Presentation preparation Oral presentations: Submitted abstracts accepted for oral presentation must be prepared in PowerPoint (save as a .ppt file). You will have a maximum of 10 minutes presentation time, and 2 minutes for questions. You must submit your presentation to the organising committee at least the day before you are due to present. You will be not be able to upload your presentation during the session.
Posters: There will be three poster sessions during the symposium, and it is important that you put up your poster in good time and take it down again at the end of the day to allow the next presenter's poster to be displayed. Poster boards will be in portrait format allowing a maximum size of 1.2m high x 0.9m wide. We suggest you consult these guidelines for details of how best to prepare your poster.
Venue Aberystwyth University Penglais Campus Aberystwyth Ceredigion Wales, UK SY23 3BY
Official language: The official language of the symposium will be English.
Personal insurance: We recommend that all participants and accompanying persons arrange personal travel and health insurance for the trip.
Visas for overseas delegates: Please check with your local British Embassy if you require a visa for entry to the UK. Participants requiring a formal letter of invitation should tick the relevant box on the registration form and a letter will be provided. Alternatively, email: nhestaff.ac.uk
Climate and clothing: The UK weather in September is likely to be moderately warm (around 15oC), although can be extremely changeable. Symposium attendees are advised to bring waterproof clothing and good walking shoes.
Early career scientists workshop The Society for Experimental Biology is offering a free careers workshop for early career scientists during the symposium. Click here for more information and the registration form.
Technical tours The afternoon of Wednesday 7 September will be used for technical tours. Delegates are asked to choose which of these they would be interested to go on during registration, so we can anticipate the numbers of people in each group. The four tour options are as follows:
TOUR A: IBERS Science Tours of the experimental plots, glasshouses and animal facilities to provide a comprehensive overview of the research carried out within IBERS, which includes animal science, plant breeding, biofuels and equine science.
TOUR B: Dairy Delegates will be offered to opportunity to visit a local dairy farm within West Wales, to discover knowledge transfer in action on topics such as grassland management and improving efficiencies in milk production.
TOUR C: Beef This tour provides an insight into the Celtic Pride initiative which produced the first premium beef brand for Wales. Delegates will be taken to the Castell Howell beef carcase processing unit to demonstrate the maturation processes required to deliver the premium product to the consumer. The tour will be given by one of the key founders of the initiative.
TOUR D: Nature Trail This tour will be of interest to delegates involved in researching conservation grazing. Delegates will visit some local wetlands (Cors Fochno) to discover how grazing is being used to preserve this delicate ecosystem.
Again, we advise all delegates to bring suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear for these tours.
Accompanying Persons' Tours A number of tours have been organised for accompanying persons, as follows:
Historic Tour: 'King Arthurs Trail' - Tuesday 6th September 2011 The tour will start with a scenic journey through the mythical land of King Arthur, with participants being collected from Aberystwyth University's Penglais campus. The first stop will include an exploration of the historic workings of an old Welsh slate mine deep under the Braichgoch Mountains in Corris, a small village close to the ancient capital of Wales, Machynlleth. Travelling onwards, the tour will arrive at King Arthur's Labyrinth - an underground adventure, learning the stories of this Welsh legend by boat within a labyrinth of caves. A packed lunch will be provided.
Touristic 'Sights of Snowdonia' - Wednesday 7th September 2011 Snowdonia is the largest national park in Wales, an area known for its outstanding natural beauty, with the famous Mount Snowdon at its core. Participants will be collected from Penglais campus and will travel through the Snowdonia National Park, stopping at the village of Portmeiron famed for its pottery, its ornate buildings designed by Williams-Ellis, and beautiful gardens used in the famous TV series 'The Prisoner'. The tour will also include a visit to Harlech Castle, one of the few remaining concentric castles, dating back to the time of King Edward the first in 1283. A packed lunch will be provided
Relaxing 'Railway ride through Rheidol' - Thursday 8th September 2011 - morning only Travelling on a narrow-gauge steam train on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which was first opened in 1902, participants will enjoy a relaxing journey taking their time to observe the beauty of the Rheidol valley. The journey travels to the spectacular sights and sounds of the Mynach water falls of Devil's Bridge Waterfall, named after the oldest bridge in Britain which dates back to the year 1066. There are numerous short walks available around the waterfalls and a tea shop to enjoy a traditional 'paned o de' before returning by rail to Aberystwyth.
Disclaimer
Tours may be cancelled in the case of insufficient numbers. Aberystwyth University does not accept
responsibility for any accidents to persons or their belongings whilst undertaking these tours.
Accommodation Accommodation offered for the symposium will be in Rosser Residence. Bedrooms are single en-suite and are situated on ground, 1st and 2nd floor levels. There is no lift available in this building. Breakfast is available between 7:30 am and 9:00 am each morning in the TaMed Da Restaurant, Penbryn Residence which is a 2-3 minute walk from Rosser. Rosser Residence (no 18 on map) is made up of flats with 8 single en-suite bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen/diner with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and microwave. Each room has a single bed, desk, and wardrobe. Bed linen and 1 towel per person is provided. Keys can be collected at Cwrt Mawr Reception (no 16 on map) between 1:30 pm and 10 pm (5 pm on Sunday) or from 24 hour reception after 10 pm (5 pm on Sunday) (no 1 on the map). Please hand in your room key at Reception before 10:00 am at the end of your stay. Sports Centre Visitors may use the Penglais Campus sports facilities for a discounted price during general opening hours. Facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash courts, sports hall and all-weather pitch. A Pay and Play Sports pass will be given to you as you check in to your accommodation and this will enable you to gain access to the Sport Centre. For opening times and further information please feel free to visit the Sports Centre website. Should you wish to arrange your own hotel accommodation, town centre hotels are all within a 15-20 minute walk of the symposium venue at the university. Google information on Aberystwyth hotels might be useful.