Are you...

• a Master’s or PhD student, or in your first 3 years of Postdoctoral research?
• enthusiastic about a career in Human Genetics?
• looking for an opportunity to interact with young researchers from across the continent?

Then join us as we explore the possibilities for genetic research in Africa at the 2011 AfSHG/SASHG Young Researchers’ Forum.

About the YRF
This year’s AfSHG/SASHG Congress has even more to offer young scientists than ever before! For the first time, the brightest young minds in genetics from all over Africa will gather to present their work to an audience of their peers, at the inaugural 2011 Young Researchers’ Forum.

Based on similar international initiatives, the YRF seeks to foster stronger links between students at institutions across the continent, allowing them the opportunity to present and evaluate research, explore the possibility of collaborations and career opportunities, and learn from senior scientists, who will be invited to share their experiences of the research journey.

The Forum will take the form of a “mini-conference”, and will include 4 sessions of oral presentations, a poster session, several invited talks, information on career development, and a social event, to allow students to meet each other and to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Cape Town.

Important information
The YRF is open to Masters’ and PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows in their first 3 years of study ONLY.  Research may be in any field related to Human Genetics – from rare disorders to genetic counselling – the YRF is not limited to specific themes.

Please note that students will not be able to apply to attend the Young Researchers’ Forum directly.  To register or submit an abstract for the YRF, applicants will need to complete the relevant forms for the main conference, and indicate that they would like to attend the YRF.  Selection of abstracts for either oral or poster presentations will be made by the AfSHG/SASHG Scientific Organising Committee, and successful applicants will be notified in due course.

Dates to diarise
The YRF will take place on Saturday 5 March 2011 (the day before the start of the main conference) at the University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences (Observatory, Cape Town)

Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 September 2010 (via the main conference online submission form)

Early Registration Deadline: 20 September 2010

Late Registration Deadline: 28 February 2011

*(Please indicate on your registration form that you would like to attend the YRF)*

Stay in touch
For more details, please contact Aisha (aisha-bibi.pandor@uct.ac.za) or Lauren (lauren.watson@uct.ac.za).

Updates on the YRF will be posted on the AfSHG/SASHG Conference website, as well as on our Facebook group page and via email – keep a look out for the latest news!