ISUF2021 and Covid-19
Organising a conference at the time of a global pandemic is a challenge that few of us would have contemplated a few years ago. We are immensely thankful to the staff of ISUF Salt Lake City for maintaining their commitment to this current event and delivering the event they had promised many months ago, which we all looked forward to so much, to be with friends, colleagues and most of all to talk about what gives us passion.
As Organising Committee of ISUF2021 in Glasgow, we find ourselves, to some degree, in a similar position: on one side, our event is relatively far in time to allow some degree of optimism and imagine being able to travel again, and be in the position to welcome you all in Glasgow in person. On the other, the effects of travel bans and the uncertainties of a virus still circulating globally deserve all our attention. Moreover, consequences on Universities are visible, with travel budgets being revised and reduced considerably as we speak.
We understand that for many of you the format is an important factor in deciding whether or not to submit an abstract to start with. For this reason, we have come to the decision that, however things are going to unfold in the future, we will guarantee to all participants a full online attendance. If this will be the only option, or if we will be able to also have an in-person event, we will understand further on in the process. In any case, we aim to take a final decision on this matter by 30th November 2020 at the very latest, and at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline for abstracts submission.
But to proceed along these lines, we need your help. On the 4th September 2020 we will run an initial survey of intentions, in regard to your ‘favourite under the circumstances’ mode of attendance. Then, we will ask you to go back to your Institutions, and check what the forecast plans or policies for travel budgets for the new year might be, and fill a second part of the survey closing on 31st October 2020. Together these two sets of information will help us take a sensible, safe and satisfactory final decision.
We thank you in advance for your collaboration.
The Organising Committee of ISUF2021