Abstracts

Late Breaking Research Abstracts
Contributions for the final plenary session featuring important research completed after the abstract deadline of February 16, 2004 are welcome. The results should be expected to have a major impact on the development of the field in which they were obtained and should not be a simple "late submission". A covering letter explaining the importance of the research should accompany the abstract. Both must be submitted before May 10, 2004.
Please send an email with a word attachment (max 250 words, excl. title and authors) to the chair of the Scientific Programme Committee Professor Han Brunner.

Programme Planner and Itinerary Builder

This new feature provided by OASIS enables you

• to search abstracts by Abstract Title, Author, Keywords and Institutions and Text
   
• to browse and view sessions
   
• to pick papers or entire sessions and to add them to your personal itinerary through the meeting. This itinerary can be printed and/or downloaded to a Personal Data Assistant (PDA).
   
• Please note that full text will only be accessible 2 weeks prior to the conference and that invited abstracts will be added as they are being submitted.

ACCESS THE PROGRAMME PLANNER

Guidelines for Online-Abstract Submission of Invited Abstracts
Please read the instructions carefully and proceed to submission by clicking on the link below.

Abstract Format

• The text cannot exceed 250 words, excluding title and authors
• A maximum of two institutions per author is allowed.
• Tables may be included.
• No graphics are allowed

Before you get started...
Type your abstract in a common Word Processor (e.g. MS Word). Please save a copy of the file with the abstract text only (no title or authors). This file can then be used for a "file upload" (most convenient way of submission). The upload feature supports and converts tables within the document. Special characters are widely supported.
Please note that if you submitted an abstract at last year's meeting, your login and password are still valid. Make sure however, to update your address if it has changed meanwhile (see section "Profile" on the submission account).

When entering the site...
First Time Users:

1. When entering the submission page, hit "" on the left side of the page.
2. Fill in all required fields and save your personal information by clicking "Continue" on the online form.
3. Locate "Invited Abstract" and click on "Submit Abstract".
4. Carefully follow the step-by-step instructions.

Returning users, continuing an aborted submission or editing an abstract already submitted:

1. Login with the username and password that you received when creating the account.
2. Locate "Invited Abstract" and click on the displayed abstract to be changed or completed.
3. Continue your submission or click on desired menu item you wish to change.

ACCESS THE SUBMISSION SITE FOR INVITED SPEAKERS

General Information on Abstract Submission and FAQ

 Browser Issues

• The system is optimised for MS Internet Explorer 6.0. Some advanced features will be available only with this browser. However, submission is possible with other browser versions (Internet Explorer and Netscape) 4.0 and up.
   
• Cookies must be enabled on your system

 Account management - Personal Information - Password

• Please create one account per submitting author. The system stores your information. If you choose to submit more than one abstract you will not need to create another account. See "Returning users".
   
• After you created the account, the system will display a password and username that will allow you to return and edit, delete or withdraw your abstract.
   
• Personal information can be edited if necessary by clicking the "Profile" icon (e.g. in case of an address change). Attention: All correspondence regarding the acceptance of your abstract will be mailed to the address given by you in the "profile section". Please complete all the fields accurately.

 Corrections - Withdrawal

• Titles of submitted abstracts are displayed in the Welcome Area, together with the information on whether the submission is complete or incomplete. To edit one of these abstracts, simply click on the title.
   
• Changes and withdrawals can be made until the deadline of April 18, 2004.
   
• The submission system stores the information in "real time". The moment you reach the "Summary" within the submission process and the system tells you "This submission is complete" your abstract is completed and has been received. However you will still be able to come back and make modifications until the deadline.
   
• Please make sure you print the summary page for your records. The system also has an e-mail confirmation feature. Simply click the appropriate link on the summary page and fill in your email address(es) in the appropriate box.

 Support

• For support during the submission process, please send an email to eshg2004@medacad.org or call ++43 1 405 13 83 22 between 9.00 - 17.00 hrs CET.

European Alliance of Genetic Support Groups
The EAGS, an umbrella organisation of national and supra-national patient support groups in Europe, working for the benefit of individuals and families with genetic disorders, is holding its annual conference in parallel with the ESHG annual meeting this year. Representatives of the European umbrella groups for the support of those affected by genetic disorders will be gathering to discuss general and specific issues of common concern such as orphan medicinal products and rare diseases, public awareness, education, scientific research, patents, ethics, reproductive choice and screening, insurance, quality of life regulation.
Delegates of ESHG 2004 will be very welcome at any of these open sessions of the EAGS meeting. For more information please contact: Mr Alastair Kent, Secretary-General of EAGS, Tel: +44 207 704 3141, Fax +44 207 359 1447, E-mail: alastair@gig.org.uk