Apply to join the review panel, which assesses the conference abstract submissions. Or, become a mentor to support people who are less familiar with writing abstracts.
We are looking for expressions of interest from those who can offer their experience, expertise and time to help us review conference abstract submissions.
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 submissions showcasing innovative ideas and approaches from current and future leaders, thinkers and ‘doers’. The review process is critical in shaping a conference programme of content that will encourage debate and discussion on a national platform.
By joining the review panel, you'll have a direct say in which pieces of work get showcased. Successful abstracts will be selected for an oral presentation or display poster. They will also will be published in a supplement of BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.
In recognition of your support on the review panel, your name will appear in the conference programme.
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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.”
Reviewers are allocated a partner. Each pair will receive approximately 20 abstracts for anonymised peer review. An abstract scoring sheet is provided, along with guidance.
This activity takes place between 20 May and 21 June.
One reviewer from each pair will be asked to join the selection panel meeting for a short discussion to provide feedback on either 3 or 4 July.
If you have not been part of a review process before but are interested in being part of our panel, please contact us. We may be able to team you up with a more experienced review partner.
Please email Melanie Taylor, Head of Information Support, with the following information:
Job title
Institution
Supporting statement (max. 250 words): Please explain why you are interested in being a reviewer and why you are qualified for the role.
Confirm that you are able to commit the necessary time to ensure all duties are performed within the timeline.
Please indicate whether or not you have been involved with an abstract review process before.
The closing date for applications is 22 March.
You’ll hear back from us on or soon after 24 March.
Getting involved as a mentor
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Hospice UK’s call for papers 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. This will 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 Hospice UK requirements for abstract writing or on points relating to clarity of writing, data presentation and similar. You will not be required to advise on research methods or analysis, nor correct grammar or spelling.
The call for papers opens on 26 March and closes on 14 May. The busiest period 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 7 May.
Eligibility
To participate in this programme, mentors are required to have presented at least three abstracts (either orally or as a poster) at national or international conferences. Mentors must also have authored or 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 Hodson, Head of Information Support. Please be sure to include details of your publications and presentations.
