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IEEE UFFC Announcement regarding the developing situation with COVID-19 and all UFFC events

March 13, 2020 | Contributed By - Paul Reynolds, President IEEE UFFC-S
5 years ago
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Dear Colleagues,

This communication is intended to provide clarity regarding planned UFFC events in light of the challenges facing our members worldwide as a result of the new pandemic coronavirus.

We would like to take the opportunity to issue reassurance that the governing factor underpinning all UFFC decisions is the health and safety of our members and the general public. This will remain our primary concern as the global situation evolves and we continue to be vigilant of any advisory notices and their updates.

Conferences

Our 2020 conferences are scheduled for July (ISAF/IFCS) and September (IUS). At this time we do not plan to cancel our conferences, but are preparing for significant, and potentially complete, remote participation. We encourage all authors to continue with their plans to attend by submitting abstracts and confirming registrations. However, we recognize that as events unfold researchers may face challenges and we are ready to manage the implications of COVID-19 related issues. In particular, we want to offer reassurance regarding three key potential concerns:

  • Limitations to travel and difficulties obtaining visas – We aim to mitigate the impact of those disadvantaged by COVID-19 related issues by finding alternative means of participation. Wherever practical remote attendance and remote oral or poster presentation will be offered, at a reduced rate from in-person attendance. Those who are uncertain about participation, but require a visa to attend, should submit their abstract by the due date so supporting letters can be issued in a timely manner.
     
  • Registration fee – Any registered delegate who is unable to travel to our conferences as a direct result of COVID-19 will receive a full refund up until the first day of the conference. Any cancellation of the conference will result in a full registration refund.
     
  • Limitation on research output – We understand that in some cases COVID-19 management measures may impact on lab time and therefore research outputs, which could lead to missing data at the time of the abstract submission or presentation. Please be reassured that we are ready to acknowledge this and you should not be deterred from sharing the work you have undertaken, this will be accounted for in the abstract review process, and we welcome speculative or review papers. Withdrawal due to such situations will not be penalized.

Special Topic Schools

Based on current travel advice we have chosen to postpone all of the Ultrasonics special topic schools and plan to reschedule these to take place later in the year. At the time of writing, the Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control special topic schools are planned to go ahead but we are constantly monitoring the situation. Interested parties are advised to check our website regularly for updates.

As we are all aware this is a constantly evolving situation and therefore subject to review. If you have any specific questions or concerns relating to conferences or special topic schools in the context of COVID-19, please direct your enquiry to our dedicated inbox at (Click to show email)

We thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.

Paul Reynolds