FAQs

Every year we get some questions about the YIM. We have compiled them here. If you don’t find your question and answer here, please mail yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org

GENERAL

When does YIM begin?

FOR PDFs: If you have been selected for the YIM as a Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF), you are expected to attend the meeting from 6th-10th March 2017. 

FOR YIs: If you have been selected for the YIM as a Young Investigator (YI), you are expected to attend the meeting from 6th — 9th March 2017. YIs are expected to check out on the morning of 9th March.

The meeting starts post lunch and accommodation will be provided from the noon of 6th March (check-in time is 12 noon). 

If you are a mentor, institute director or funding agency representative, you will be informed of your required dates of attendance by email.

When does the meeting end?

YIM 2017 ends immediately after lunch on 10th March 2017. You are welcome to leave anytime after this. We do not provide accommodation on the night of 10th March 2017. YIs are expected to check out on the morning of 9th March 2017.

Should selected participants attend all days?

All selected participants are required to attend all days of the YIM as per their category. Participants who cannot stay for all days are requested to decline attendance.

What topics will be covered in YIM?

While PDFs and YIs will be presenting science at the YIM and receiving feedback from their peers, Mentors and Directors, the YIM is more than a science meeting. A number of sessions will focus on jump-starting your career in India, and strategies to overcome common issues faced by young faculty. There will be lots of opportunities to interact with mentors and directors to get maximum out of their experience.

Who should attend?

PDFs — Post-Doctoral Fellows who are looking to apply for jobs in the coming year, and who think they will benefit from meeting Directors of Institutes that are hiring. Early-stage PDFs are not encouraged to apply, as the meeting will not be useful for them. 

YIs — Principal Investigators with jobs in India who are 1 – 8 years into their careers can apply for the YIM.

Why attend YIM?

The YIM is a unique meeting, being a blend of science and career discussions.

For PDFs looking to start independent careers in India, the meeting is an opportunity to meet several Directors under one roof. Your CVs will be circulated to them in advance of the meeting and you will have the opportunity to meet with them one-on-one to discuss your careers. 

For YIs who have established themselves in the Indian scenario, the meeting provides a space to discuss strategies to boost productivity and deal with issues. Its also a space for all attendees to get to know their peers in the life science profession in India.

What are the opportunities for networking?

Several hours each day are devoted for poster sessions and break out sessions, which are prime networking times. PDFs will also have a dedicated session with Directors. Also, since this is a residential meeting and all attendees will be at the venue for the entire duration of the meeting, we encourage you to initiate discussions with your peers, the mentors and others at the meeting. The Mentors have dedicated the entire duration of this meeting, and we urge you to interact with them about their early careers and yours.

How do I maximize my output from the YIM?

By networking, engaging and participating in sessions!

What is the Code of Conduct for the meeting?

YIM 2017 is a conference focused on networking, mentorship and scientific exchange. We value the presence of every attendee and want everyone to have a rewarding experience at the meeting. All attendees are therefore expected to show respect and courtesy towards others through the meeting. All attendees are required to follow the Conference Code of Conduct given on our website.

How can one apply to attend the YIM?

All PDF and YI participants at the YIM have to fill out the application form given on our site and get through the review process to get selected for the YIM. The application process for YIM 2017 is open. The only other participants at YIMs are invited and fall into the categories of Institute Directors, Mentors and Funding Agency representatives. No walk-in attendees are entertained at YIMs.

What is the programme schedule?

Please visit the Programme page for more details.

When are the poster sessions?

Please visit the Programm page for more details on PDF and YI poster sessions.

I cannot attend the meeting? How should I cancel my participation?

We request you to let us know well in advance if you cannot attend the meeting. This will provide a spot for waitlist participants. Please mail us on yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org

Can I transfer my spot to my friend or colleague?

It is not possible to transfer your spot. The selection of attendees is done on the basis of individual applications.

Will I get a participation certificate?

We will have participation certificates to hand out at the event to those who require the certificates.

When will the next YIM take place?

The Young Investigators’ Meeting will be held once in a year, usually in the month of February or March. The call for applications open beginning of August 2017, for the YIM in 2018.

VENUE

What is the venue for the meeting?

The meeting will be held in Holiday Inn Resort, Goa which is about an hours drive from the Goa Airport .

Where I can find more information about the hotel? Do I have to reserve a room myself?

Please visit the hotel website for more information. http://​www​.hol​i​dayin​ngoa​.com/

No, we will take care of the bookings.

Where is the accommodation? Do I have to share rooms?

PDFs and YIs are expected to share the accommodation. On 9th March when the YIs leave, PDFs will be paired together. If you are attending the YIM with your spouse or partner, please email us at yim2017@indiabioscience.

When should I arrive, and from which date will YIM provide accommodation for me?

PDFs: You are expected to arrive on 6th March and accommodation will be provided to you at the conference venue from 12 noon (check-in time) on 6th March. If you choose to arrive earlier than this, we request you to make your own accommodation in Goa. 

YIs: You are expected to arrive on 6th March, and accommodation will be provided to you at the conference venue from 12 noon (check-in time) on 6th March.

How do I get to the venue?

We will arrange shuttles from Goa Airport to the venue. Once we have your travel times, we will assign you to a shuttle appropriately. At the airport, there will be representatives from the YIM 2017 to guide you.

What will be the temperature in Goa during the conference?

You can check www​.accuweath​er​.com for more details closer to the event. While most of the conference will be in the air-conditioned conference hall, some events will be in semi-outdoor spaces. We request you to bring appropriate clothing to keep yourself comfortable.

Are there accommodations for people with disabilities and those requiring special assistance?

If you have specific requirements, please get in touch with us so we assign you a convenient room.

Will child care be provided during the conference?

There is no child care facility at the venue.

Is there Internet/wifi access at the Venue?

The entire hotel will have complimentary Internet/​wifi access. We will provide details of the same on your arrival.

I am bringing my family with me to Goa. Where will they be accommodated?

The conference does not provide any accommodation for family members. Please let us know if you are planning to stay with your family outside the conference venue so that we can plan our room count accordingly. While we understand that in some cases you might have to travel with family and stay outside the resort, we suggest that to really benefit from the YIM you stay at the conference venue. You can email us at yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org

I am bringing my family with me to Goa. Will there be activities for them to enjoy during the conference?

YIM 2017 does not have specific activities designed for guests or family members. Family members will not be allowed to sit for the sessions at the YIM, or participate in meals. The YIM is a closed conference, by selection/​invitation only. There is plenty to see and do in Goa and surrounding areas. Contact your hotel concierge to help you plan activities and day trips during your stay for the family.

I have an allergy or specific dietary restriction. Whom should I contact?

We will do our best to accommodate your dietary needs. Please contact us by email at yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org by February 1st, 2017.

TRAVEL

Which is the closest airport?

Goa International Airport more commonly known as Dabolim Airport, is an international airport located in the city of Dabolim in Goa. The venue is about 35 kms from the airport and it takes about 45 mins to an hour to reach the venue.

By what time at the latest do I have to reach Goa?

PDFs and YIs should reach Goa on the morning of 6th March. The check in time is 12 noon and the conference will start at 2 pm.

Will there be transport arranged from Airport?

We will arrange shuttles from Goa Airport to the venue. We wil assign you to cabs/​shuttle appropriately. At the airport there will be representatives from YIM 2017 to guide you.

I am arriving on an international flight, one or more days before the event to India. What do I do?

We suggest you arrange for your own accommodation and reach Goa only on the morning of 6th March. The check-in time to the resort is 12 noon.

I am an international attendee, not a citizen of India. How do I obtain a formal invitation letter to submit with my visa application?

Please email us at yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org as well as at smita@​indiabioscience.​org at the earliest.

My visa application was denied. What should I do?

Please contact the Conference Team by email at yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org as soon as possible.

Do I need to compulsorily book on Air India?

Yes.

REIMBURSEMENT

Is financial support available?

Yes, we reimburse part of your travel, according to your attendee category at the YIM. 

Support for PDF participants: 

From the United States or Australia: maximum of USD 500 or the actual amount, whichever is the lower amount. 

From Europe: maximum of USD 300 or the actual amount, whichever is the lower amount. 

From South Asia: maximum of USD 150 or the actual amount, whichever is the lower amount. 

From India: maximum of Rs. 12000/- or the actual amount, whichever is the lower amount. 

Support for YI participants: 

From India: maximum of Rs. 12000/- or the actual amount, whichever is the lower amount. 

Support for Mentors: We will communicate by email with Mentors about travel support.

What is the mode of Reimbursement?

We will reimburse via wire transfer only. This details of your account should be provided while filling the travel details in the travel section of your dashboard online.

When I will be Reimbursed?

We shall reimburse you after the conference is over.

What supporting document I should provide for reimbursement?

It is a must to submit a physical copy of the onward journey boarding pass when you are at the venue so as to facilitate your reimbursement (we will not be able to reimburse if the boarding pass is not submitted). Prior to attending the event you will be required to fill out the travel forms and attach your ticket and signed bank details form.

I need to submit the onward boarding pass to my host institute. What do I do?

We require the original onward boarding pass and the soft copy of the return boarding pass to reimburse your travel. Please discuss this with the IndiaBioscience team at the YIM.

Whom should I contact for inquiries regarding Reimbursement?

You can mail your queries to yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org

SPONSORSHIP

I am interested in sponsorship opportunities? Whom should I contact?

If you are interested in sponsoring the YIM, please contact Smita Jain at smita@​indiabioscience.​org

I am Interested in exhibiting at the conference. Whom should I contact?

The YIM does not have stalls or exhibits. However, if you are interested in some presence at the YIM please write to Smita Jain at smita@​indiabioscience.​org

I am interested in advertising opportunities. Whom should I contact?

Please contact Smita Jain at smita@​indiabioscience.​org

GUIDELINES FOR TALKS AND POSTERS

Should I submit the abstract for the poster?

The Abstract submitted with the application is sufficient. If we think any changes have to be incorporated, we will write to you separately.

I am unable to upload a photo with my application? What should I do?

Recheck the size and format of the photo and try to upload again. Please upload good quality photos. If you have trouble email us at yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org . The photo will be used in the abstract book that forms part of the registration kit for the meeting.

What are the different forms of presentation at YIM 2017 for PDFs and YIs?

All the PDFs will present Posters and short 5 mins talks.

POSTERS: All attendees, both PDF and YI, will be required to present posters.

LIGHTNING TALKS: All PDFs will be required to present Lightning Talks. YIs are not required to present Lightning Talks.

REGULAR TALKS: 4 selected YIs will give regular talks during the meeting. Their names will be made available in the Programme in due course of time.

What are the guidelines for Poster Presentations?

All PDFs and YIs are required to present posters at the meeting. All PDFs will also be required to give short talks during the PDF meeting on the last two days. In addition, 4 YIs will be selected to give regular length talks at the YIM (these 4 will also be required to present the poster). You can check the times for poster presentations on the YIM 2017 Programme page.

SIZE: Poster size (100 cm height X 80 cm width) in portrait orientation only. 

AUDIENCE: We advise you to design your poster keeping in mind your audience — institute directors (for PDFs only) – who will judge you as a potential faculty applicant, mentors – who will give you feedback and advice and might even be collaborators, and peers (YIs and PDFs) – potential collaborators and future colleagues. Do keep in mind that this is a mixed biology meeting, and many in the audience will not be experts in your subject.

CONTENT: As in a typically academic posters we suggest you follow the Introduction, Methods, Results and Conclusion format if you are presenting a study in progress or one that is completed. You could otherwise present a proposed research direction you want feedback on, if you have a young lab. In either case, we advise you to add a short section called Future Directions” that explains the directions you want your research program or group to take in the next few years.

DESIGN: We have a good two hours on most days devoted to posters, and suggest you make your posters exciting and attractive. Here are some guides that can help you design effective posters: http://​www2​.le​.ac​.uk/​o​f​f​i​c​e​s​/​l​d​/​r​e​s​o​u​r​c​e​s​/​p​r​e​s​e​n​t​a​t​i​o​n​s​/​d​e​s​i​g​n​i​n​g​-​p​o​s​t​e​r​/​d​e​s​i​g​n​i​n​g​-​p​oster

Tips on presenting a poster: http://www.lel.ed.ac.uk/~mdowman/mikedowmanhowtogiveaposter_presentation.html

Should I get tags or pushpins for my Poster?

Pushpins, tape and tags will be provided at the venue.

When should I display my Poster?

PDF Poster session

YI Poster session

How do I identify my poster board?

All poster boards will be numbered. The number corresponds to your number in the YIM 2017 abstract book that you will be given at the YIM 2017 registration desk.

What are the guidelines for Lightning Talks?

This year all the PDF participants will be asked to present their research work in the form of Lightning Talks, each 5 minutes in length. These talks will be presented by all PDFs on Day 4 and Day 5 (please check the programme schedule for more details).

We encourage all PDFs to use the Lightning Talks as an advertisement of their research and to use the 5 minutes to attract Directors and other attendees.

PRESENTATION: Presentations will be in alphabetical order and a bell will be rung at the end of your 5 minutes. During your five minutes, present yourself and your work in an Elevator pitch style”. A concept borrowed from the business world, this is a brief, rehearsed statement that describes why someone should hire you or pay attention to your work.

Keeping in mind that there are potential employers in the audience, we suggest the following key points for an effective pitch: 1. Write down, edit and practise your pitch. Keep it concise. 2. Introduce yourself (typically name, position & affiliation). Then quickly go on to pose a question or state a research problem. 3. Describe what motivated your study, and any the unique approach or insight. 4. Remember that the pitch is the start of a discussion, and not the final word on the matter. If you must present results here keep it brief. The main aim is to give an idea about your research background/​area 5. Stay casual — the wording and delivery should be conversational. 6. These are key – your descriptions should be a high-level overview, not an unravelling of details. 7. give a brief overview about future research program. Explain exactly what is the biggest question you are going to pursue in your independent career. 

For more on Elevator Pitches, read: http://​the​p​ost​docway​.com/​c​o​n​t​e​n​t​/​e​l​e​v​a​t​o​r​-​p​i​t​c​h​e​s​-​s​c​i​e​n​t​i​s​t​s​-​w​h​a​t​-​w​h​e​n​-​w​h​e​r​e​-​a​n​d-how

REQUIRED: You are required to email your presentation to yim2017@​indiabioscience.​org latest by February 25, 2017. Please use this format for the subject line of your email: Lightning Talk FirstName LastName. Label your slide in the same manner (Lightning Talk FirstName LastName). This will greatly help us in compiling the slides prior to the event. You can send your slide as a PPT, PDF or Keynote Slide.

What are the guidelines for Regular Talks by YIs?

These talks are to be 10 minutes long with 5 minutes for interaction and questions.

The talks should be accompanied by Powerpoint/​Keynote/​PDF slides. They can be structured like regular scientific talks, with Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion sections. For advice on talks and powerpoints that accompany talks see here: http://​www​.the​-sci​en​tist​.com/​?​a​r​t​i​c​l​e​s​.​v​i​e​w​/​a​r​t​i​c​l​e​N​o​/​2​8​8​1​8​/​t​i​t​l​e​/​P​i​m​p​-​y​o​u​r​-​P​o​w​e​r​P​oint/ For more radical ideas: http://​www​.writ​ing​.engr​.psu​.edu/​s​l​i​d​e​s​.html

Your presentation has to be submitted to the organisers (IndiaBioscience team) at the registration desk on 6th March . The file can be in PPT, Keynote or PDF (recommended for stability) formats.