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Useful Information

Poster Presentation Guidelines

Download our guidelines on poster presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Abstract Submissions/Presentations

Q. Will I receive email confirmation of my abstract submission?
A. Your confirmation of submitting your abstract will appear on screen after you have clicked the ‘submit’ button. If you need a copy of this for your records, you should print or save this page. You will not receive an automated email confirmation.

Q. Are papers peer reviewed?
A. Abstracts are reviewed by conference stream coordinators and are blind reviewed. However, full papers are not requested nor peer reviewed.

Q. Are papers published in conference proceedings?
A. The accepted abstracts are published in the conference programme which is given to each conference delegate but we currently do not publish full papers.

Q. What is the word limit for abstracts?
A. 250 words. This information is included in the submission guidelines.

Q. How many abstracts can I submit?
A. Individuals can submit two papers, plus one proposal as a special event as the main author.

Q. How long is my presentation slot?
A. Your presentation slot is scheduled for 30 minutes - 20 minutes for your presentation and 10 minutes for Q&A.  A Chair will be allocated to facilitate your session.

Registration

Q. How can I check my BSA membership status?
A. There are a number of ways you can check your BSA membership status. You can call the BSA Office on 0191 383 0839, email: enquiries@britsoc.org.uk or request your forgotten login details on the BSA Members Area. Lapsed members can also renew or re-join online. Find out more about joining the BSA.

Q. What does my conference registration include?
A. Your conference registration includes access to all of the academic conference sessions, conference programme, delegate list, conference bag, refreshments including lunch but excluding dinner on the day(s) your registration is valid for.

Q. Will the BSA send me a letter of invitation for visa purposes?
A. In most circumstances your abstract acceptance and your conference booking confirmation will be sufficient for visa applications.

BSA Policy on acceptance letters for International Delegates (12/02/10)
As a matter of course the British Sociological Association will issue acceptance letters to people presenting papers at BSA events as well as letters of acknowledgement or receipts for event booking payments. The Association does not normally issue letters of invitation to delegates attending events.  However, the Board of Trustees will consider individual requests for letters of support for either entry or exit visas where there are difficulties, on a case-by-case basis. Requests should be directed to the Chief Executive in the first instance and will go to the Board of Trustees for consideration. Decisions will be communicated as quickly as possible to the individual concerned.

Booking Cancellations - Important Information

Subject as provided below the BSA accepts your booking form as a firm and binding booking. Cancellations of bookings must be made in writing to the British Sociological Association, Chancery Court, Belmont Business Park, Belmont, Durham DH1 1TW.  Letters to members of the Conference Organising Team will not be accepted as cancellations. 

Cancellations received up to and including 14 days before the event will incur an administration fee of 15%.

Cancellations received after 14 days before the event will not be eligible for a refund on any fees related to meals or accommodation or registration.

Refunds shall not be payable for any total or partial failure of performance by the BSA of its duties and obligations under this Agreement occasioned by any act of God including but not limited to fire, flood, drought, tempest; act of government or state, war, civil commotion, insurrection, blockade, embargo, prevention from or hindrance in obtaining any raw materials, energy or other supplies, interruption of utility service, labour disputes of whatever nature including but not limited to strike, lock out or boycott; fuel shortage, disruption to transportation services or facilities, and any other reason beyond the control of the BSA.

Optional Mask Policy

We encourage people to use lateral flow tests before attending the conference if they have access to them. If you are feeling unwell or test positive for covid, we kindly ask you to act responsibly and show consideration and respect for others by not coming into the venue. If you are scheduled to present a paper or contribute to any other Conference sessions in person, please advise the MedSoc committee and the BSA Events team immediately so we can make changes to the programme and alert other delegates. We will explore possibilities of alternative modes of presentation/engagement though this may not be guaranteed.

While there is no government mandate to wear masks, masking is optional and remains a personal choice. However, if there is a spike in cases close to the conference date, we would strongly encourage people to wear masks. Please be considerate of others’ wishes and personal space, wash hands frequently and making use of hand sanitizer stations across the venue.

We will share any additional guidance on the event webpage and in the email you will receive approximately 2 weeks before the Conference date.

Benefit from Member Rates

Did you know you can save up to 48% off conference registration fees by becoming a member of the BSA.  Join now!

Press Enquiries

The Organising Team extends an invitation to the world press.

The admission of representatives of the press, from anywhere in the world, to the BSA Medical Sociology Annual Conference is free of charge. Please note that Press Accreditation is required in order to obtain access to the presentations and admission will only be allowed after presentation of a valid, certified press card or a certification of your editorial department.

For further information, please contact the BSA Events Team.

Contact Information

For any questions or enquiries about the conference, please contact the BSA Events Team.