SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Abstracts submissions: NOW CLSOED

Abstracts are limited to 300 words and a researcher may only be the first author for one submission.

Each submitted abstract will be reviewed and scored by at least two independent reviewers who have bio-logging expertise. The abstract review process will be conducted blind, i.e. all authors’ names will be removed before the abstract is sent out for review.

Reviewers and judges apply the following three criteria to rank abstract submissions:

Originality (1 to 5)

Abstracts containing significant new findings or presenting new approaches will be given higher scores than those that describe updates, modifications to older findings, or routine applications of well-established research methods. This criterion addresses the importance of the research in terms of advancing the field of bio-logging, its originality, and its implications for future research.

Scientific quality (1 to 5)

Abstracts should demonstrate that robust and appropriate research methods were used, and include a scientifically robust study design. The outcome of the research should provide clear answers to the main research questions posed. The methods and results should be described in sufficient detail and the conclusions supported by the data. Presentations describing research into new and innovative hardware and software are welcome as long as the need or potential utility of such a device is clearly stated and some tangible results (even if preliminary) are included in the abstract.

Presentation/Writing (1 to 5)

Abstracts that are clearly written and concise will receive higher scores. This criterion addresses how well the specific research question(s) and objectives, methods used, primary results, etc are explained, rather than the quality of the study itself. A clearly written abstract follows a logical order (e.g. aims, methods, results, followed by a clear interpretation of the results and any conservation management implications).

After collation of peer reviews, abstracts will be ranked on the basis of their overall score and user presentation preferences will be accounted for. These score rankings will be used to guide allocation to available slots for spoken and poster presentations. Final invitations will consider the importance that BLS7 present a scientific program that is representative of the diverse, global bio-logging research community.