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Welcome! Time: September 7th, 2008 through September 10th, 2008 The aim of the meeting is to provide a venue for a discussion of the latest approaches for biodosimetry for unplanned radiation exposures in a context that also provides the essential aspects of the problems and the institutional entities that are involved in dealing with them. The overall aim and expectation is that the meeting will advance the state of biodosimetry by providing the leading workers in the field with an assessment of the state of the art by other groups, critical feedback on their approach to the problem, and enhancing synergistic further developments through cooperation and collaboration. This goal will be greatly facilitated by interacting with experts and planners at levels ranging from the overall national and international strategy for dealing with the problem to physicians who are attempting to develop the infrastructure and expertise needed to deal at a local level with the medical problems that would result from such an event. Meeting Information Goals The aim of the meeting is to provide a venue for a discussion of the latest approaches for biodosimetry for unplanned radiation exposures in a context that also provides the essential aspects of the problems and the institutional entities that are involved in dealing with them. The overall aim and expectation is that the meeting will advance the state of biodosimetry by providing the leading workers in the field with an assessment of the state of the art by other groups, critical feedback on their approach to the problem, and enhancing synergistic further developments through cooperation and collaboration. This goal will be greatly facilitated by interacting with experts and planners at levels ranging from the overall national and international strategy for dealing with the problem to physicians who are attempting to develop the infrastructure and expertise needed to deal at a local level with the medical problems that would result from such an event. This is a critical and currently unmet need in view of the potential threat of a major radiation incident instigated by terrorists. The ability to measure the radiation dose received by individuals potentially exposed in such an event is essential in order to deal effectively with the consequences of the event and to minimize its impact. There is a need to be able to triage the population rapidly into at least three classes:
There also is a high and growing need, related in part to the threat of terrorism, for accurate retrospective dosimetry of past exposures, down to the levels involved in carcinogenesis and other long term effects of ionizing radiation. Many of the biodosimetric techniques used for acute exposures also are relevant for these needs, but there are some very important differences that need to be considered. The meeting should be especially well-timed, occurring two years after the previous meeting on the subject in a field in which there has been a high level of interest, with the development of many unique and promising approaches for meeting an extremely important and unsolved problem. The high level of interest and importance is indicated by the range of national and international governmental agencies and organizations that are involved in the field and whose members have participated in the prior meeting and have made commitments to participate in this meeting. Program Presentations will include invited overviews of key aspects, panel discussions by representatives of key national and international agencies involved in the use of biodosimetry, invited keynote lectures, oral presentations selected from submitted abstracts, and poster presentations. The overall approach will be to have the initial sessions that describe needs for biodosimetry by both the agencies that are involved and the users, with the latter ranging from central coordinating developments (Coleman) to organizers at the local level (Gougelet). There will be panel presentations by the primary agencies that are involved in the development, funding, and implementation of strategies to deal with radiation exposures under scenarios where there is likely to be a need for biodosimetry (see draft program below for the names of the agencies). The representation will be international and will cover the needs for dealing with both acute events and retrospective assessments. There will be additional presentations to provide perspectives on additional needs, in particular the needs and challenges associated with combined injuries, partial body exposures, internal radiation contaminants, and the possibility of having potential mitigaters of radiation available (which are likely to be potentially toxic as well as effective, so should be directed only to the population with significant likelihood of substantial exposure. The balance of the meeting will focus on the latest scientific progress in this field, including assessments of current limitations and the potential for progress. While this will be the largest part of the meeting and will include some overviews as well as the latest research findings, the presenters will be determined after we have received the initial responses to the announcements of the meeting and also on the basis of abstracts that are submitted. This will enable us to have the most up-to-date material presented through special lectures, short oral presentations, and active poster sessions. There will be no parallel sessions; our philosophy for this meeting is that both the overviews and the detailed research reports should be of interest to most or all of the participants. The meeting will be organized to facilitate informal scientific exchanges to compliment the formal sessions. That is the primary rationale for including the meals as part of the program, for having extended breaks between some sessions, and for arranging organized social events for most evenings in venues that will facilitate informal discussions. Participants The aim is to have widespread international participation by scientists involved in all types of biodosimetry and by agencies that potentially utilize the results of biodosimetry. Special attention will be paid to secure a high level of international participation (including provisions for support for participants who otherwise might not be able to attend) and of young scientists. Organization of the meeting The meeting will be organized to facilitate discussion and personal interchanges. It will have many of the features of a Gordon Conference in which the participants have opportunities to have meals and recreation together as well as having the presentations in a setting and program that facilitates discussion. The participants will be based in a luxury hotel (the Hanover Inn) that is owned by Dartmouth and offers a very substantial discount for Dartmouth-sponsored events so that the cost per person per night for a shared room will be about $60. The conference and associated social events will be on or near the Dartmouth campus in a region that is considered to be a prime four season recreational area. The meeting is timed to occur during a period between classes that coincides with excellent weather and a respite from the usual high levels of tourism. The cost of registration for the meeting will be minimized to facilitate participation and special arrangements will be made to subsidize the participation of young scientists and scientists from regions with limited access to funds for attending meetings. It is expected that the total cost of the meeting, including registration, shared housing for 4 nights, and all meals will be less than $1,000. The organizers previously have held more than 10 international meetings at Dartmouth, which have been regarded by the participants as having outstanding opportunities for effective scientific exchanges and very pleasant social events. Key Dates
Committees President - Biodose- 2008 - Harold M. Swartz International Advisory Committee George Alexander, HHS Organizing Committee William Blakely, AFRRI Local Organizing Committee Ann Flood, Community and Family Medicine Prior Meetings The most recent meeting was help in Bethesda in July 2006. The website for that meeting is http://epr.usuhs.mil/BiodosEPR.htm. This has the program and a complete description of many aspects of the meeting. The participation was quite good (more than 140, with excellent representation of both governmental agencies and active scientists in the field) and the participants were very enthusiastic about the value of the meeting. The peer reviewed papers from the meeting have recently been published in the journal Radiation Measurements. Full Meeting History
Travel Air Travel There is a small airport in Lebanon, New Hampshire, about 7 miles from Hanover, but flights are limited to 3-4 flights/day to/from LaGuardia, NY. We suggest you consider Manchester, New Hampshire with connections through Newark, New Jersey and Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. The airport in Manchester has grown considerably and the rates are very competitive. Manchester is approximately 80 miles from Hanover, and bus service (Vermont Transit) and car rentals are available. The third option is to use Logan Airport, located in Boston, Massachusetts. This is a large, international airport which serves the majority of airlines. There is excellent bus service (Dartmouth Mini Coach, see below) and numerous car rentals are available. Once you escape the maze of streets in Boston, the drive is straightforward and goes through beautiful country. Transportation from Logan Airport (Boston, MA) to/from Hanover, NH The Dartmouth Mini Coach provides a service that transports travelers to and from Logan Airport (Boston, MA) and Hanover, New Hampshire (in front of the Hanover Inn). The cost is $35 each way or $55 round trip. It departs Logan airport at two hour intervals between 8:55 AM and 8:55 PM Reservations are not accepted and drivers will sell "cash fares" as you board the coach. You may make a credit card purchase at the South Station terminal or the Lebanon terminal. For more information on fares, locations or frequently asked questions, visit the Dartmouth Coach website or call toll-free 800-637-0123. Vermont Transit also provides some service to and from Logan airport in Boston, MA. The bus stops in White River Junction and then continues on to the Hanover Inn; on the return, the bus also stops at the Inn to collect those passengers staying in Hanover. Reservations are not accepted and drivers will sell "cash fares" as you board the coach. The phone number is 800-552-8737 or 800-451-3292. Transportation from Manchester Airport (Manchester, NH) to/from Hanover, NH Vermont Transit provides service to and from the Manchester airport in Manchester, New Hampshire. The bus stops in White River Junction and then continues on to the Hanover Inn; on the return, the bus also stops at the Inn to collect those passengers staying in Hanover. The cost is $20/one way; reservations are not accepted and drivers will sell "cash fares" as you board the coach. The phone number is 800-552-8737 or 800-451-3292 Driving Instructions From the Boston area (~2.5 hours): From Burlington, Vt. (~1.5 hours): From New York (~5 hours), southern New England and points south: Other Information Car Rentals: Accommodations Hanover Inn Main Street, Hanover, NH 03755 We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hanover Inn from Sunday, September 7- Wednesday, September 10, with a departure on Thursday, September 11th. for the conference. In order to receive the discount, all rooms must be reserved by contacting the organizers directly though email (Bio-Dose.2008@dartmouth.edu) or by phone (603-650-1784). Please indicate whether the want to share a room ($62/night) or have a private room ($124/night), and the nights for which you wish to have accomodations. The number of roooms still available is very limited, so early action is suggested. (Reservations made directly with the Hanover Inn will be charged at the regular rate of approximately $260 per room per night.) Many of these rooms are doubles with two beds and thus can be shared. The cost per room with the discount is $124/night, so a shared room would be $62/night per person. Rooms are limited and are on a first come basis. Rooms must be guaranteed for the nights for which you wish to stay. We do have a few rooms available for the night of Saturday, September 6 in case some folks wish to arrive early and for Thursday night September 11 for those who may want to stay an extra night. NOTE: The daily parking rate for parking at the Hanover Inn for guests with vehicles is approximately $17 a day. This amount is not included in the conference accommodation fee. Should you have any questions, email the conference coordinator, Dinny Carreiro, at Bio-Dose.2008@dartmouth.edu, with the subject "Accommodations Inquiry". The Hanover Inn was originally established in 1780 as a tavern located on the site of the present facility. Located on the Dartmouth Green, the Inn is just steps away from downtown Hanover's many diverse shops. Owned and operated by Dartmouth, the Inn offers guest rooms individually decorated in a Colonial motif, with a private bath, cable TV, and air conditioning. All of the rooms are computer compatible. Visit their website.
Additional Lodging Options There are other hotels in the area and you are welcome to make your own reservations directly through those hotels. Some of the hotels are: Accommodations Hanover Inn Main Street, Hanover, NH 03755 We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hanover Inn from Sunday, September 7- Wednesday, September 10, with a departure on Thursday, September 11th. for the conference. In order to receive the discount, all rooms must be reserved by completing the form below. (Reservations made directly with the Hanover Inn will be charged at the regular rate of approximately $260 per room per night. ) Many of these rooms are doubles with two beds and thus can be shared. The cost per room with the discount is $124/night, so a shared room would be $62/night per person. Rooms are limited and are on a first come basis. Rooms must be guaranteed for the nights for which you wish to stay. We do have a few rooms available for the night of Saturday, September 6 in case some folks wish to arrive early and for Thursday night September 11 for those who may want to stay an extra night. NOTE: The daily parking rate for parking at the Hanover Inn for guests with vehicles is approximately $17 a day. This amount is not included in the conference accommodation fee. Should you have any questions, email the conference coordinator, Dinny Carreiro, at Bio-Dose.2008@dartmouth.edu, with the subject "Accommodations Inquiry". The Hanover Inn was originally established in 1780 as a tavern located on the site of the present facility. Located on the Dartmouth Green, the Inn is just steps away from downtown Hanover's many diverse shops. Owned and operated by Dartmouth, the Inn offers guest rooms individually decorated in a Colonial motif, with a private bath, cable TV, and air conditioning. All of the rooms are computer compatible. Visit their website.
Additional Lodging Options There are other hotels in the area and you are welcome to make your own reservations directly through those hotels. Some of the hotels are: Accommodation Preferences Publication We have completed arrangements for publication of selected papers from the meeting in a very prestigious and widely read journal, Health Physics. Our aim is to have a special issue that will be perceived as providing state-of-field information for several years. Participants are urged to consider strongly submitting papers for the special issues that will be devoted to the meeting. A separate mailing will go out shortly with more details on the process for publication. Financial Assistance Limited financial assistance will be available for young investigators and participants from economically disadvantaged countries. The usual assistance, when granted, will be a reduced registration fee. A very limited amount of additional assistance for costs of the meeting may be available. Requests for financial assistance should be made in the form of a letter describing the financial needs and the motivation for attending the meeting. Applicants submitting abstracts will be given preference. Early application is encouraged. Please send the information to: Bio-Dose.2008@dartmouth.edu Government, Corporate & University Support Government and other Agency Participation and/or Support *National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) * providing direct financial support for the conference Corporate Support Clin-EPR University Support Dartmouth Medical School Poster Guidelines Authors of submissions that have been accepted for poster presentation will be notified by June 20 (except for late-breaking abstracts) . Posters must be available for viewing by September 8 at 10 AM and will assigned to be defended in one of three poster sessions. Use of poster pins is the preferred method to mount posters on the poster boards. Any posters not removed by 7 PM on September 10 will be discarded.. Poster Specifications: The surface area of the poster board is 4 feet high and 6 feet wide (1.2m x 1.8m). You should have a poster headline 6 inches high that runs across the top of the board up to the maximum 6-foot width of the poster. Posters widths less than 6-feet wide are acceptable. On that headline, which can be separate or integral to your poster, you should list the title, the authors, and their affiliations in letters in large type (i.e., at least 1 inch high). Posters should be readable by viewers up to five feet away. Remember that people will be looking at your poster throughout the meeting, so your results and conclusion should be clear even when you are not present to provide an oral explanation. Planning hints: Decide on three or four key points and develop your poster around them. Too much information can diminish the impact of what you present. Remember that your audience will be diverse, including many with specialties in very different fields, and that each person is likely to read at least 15-20 posters in addition to yours. What you want is to make a strong, lasting, positive impression. Too much text will hobble you in all three respects. Keep it brief and avoid abbreviations, acronyms and jargon that a nonspecialist might not understand. Move the text and figures around until you find an arrangement with pleasing internal proportions, logical flow, and visual balance. The viewer's eye should be drawn smoothly through the design of the poster, usually down columns or along rows. Size attracts attention, diverting the eye from its normal path. If necessary, you can use arrows, numbers and letters to redirect the viewer's eye and help clarify the sequence of your ideas. If you use only a few illustrations, you will probably need to make them fairly large. Make sure that the enlargement process does not make images too grainy. Poster Essentials: Goal: State a single concept, idea, question, or hypothesis that best defines your research. If your research is hypothesis driven, then clearly state the hypothesis (state hypothesis in abstract, introduction, and in conclusion). Poster has:
Title:
Color:
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Text:
Additional Options:
Abstract Submission Submission We would like all abstracts submitted for the BioDose 2008 to be uniform and ask that they be submitted in the format listed below. The Abstract Submission Deadline for Late-breaking Developments is: August 10, 2008 Required Format The Format is as follows:
Below is an example of how the abstract should look, following the guidelines listed above (each abstract will be on a separate page in the abstract book).  Acceptable File Types Please save the abstract for submission in one of the following formats (PDF format is not acceptable):
Where to Submit All abstracts must be submitted via an email attachment/enclosure. Please send abstracts electronically to: Bio-Dose.2008@dartmouth.edu Participant Registration Under Development. Welcome Back You have successfully returned to the BioDose 2008 web site from the secure PayPal web site. Please make sure that you have completed both Accommodation Preferences and Registration. Participant Registration Payment in full is required. The complete fee must be paid by August 1, 2008 to attend BioDose 2008.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT make hotel reservations at the Hanover Inn directly; we have obtained a block of rooms for the conference at the Hanover Inn at a special rate. In order to reserve rooms at the Hanover Inn, please submit your preferences on the Accommodations page. Program Schedule
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| Questions/Comments: Bio-Dose.2008@dartmouth.edu |