In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the IOCDF to transition all of our usual conference programming, including our annual pre-conference research symposium, to a virtual format. What began as a way to sustain the symposium in the face of pandemic-related cancellations became an exciting experiment that engaged a diverse international audience of scientists around cutting-edge research.
With the generous support of the Rodan Family Foundation, we’re excited to once again be holding the research symposium as a virtual event in 2021. The symposium will take place on Thursday, July 8th, 2021 via the Zoom meeting platform. Instead of holding the symposium as a Zoom webinar, it will take place as a well-moderated, traditional Zoom meeting that allows participants to see friends and colleagues and connect via text chat.
Presenters will be able to pre-record their 15- to 20-minute talks and give their full engagement to the audience during their presentation, and participate in live Q&A discussion afterwards. Participants and presenters loved this format at last year’s Online OCD Conference, and we look forward to bringing it to the Virtual Symposium as well.
Presentations on any research topic in OCD and related disorders are welcome, but we are especially interested in the following areas this year:
- Genetics
- Psychopharmacology
- Co-occurring disorders in OCD, including depression and substance use disorder
- Psychotherapy
To submit a proposal for a presentation, please prepare a brief abstract and submit your idea here by Thursday, April 1st.
We’ll also be hosting small-group poster sessions as part of the Virtual Symposium this year. We’re planning a live virtual poster session that combines an asynchronous online poster gallery with live presentations and discussion. Attendees will be able to preview posters in an online gallery up to a week before the symposium, and then engage with presenters in a live Q&A on July 8th. This is an excellent opportunity for students and trainees to connect with senior researchers and leaders in their field. Poster presenters need to submit an abstract by April 1st, but have until June 24th to prepare their final poster.
All accepted presenters and poster authors will be notified in late April. If accepted, you’ll be invited to a brief orientation session to get you acquainted with the format and program, and be provided with detailed written instructions.
Thinking about participating in the Virtual Symposium but still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing research@iocdf.org. Not interested in presenting, but want to attend the symposium? Be sure to check out iocdf.org/research later on this Spring for registration information.
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