did it make clear the contribution of the candidate?
• How long has the person been working on the project and is the project in an early phase for submission to SET for Britain?
• Novelty and/or importance of work.
• Difficulty and/or complexity of project.

No, only 1 abstract is allowed per individual application

No longer than 1 side of A4 (See detailed explanation of how to format your abstract on the application form)

These are not essential

No

A reference letter is an essential part of the application process, and must be submitted at the same time as the application form and abstract

The referee should comment on the applicant's current work (and if appropriate past career), highlighting any achievements of special merit often with comments about the applicant both personally and as a colleague; quite similar to a job application reference really.

If we receive more applications than there are poster places in any session, the judging panels will make a selection which will include the supervisor's recommendation for insight into the candidate's contribution(s).

Reference letters must be in an official format and come from an easily identified university or organisation e-mail address. They usually come from a senior colleague, supervisor, Head of Department, or similar

Unfortunately we are not able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications

Posters are not required at the time of application; they should only be produced when an applicant has been selected for the event

Your poster will be evaluated on the day by a panel of senior academics or experts in your broad subject area or equivalent so should be aimed at a scientific audience. If selected you should, however, also be prepared to explain your work to non-scientists like some MPs and other visitors to the event (but this is not part of the competition)

They must be in portrait (not landscape) aspect and fit onto the poster boards (2m high x 0.75m wide) - A1 size would be appropriate

Space is limited at the venue. We are not able to provide tables, power supplies, etc. Please check before bringing along anything other than a poster

If you would like to bring a guest to the event please contact the organisers with details of who they are and why they would be appropriate for the event

I cannot submit my abstract without its being approved by my employer, who cannot clear it before the closing date. What should I do?

Please contact us before the closing date and before submitting your application if you expect your abstract will be delayed because of the need for approval by your employer.