The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases

MISSION STATEMENT

The Office of Minority Health Research Coordination of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has established a communication network of current and potential biomedical research investigators and technical personnel interested in minority health research, including individuals from traditionally under-served communities: African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islanders. The major objective of the network is to encourage and facilitate participation of members of underrepresented population groups and others interested in minority health in the conduct of biomedical research in the fields of diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism, digestive diseases, nutrition, kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases. A second objective is to encourage and enhance the potential of the investigators in choosing a biomedical research career in these fields. An important component of this network is promotion of two-way communications between network members and the NIDDK.

Through the NMRI, NIDDK will elicit recommendations for strategies to enhance the opportunities and implement mechanisms for support of underrepresented population groups and others in biomedical research. The NMRI will advance scientific knowledge and contribute to the reduction and eventual elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities.

TRAVEL AWARDS

NMRI is committed to supporting its current members and encouraging new membership, but due to fiscal constraints we are forced to limit the Travel awards for this year. In order to support the Network of Minority Health Research Investigators’ (NMRI) mission to increase and encourage the participation of greater number of young, vibrant and energetic NMRI members we have chosen to broaden our horizon to include more members by limiting the travel support to attend the NMRI National Conference to $600 / eligible member. Awards will be given with priority to those that (1) have never participated in a NMRI meeting, (2) are junior faculty up to the Assistant Professor level and (3) are presenters of an abstract at the NMRI poster session.

We likewise value the important contribution of our Senior Members. To this end, Senior Members who mentor a NMRI member and Senior Members at the Professor level will receive full Travel Awards. However any member who is able to obtain funds from their institution to assist with travel expenses should email Ms. Winnie Martinez. This will provide opportunities for other junior members to attend.

We realize this may be a tremendous burden for some, especially to our Junior Faculty members but we feel strongly that NMRI is only as good as its membership and would encourage all to continue to participate in the National conference, a meeting that many of us consider is of great academic and unsurpassed personal value.

1. The abstract should be typed single-spaced to fit on one page using type no smaller than 10 point (12 cpi).  The abstract’s title should be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS and should clearly represent the nature of the investigation.  The title should be followed in lowercase letters by the author’s first and last names, degree, affiliation (if applicable), city, state, and country.  Underline the primary author’s name (one primary author per abstract).  Leave one blank line between the title and the body of the abstract, and between paragraphs.  Do not indent paragraphs.  The abstract file should be saved as:  primary author’s last name_first word in the title (e.g., Zucker_Effects).
2. Please ensure that your abstract is no more than one page in length.  Set the margins to the following using Microsoft Word:  Top 1"; Bottom 1"; Left 1.25"; Right 1".
3. Use of standard abbreviations is desirable (e.g., RBC).  Use kg, gm, mg, mL, L, and %.  Place a special or unusual abbreviation in parentheses after the full word the first time that it appears.  Use numerals to indicate numbers except to begin sentences.  Do not use subtitles (e.g., Methods, Results).
4. Simple tables or graphs may be included; however, they must fit within the designated abstract space.
5. Please use a common font such as Helvetica, Times New Roman, or Arial.
6. Your abstract must conform to the above guidelines, as incorrect formatting could result in disqualification.

Body of the Abstract

• Organize the body of the abstract as follows:
  • Statement of the purpose of the study/program/project;
  • Statement of the methods used;
  • Summary of the results presented in sufficient detail to support the conclusion;
  • Statement of the conclusions reached.
  Poster Presentations

Poster Presentations will be displayed on 4-foot-high by 6-foot-wide posterboards.  Pushpins and velcro will be provided.  All presenters must register for the workshop.

LOCATION

Bethesda Marriott Hotel
5151 Pooks Hill Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
P: (301) 897-9400 or (800) 228-9290
F: (301) 897-0192

Website: http://www.bethesdamarriott.com  (More hotel information can be obtained from this website.)

ACCOMMODATIONS

A limited number of sleeping rooms for conference participants has been reserved at the host hotel, Bethesda Marriott Hotel. The rate is the prevailing government rate of $224 per night plus tax (13%). To reserve a hotel room, call reservations at the above-listed number and be sure to identify yourself as a member of the NIDDK NMRI Workshop to receive the group rate or book online at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/nmri  The room block will be in effect at the government rate only until Wednesday, March 27, 2013, or until full, whichever comes first. Any room reservations received after that date will be accepted on a space- and rate-availability basis. Reservations should be made for arrival on April 17 with departure on April 19. If you require alternate dates, please send an email to John Hare at jhare@scgcorp.com. Any alternate date requests will need to be approved through NIDDK.

Please be certain that the hotel provides you with a confirmation number for your reservation. After March 27, 2013, the official room block will be released, and the hotel may charge significantly higher rates and may be sold out. When making a reservation, please provide your room and bedding preferences. The hotel will assign specific room types at check-in, based on availability. Please be advised that requests are not guaranteed. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m., and check-out time is 12:00 p.m. If you need to cancel your reservation, please do so by 4:00 p.m. the day prior to arrival or you will be charged a no-show fee for 1 night on your credit card.

BOX LUNCH AND DINNER

On the first day of the workshop, we will have a networking luncheon. If you wish to participate in the meal portion, you may download the form (PDF, 122 KB) and provide it along with method of payment to the meeting registration desk by 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

Additionally, if you wish to participate in the meal for the dinner presentation on Thursday, you may download that form (PDF, 75 KB) and provide it along with method of payment to the meeting registration desk by 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning as well.

Payments for both meals will be made directly to the hotel, either by cash, credit card, or a direct room charge.

When making your travel arrangements please know that per federal travel regulations, you can only be reimbursed for a coach class, non-refundable ticket, purchased with advance purchase of at least 14 day. Tickets purchased within 14 days of travel or first class/business class travel need prior NIDDK approval and will be subject to approval by the NIDDK Administrative Officer and may not be reimbursed without proper documentation and justification.

REGISTRATION

Click to Register

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