You can help shape the content of our National Conference, the flagship event for the end of life care sector.
Apply to join the review panel in assessing abstracts submitted via our call for papers. Or, become a mentor to support people who are less familiar with writing abstracts.
Would you like to join our panel in reviewing abstracts submitted in response to our call for papers?
Hospice UK’s national conference showcases an inspiring array of ideas and approaches, offering inspiration, creativity and lively debate. The programme offers revitalising opportunities to connect and share, and the call for papers is critical in shaping the content for oral or poster presentations. We seek abstracts to encourage debate and discussion.
Can you offer your experience, expertise and time as we decide which abstracts should be selected for an oral presentation or display and digital poster?
Why get involved?
This is a great chance to get a first look at new, exciting work taking place across the palliative and end of life care sector.
We receive abstracts from current and future leaders, thinkers and ‘doers’ and from those new to presenting their work, along with those who are more experienced. Abstracts selected for presentation are also published in a supplement of BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care – an official journal of Hospice UK.
In recognition of the support, the names of those taking part in the review panel will be listed in the conference programme.
Reviewers are allocated a partner, and each pair will receive c. 20 abstracts for anonymised peer review. An abstract scoring sheet is provided, along with guidance.
This activity takes place between 21 May - 22 June.
One reviewer from each pair will be asked to join the selection panel meeting for a brief discussion to provide feedback on either 29 or 30 June.
If you have not been part of such a process before but are interested in getting involved, please do contact us. For those new to reviewing, we can team you up with a more experienced review partner.
Supporting statement (max. 200 words) to explain why you are interested in being a reviewer and how you are qualified for the role
Confirmation that you can commit the necessary time to ensure all duties are performed within the timeline.
The closing date for expressions of interest is 20 March. You’ll hear back from us by 24 March.
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“Working in a non-clinical role in the hospice sector, I genuinely look forward to reading the abstracts ... The process is super smooth and I manage to fit the abstract reading in and around my schedule pretty easily within the timeframes given.”
- Previous abstract reviewer
Getting involved as a mentor
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Hospice UK’s national conference attracts submissions from authors who are experienced in writing abstracts, through to those who are newer to the process.
To help those who are less experienced in writing for publication, we are seeking volunteer mentors who could share their knowledge and experience in writing abstracts to help mentees increase the chance of their work being accepted for presentation.
Evaluation of the scheme shows that, since it was introduced in 2022, all of the authors who have taken part have benefitted from the mentorship.
*The mentor programme is entirely independent of the formal abstract review and selection process. It is also anonymised and neither the author nor mentor have direct contact with each other.
Mentors are asked to offer one-time feedback on the writing and format of up to four abstracts.
You may be asked questions about the formal requirements of abstract writing or on points relating to clarity of writing, data presentation etc. You are not required to advise on research methods or analysis, nor correct grammar or spelling.
The call for papers opens on 23 March and closes at midday on 11 May. The busiest period for calls on your time is likely to be in the two weeks approaching the closing date of the call for papers.
We will not accept requests for mentorship after 5 May.
Eligibility
To participate in this programme, mentors are required to have presented at least three abstracts (either oral or poster) at national or international conferences and have co/authored at least one paper accepted by a peer-reviewed journal within the last five years.
Application process
To apply, please submit a short personal statement (max. 200 words), in support of your application to Melanie Taylor, Evidence Lead. Please be sure to include details of your publications and presentations.
