Abstract submission is now closed.

The 2012 International Data Linkage Conference: Advancing knowledge for better health outcomes and social policy, invites submission of abstracts on original work for consideration for oral presentations and posters. We welcome submissions on any topic or theme that contributes to knowledge on any aspect of creating or using linked data for policy, planning or research. However, preference will be given to abstracts addressing the conference themes:

Theme 1: Advances and new initiatives

What is new in data linkage? What new techniques have been developed and trialled in the areas of linkage, data delivery and analysis of data? Educational and professional development resources. What new large-scale population health studies are enabled by the use of linked data?

Theme 2: Methodological challenges

What challenges are faced in improving the quality of data and linkage methods? What information and resources are used? What is the role of data quality and methods assessment? New analytical methods for data linkage research.

Theme 3: Improving knowledge, policy and practice

This theme will include information that demonstrates the range of research benefits for government, academic and community organizations that result from data linkage. How have data linkage outputs facilitated change and improvements?

Theme 4: Privacy, security, governance and custodianship

What privacy and other legislative considerations must be undertaken in the conduct of data linkage? What governance structures are in place for data linkage activities? What policies, protocols and guidelines are applied and how are they monitored? What level of approval is involved? Who owns the data? Best practices for data governance and how these apply to the handling of personal information for data linkage. How custodianship shapes the management, control and integrity of information for data linkage?

Theme 5: Ethical and community considerations

What ethical issues are involved or have emerged with data linkage? Who should decide what is in the public interest? What role should the community and consumers have in data linkage research and its governance?

The conference will bring together a wide range of exciting leading international speakers, researchers, data linkers, practitioners, policymakers and consumers to discuss and exchange ideas relating to the full spectrum of utilising data linkage to advance knowledge for better health and social outcomes. It promises to be an exciting, participative and informative event for all those involved with any aspect of data linkage, and we look forward to seeing you in Perth in May 2012.

Key dates

• Abstract submission opens: Monday 3 October 2011
• Abstract submission closes: Monday 5 December 2011 (5pm Australian Western Standard Time)
• Abstract acceptance emailed: February 2012

Abstracts received after the closing date will not be accepted.

Application process

To be selected for a presentation or poster you are required to submit an application via the conference abstract submission web portal. Faxed, emailed or hard copy submissions will not be accepted.

All presenters must register to attend the conference and acceptance of abstracts into the program is contingent upon payment of registration.

Submission of abstracts implies the presenting author’s agreement to publish the abstract in the final conference program and any other publications associated with the congress including the web site.

Abstract guidelines

Please read the guidelines below carefully as abstracts not submitted in this format may be considered ineligible for review. A template is available below. If you have any questions about the abstract format or submission process, please contact the Conference Organiser.

• Abstracts should be a maximum of 250 words.
• Abstracts should be single-spaced with a separate line between paragraphs.
• Abstracts should be submitted in 12pt Times New Roman font
• The presenting author’s name should be asterisked and all author affiliations should be included.
• Abstracts must be in English and free of typographical and grammatical errors.
• Standard abbreviations may be used for common terms only. For uncommon terms, the abbreviations should be given in brackets after the first full use of the term.

Prizes

Student prizes

Two student prizes will be awarded by the conference organisers; one for the best oral podium presentation and one for the best poster. To be eligible for these awards applicants should be currently enrolled full-time or part-time in a post-graduate research degree.

Early career researcher prizes

Nominations are also available for two early career researchers prizes; one for the best oral podium presentation and one for the best poster. To be considered eligible for these awards applicants should be within five years of completion of their PhD (defined as the time from which the applicant’s degree was conferred by their university).

Nominees must attend the conference and be the presenting author for the submitted abstract. Applicants must indicate their desire to be considered for these prizes, by ticking the appropriate checkbox when submitting an abstract through the conference online abstract submission portal. Abstracts nominated for these prizes will be reviewed and shortlisted by the conference Scientific Committee. Shortlisted abstracts will then be assessed by a convened judging panel during the conference with prizes announced at the end of the conference.

Links

Download a template for the submission of abstracts (25kb Microsoft Word file)