Virtual event FAQs

We look forward to welcoming you to the virtual 45th FEBS Congress!

The image above is a mockup of the landing page of the virtual platform to give you a sneak peek. You can find out some more about the current arrangements for the virtual event in the FAQs below, and more details will be available as the event approaches.

FAQs

Will my abstract still appear in FEBS Open Bio?

If you submit your abstract by March 11, 2021 with a paid registration and your abstract meets the standards for acceptance to the event it will indeed appear in the online FEBS Open Bio Congress supplement as normal. Abstract outcome letters following abstract review are due in early April.

How will I present my poster?

You will be able to upload your poster to the virtual platform as a pdf, and if you wish you can also take an exciting new opportunity to upload a poster teaser (video) introducing it – we will post more details about this in due course. Your abstract will also appear on the virtual platform. Other participants at the event will be able to message you privately about your poster/video, and during the poster session there will be a group chat and video connection possible that will allow you to discuss live with people interested to talk to you about your work. 

Can my abstract still be selected for a short talk or a speed talk?

Yes! We are keen for delegates to have this opportunity and it showcases wider and recent findings at the event for all participants. Abstracts submitted by March 11, 2021 can be selected for short talks in each Symposium (after the invited speaker talks already in the program) or as speed talks in the speed talk sessions.

Will there be a late-breaking abstract submission phase for the virtual event?

We plan to open this after the review of abstracts submitted by March 11, 2021. Late abstract submitters will also be able to present posters and a poster teaser (video) on the virtual platform (but note, due to their later arrival, these abstracts do not go into the FEBS Open Bio Congress supplement and are not considered for the brief oral presentations).

What about the ‘Congress app’ mentioned previously on the Call for Abstracts page and abstract submission form?

The functions of the mobile Congress app for hosting the program and abstracts alongside the physical event will now be taken over by the more extensive virtual event platform, available only to registered participants.  

How will I follow the program?

The virtual platform will present an interactive searchable program including links to the relevant sessions (both live and on-demand). The program can be filtered on multiple criteria and searched. You will also be able to create your own customized meeting agenda.  

How will I be able to ask speakers questions about their talks?

There will be live Q&As after talks with the Chairperson moderating questions submitted by the audience. You can submit questions during the session in text form or promote questions submitted by other delegates. Interestingly, this provides a wider opportunity for the audience to contribute questions than at a physical event and we encourage you to play an active part. 

How will I connect with others at the event?

Aside from finding relevant people through searches on topics and by browsing abstract titles, each participant will be able to create a profile on the virtual platform with a short bio and select some research interest tags to assist delegates working in similar areas to find each other. Initiating an individual or group chat or video call is possible from anywhere within the virtual platform.  

What is happening to the exhibition?

An attractive part of the virtual platform is 3D exhibition booths allowing our sponsors to present various aspects of their work. You can also connect with the company representatives via chat or video call. Our sponsors bring essential financial support for the delivery of the event, as well as extra interest to delegates beyond the scientific program with information on their latest products and services.

What about the registration fee?

Developing and holding a large international Congress is a considerable undertaking involving various partners. Work for the 45th FEBS Congress began in 2017 and there are many sunk costs from the preparations; in addition, a professional virtual conference platform is a significant additional cost.

Nevertheless, FEBS is recognizing that some aspects of a virtual event are not the same as at a physical meeting, and so is offering participants who already registered to the event a FEBS Goodwill Grant of €250 for ‘Academic’ registrations or €125 for ‘Young Scientist’ registrations not receiving a FEBS bursary. More details about FEBS Goodwill Grants are given in the lower half of the Registration page. 

In addition, FEBS is offering support in the Congress budget for new registrations to the 45th FEBS Congress, so these can be at lower rates for the virtual event, as shown at the top of the Registration page.

Are FEBS Congress bursaries still available?

Yes! FEBS bursary applications will be assessed alongside the abstract review process, and those selected for FEBS bursaries will have their full registration fee reimbursed by the FEBS Treasury after their participation in the event. See the FEBS bursary page for more details including eligibility criteria. The application deadline is March 11, 2021.

Is the 2021 FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum going ahead?

The 2021 FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum that was planned to take place in Croatia just before the Congress will also have a virtual format now. It is moving to earlier dates with a revised program to better fit its online nature and to complement the ensuing virtual Congress experience. Selection for the YSF was already completed last year and participants will be contacted separately with more details.  

What’s special in general about virtual events?

The pros and cons of physical and virtual events have been much debated in the scientific literature and other forums in recent years, but particularly since the coronavirus pandemic. While we are sorry to miss aspects of the physical FEBS Congress this year, and it is the coronavirus pandemic that has forced the change in format, among the positive benefits of virtual conversion are the reduced negative environmental impact of a large international meeting, the saving of travel and accommodation costs for delegates, increased accessibility and inclusivity for people who would be unable to travel, and greater access to content. You can also now attend FEBS 2021 plenary lectures in your pyjamas if you wish!