FPR-UCLA Fourth Interdisciplinary Conference

Cultural and Biological Contexts of Psychiatric Disorder: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

Call for Posters

The aim of this conference is to improve the quality of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment by giving specific attention to cultural and biological contexts and their interactions. Given the abundant criticism directed to both the biological and cultural validity of current DSM-IV diagnostic categories, the focus is particularly important and timely. Revisions to the DSM are now underway that attempt to incorporate divergent cross-cultural aspects of mental illness, as well as underlying neurobiological factors common to different disorders. We are soliciting a limited number of poster presentations that address one or both of these areas (cross-cultural fieldwork and neural underpinnings) from researchers and scholars at all levels in the fields of anthropology, psychology, the neurosciences, the history of science, and related disciplines.

Submitted abstracts will go through a selection process. If the abstract is accepted and the poster is presented at the conference, the presenter will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Multiple authors may collaborate on a poster presentation; however, only one complimentary registration will be provided per accepted poster. Poster presenters must cover their own travel and lodging expenses.

Abstract Submission

All abstracts must be submitted electronically to: [email protected]

DEADLINE: Friday, October 2, 2009

Notification date: All notifications will be sent to authors on or prior to Monday, November 2, 2009.

Submissions must include:

1. Title of Presentation
2. Name(s) and affiliation(s) of the author(s)
3. Mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the first author
4. Poster abstract (500 words maximum excluding references, single-spaced in 12-point font)

Poster Presentation Schedule and Location

All poster sessions will be held in the vestibule outside the Neuroscience Research Building (NRB) Auditorium.

Presenters are asked to arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled poster session begins and to remain available during their entire session for questions and discussion.

Poster Session 1: Friday, January 22, 1:00–1:45 p.m.
Poster Session 2: Saturday, January 23, 12:45–1:30 p.m.

Please Note: Posters will be on display throughout the day on which the relevant session is scheduled.

Poster Setup and Removal

Set-up: 2:00 - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2010
Removal: No later than 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 23, 2010

Posters must be set up and removed during the specified time period in order to ensure participation in presentation and return of poster to author.

Poster Specifications

Size: 60" wide by 40" tall maximum
Paper: Regular/glossy poster or printer paper (NOT cardboard)

The conference organizers will provide one sturdy white foam display board (60" wide by 40" tall), one tripod, and pushpins for each poster presentation. Presenters must use the provided display board as backing for her/his poster. Authors are responsible for bringing any other materials they may require during their presentation (e.g., copies of poster handouts and article reprints; notepad, pencils, and pens; and contact information).

Guidelines and Suggestions

Layout

One of the most effective uses of the space would be in grid plan arranged in columns. This layout prevents viewers from having to cross back and forth in front of each other.

Poster Content

Key elements include:

• A succinct title, author name(s), and institutional affiliation(s)
• Introduction and/or brief review of relevant literature
• Methods
• Results (with supporting figures)
• Conclusion and implications

Note that it is not necessary to display a copy of your abstract. Please provide clear labels for each section of your poster presentation. Your poster content should be able to answer the question, "What would I need to know if I were viewing this material for the first time?"

Title

• Indicate the poster title, author(s), and affiliation(s) at the top of the poster
• Lettering should be at least 1.25 inches high for the title, 0.75 inch high for the author names, and 0.5 inch high for affiliations.

Text

• Text should be visible from several feet away
• Use large type in short separated paragraphs
• Do not set entire paragraphs in boldface or capital letters
• Minimize narrative
• Numbered or bulleted lists are a concise and effective way to convey information
• The main points should be apparent without extended viewing, but details should be included for those who might wish to discuss them

Illustrations

• Figures should be easily seen from a distance. Use clear graphics and large type to accomplish this
• Because the amount of text is restricted, the figure legend could contain some of the commentary that would usually be contained in the body of a manuscript

Presentation

• The poster should be complete and self-supporting
• The language should be clear and the message comprehensible to viewers from different disciplines
• The presenter should be prepared to supplement or discuss particular points raised during inquiry
• Feel free to distribute copies of the poster (or paper on which it is based) with your contact information to interested viewers

Please feel free to contact the conference organizers at [email protected] with any questions.