Call for Papers

SMCR 19th Biennial Meeting, June 2-4, 2011, Chatham Univeristy, Pittsburgh, PA,

The Society for Menstrual Cycle Research (SMCR) offers a multidisciplinary conference for scholars, health care providers, public policy advocates, writers, students, artists, and others interested in the menstrual cycle and women’s health across the lifespan. 

This year’s conference theme, Embodied Consciousness, Informed Choices: Critical Perspectives on the Menstrual Cycle, offers a stimulating opportunity to explore a variety of perspectives on the menstrual cycle.  Submissions addressing the conference theme, broadly interpreted, are encouraged. We welcome submissions that involve research, theory, public policy, health care, clinical applications, media representations, educational materials, and art related to the physiological, sociocultural, psychological, or cross-cultural aspects of the menstrual cycle.

How Do I Submit a Proposal?

To submit a proposal, register at http://menstruationresearch.org/2011conference/ by creating a username and password. This costs nothing, and your email address will be used only to share conference-related information with you. We welcome a variety of proposals for the 2011 conference.  DEADLINE EXTENDED to JAN 17, 2011.  Presentation formats and specific submission guidelines are detailed below.  

Paper Presentations

Paper presentations are formal, oral presentations related to theoretical issues, methodological issues, research data, clinical case material, review or critique of health care practices, treatment methods, teaching methods, content analyses of media or pharmaceutical portrayals of menstruation, etc. Each presentation will be 15 minutes in length with 5 minutes for discussion. More interactive presentations are preferred. Individual papers will be organized by themes into sessions by the program committee. Chairpersons will be appointed by the program committee.  There will be no discussants. All submissions for paper presentations must include a 300-500 word abstract to be used for anonymous review and a 50-word abstract to be included in the program booklet, if accepted. For reports of experimental data, the abstract should include a brief statement of purpose, background, sample, methodology and results.

Poster Presentations

Poster presentations are formats that allow for extended discussion of the presentation with the author(s). Presenters must be available for discussion of their work during the poster session. Posters are prepared with information that can be read from a short distance (two to three feet).

All submissions for poster presentations must include a 300-500 word abstract to be used for anonymous review and a 50-word abstract to be included in the program booklet, if accepted. The abstract should include a brief statement of purpose, background, sample, methodology and results.

Panels/Symposia

Panel presentations are held by a small number of participants (typically 3) and are designed to inform about a topic of interest. Presentations should be related by a common theme, but offer different perspectives. Each presentation will be 15 minutes in length followed by 30 minutes of discussion with the audience. Individuals proposing these symposia or panels should have contacted potential panel members to secure interest before they submit their ideas via the submission portal.  These proposals should specify the theme or topic, the presenters, a chairperson/discussant to introduce the presenters and encourage discussion between the presenters and the audience, and the order of the talks. All submissions for panel presentations must also include a 300-500-word general description and a 50-word abstract for each presenter to be used for anonymous review.  These materials will also appear in the program booklet, if accepted. 

OTHER POSSIBLE FORMATS:

Facilitation of a Structured Discussion

Facilitated group discussions are designed to bring together those working on similar problems, issues, or concepts to discuss new ideas, and to engage in problem-solving and/or community-building. Presenters briefly introduce their ideas and facilitate audience participation.  We would like to encourage this presentation format this year to ensure that active dialogue occurs among presenters. For instance, interactive discussion sessions could be organized around things such as methodological issues that occur during research on the menstrual cycle, teaching issues, the use of internet technology, or art/film. All submissions for structured discussions must include a 300-word abstract to be used for anonymous review and a 50-word abstract to be included in the program booklet.

Workshops

Workshops are intended as interactive training and/or information sessions for a specific audience (e.g., undergraduate professors) or about a specific topic (e.g., methods of teaching about the menstrual cycle). Submissions should consist of the workshop title, the problem or expertise addressed, an outline of the proposed content, and specific “takeaways” participants should expect, and the time allotted desired. All workshop submissions should also include a 300-word abstract to be used for anonymous review and a 50-word abstract to be included in the program booklet.

Art Exhibits/Film Showings

Film showings and art exhibits often occur as part of SMCR’s conference. We would like to encourage individual artists and filmmakers to propose a showing of their work. Film showings and art exhibitions are often followed by a structured discussion so that the artists and filmmakers can discuss their work. Artists and filmmakers must be present at the SMCR conference in order to showcase their work.  Artists and filmmakers should submit 150-word abstract to be used for anonymous review and a 50 word abstract to be included in the program booklet.  Filmmakers should specify the length of their film, or film clips, in their submission.

Wellness Activities

For the first time, we are proposing that the SMCR conference include some health and wellness activities, broadly interpreted. We encourage SMCR members to help us organize sessions that emphasize menstrual health and wellness, and look forward to proposals that help us integrate wellness more fully into our conference. We envision wellness activities in the mornings and evenings, perhaps before and after other conferences activities. If individuals have ideas for a health and wellness activities, they should submit a proposal through the normal submission portal on the SMCR website. All wellness activity submission should consist of a 300-word abstract to be used for anonymous review and a 50-word abstract to be included in the program booklet.

 

Submissions for this conference were closed on 2011-02-18.