Abstract Format and Content :

The purpose of an abstract is to summarise, clearly and concisely what you will present on at the conference. A good abstract tells us why the original research or programme adds value to the conference, meets a conference theme and ongoing dialogue in the field. It is the only information a reviewer will have about your work so it must provide enough information to stand on its own.

Abstract length is up to 350 words with a working title of up to 10 words.

The abstract should be as informative as possible and include a problem statement (why your project is important and the problem it addresses); how you addressed the problem (the methods used); the results, and finally, the ‘so what’ – the impact of your findings for the field.  

Try to make your abstract enticing, using plain language. Succinctly outline why the study is important, how you did your study, your findings, why the reviewer should care about your study, and how it is important for the field. 

See tips on how to write a good conference abstract here.

Research Presentation:

A research presentation is an abbreviated version of your research project. You can either be awarded a plenary or parallel presentation on the conference programme. 

Guidelines for research presentations:

• Presentation length. Times for presentations can range from 10-15 minutes, followed by 5-10 minutes of Q&A. Your time will depend on the number of presentations in your panel and the time allocated for the panel ie some panels are 1.5 hours and others are 2 hours long.
• Number of slides. If your presentation is supposed to be 10-15 minutes long, it will be impossible to get through 35 slides. Make sure you time your presentation in advance – there is nothing worse than one presenter taking time from another.
• Font size. Make sure your slides are readable. 28pt and up is recommended.
• Your audience. SVRI Forum is home to researchers, practitioners, programme managers, policy-makers, funders, survivors – all of us have the power to use the findings presented at Forum to advance and strengthen our work. All presenters, where possible should avoid over-use of technical jargon and if necessary provide a description of concepts either at the end of their presentation or offer to discuss issues/concepts with delegates during the break.
• So what? We do this work because we want to create a kinder world, please make sure you detail how your work is relevant to changing policy, improving research, serving survivors etc.
• Secondary trauma. We work in the field of trauma and many of us are survivors. Carefully consider the types of photos/images you use in your presentation. Avoid the use of images that may trigger vicarious trauma among delegates.

Programme or Intervention Presentation:

We are also interested in abstracts on innovative programme development, adaptation, and scale-up efforts.  A programme abstract should present the essential elements of your programme/scale-up efforts and detail its relevance to the Forum. It should outline the kind of project you implemented and/or the process you followed to implement the project, and any evaluation undertaken. 

You should also note any theoretical framework or methodological assumptions. For programmes, include a description of the programme (aim, training, facilitators, delivery, length, etc.); any evaluation done and efforts made with scale-up (if any), and what you have learned so far. 

Programme presentations provide programme/research partnerships an opportunity to showcase both the research and aspects of the programme interactively with the audience. 

Guidelines for programme presentations:

• Presentation length. You have about 10 – 12 minutes to share information on your programme, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A.
• Interaction and engagement. Programme content panels are meant to be interactive experiences where you have an opportunity to share a component of your programme with your audience. Think about the best way to share your programme in an engaging and interactive way.
• Evidence-based. When introducing your programme, briefly detail the evidence that underscores your programme e.g. the effects were tested through an RCT, and provide the key findings in one slide.
• Content. Think about what your audience needs to know about your programme, e.g. what is it trying to change, who is it for, what is the length, who facilitates/delivers the programme, how are they selected, how are they trained, and by whom, how are facilitators managed and mentored, has it work anywhere else, and what is the content and share some exercises with the audience.
• Use of slides. Try keep the use of slides to a minimum and focus on sharing how the programme works in practice. Avoid using photos/images which may trigger vicarious trauma among delegates (see guidelines for research presentations).

Practice-based Knowledge Presentation:

Practice-based evidence can be defined as the systematic collection of practitioner-reported measures, experiences, reflections and observations associated with the development and delivery of a particular VAW and / or VAC response or prevention programme in real life settings, often over long periods of time.

Presentations will follow a similar format to the programme and intervention presentations.

See an example of a Practice-Based Knowledge Abstract.

 Five-Minute Presentation:

The Five-Minute Presentation (FMP) forms part of the main conference programme and is a concise, well-prepared 4-minute description of your research or programme.  These presentations are all about telling a story, which is why this format has become hugely popular at the SVRI Forum.

Guidelines for Five-Minute Presentations:

• Presentation length. You have 5 minutes to present your work, with no time for Q&A. During FMP panels, up to 15+ presentations will be delivered over 1.5 hours.
• Slides and visuals. You are limited to only one slide/image during your FMP. Think carefully about what you want to show. We suggest you show one image/words / visual that identifies your research/programme e.g. a picture of your beneficiaries; your curriculum; a key question you are trying to answer with your work.
• Send in your image/slide. Even though you only have one slide, you must still send it to the Forum organisers in advance of the Forum. Make sure you label it correctly, so we can match the file to you and your presentation time slot.
• Supporting materials. We will provide a table at the back of the room to share briefs, brochures on your work. At the end of your presentation let people know about your materials so they can read more about what you are doing.
• Practice. FMPs, although short, can be powerful ways to share your work. Make sure you practice your pitch, that it is only four minutes long, and that you don’t sound rehearsed. Practice really helps with those nerves as well.
• Timing. You really do only have 5 minutes. Your Chair will stop you after 5 minutes to ensure you do not cut into other presenter’s time. Make sure you practice – we can’t say this enough.

Examples of SVRI Forum FMPs:

Khat use is linked to Intimate Partner Violence
S. Papaefstathiou, V. Sharma, S. Tewolde, Negussie Deyessa, B. Relyea, J. Scott

The effect of play based intervention on depression status of public school children: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Shireen Shehzad Bhamani, N. Asad, R. Karmaliani, J. McFarlane, Y. Somani, H.A. Maqbool, E.D Chirwa, R. Jewkes

How to submit your abstract:

The SVRI uses Oxford Abstracts as our system to manage abstract submissions. When submitting your abstract, you will be asked to create a profile. This is a simple process and you will be able to access your profile at any time. Please note that only incomplete abstracts will be editable. Complete abstracts submitted will not be editable but if you require changes please write to us at forums@svri.org. Abstracts are accepted in English, Spanish and French.

Please note

Submission of an abstract is on the understanding that author(s) of accepted abstracts will register for the full conference. Authors will be required to confirm their acceptance of presentation and register with full payment. SVRI will communicate all important dates. Kindly sign up to the Forum 2022 newsletter for updates.

Submissions of more than one abstract from an individual and/or group of authors is welcome. However, in the interests of achieving an inclusiveness of presenters and a broad and balanced program, it is necessary that for each accepted abstract one author / presenter is registered.

Email us at forums@svri.org for more information.