Abstract submission deadline is February 12. A maximum of 60 submissions will be accepted. Confirmed poster presenters will be notified by February 14.
Your ARM 2025 poster abstract must be formatted following the instructions below. Incorrectly formatted abstracts will not be accepted.
How to prepare your ARM2025 poster abstract
Provide the following information in this order (see below for example):
- Presenting Author: Your last name, first name
- Presenting author’s affiliation: ICORD lab name (your PI/Supervisor), Institution (UBC, SFU, UVic, BCIT, etc)
- Category: Undergrad, Masters, PhD, Postdoc, or Staff
- Poster title: in sentence case (capitalize the first word and proper nouns only)
- Other authors list: Lastname A (Dept/Inst), Lastname B (Dept/Inst), etc.
- No full first names
- No periods after initials
- Affiliation in brackets after each name (Department/Institution).
- Scientific abstract: maximum 250 words. Subheadings are optional. Briefly include background, purpose/objective, methods, results, and conclusions with implications and future work.
- Lay abstract: maximum 100 words. Use simple language a non-scientist can understand. Your lay abstract will be printed and posted next to your poster.
See sample abstract below.
Trainee talks at the ARM
Undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs: would you like to be considered to present a 3-minute talk at the ARM? Please indicate this on the abstract submission form. Presenters will be selected by the ICORD Trainee Committee, based on:
- research relevance and novelty
- clarity and engagement of plain language summary
Postdocs: would you like to be considered to present a 10-minute talk at the ARM? Please indicate this on the abstract submission form. Presenters will be selected by the ICORD Trainee Committee, based on:
- research relevance and novelty
- significance of research findings
- clarity and engagement of plain language summary
Poster prizes
All presenters can request to be considered for the new $500 Translational Research Award.
Translational Research Award eligibility:
- Open to any undergraduate or graduate student, postdoc, or staff member presenting translational research, whose abstract is selected for poster presentation at the ARM
- Abstract must describe research findings that traverse at least 2 of the stages of research translation (see What is Translational Research)
Application details:
- Indicate on your poster abstract submission if you want to be considered for this additional award.
- Applications will be ranked by two independent assessors, based on originality, translational potential, and impact.
- The top ten abstracts will be adjudicated during the poster session(s)
Poster judging criteria
The top three posters in each category will receive prizes ($750, $500, $250)
1. Relevance + Originality – 5 points
- Research question is relevant to ICORD’s mission.
- Research question is original
2. Methods, Results, Conclusions – 10 points
- Objectives are clearly stated
- Methods are adequately and clearly described
- Study design is appropriate for the research question
- Results are clearly presented in sufficient detail
- Statistical methods are used appropriately, with valid analysis and interpretation
- Data support and justify the conclusions
3. Presentation – 10 points
- Author describes the research project succinctly and clearly within 3-minute allowance
- Author is able to answer and discuss the adjudicator’s questions
4. Design + layout – 5 points
- Information is effectively organized and easy to understand
- Colours are used effectively and text is easily readable
- ICORD logo and acknowledgement are included
5. Plain Language Summary (Adjudicated by a person with lived experience of SCI) – 10 points
- Purpose and importance of the work is clearly stated
- Easy to understand with appropriate language use
If you have any questions, please contact admin@icord.org or call 604-675-8844.
Submit your abstract using the form below.
Maximum poster dimensions: 120 cm tall, 160 cm wide
Sample Abstract + Plain Language Summary:
Presenting author: Byrne, Olive
Presenting author’s affiliation: Kent Lab, ICORD/UBC
Poster category: PhD
Poster title: Bio-optical integration in marine predators: laser-induced photonic enhancement in Carcharodon carcharias
Other authors: Candy E (ICORD/UBC), Prince D (Electrical Engineering/SFU), Kent C (ICORD/UBC)
Scientific abstract:
In recent years, advancements in bio-optical integration have led to innovative approaches in the study of marine predators. This research focuses on the application of laser technology to enhance the predatory capabilities of sharks. Specifically, we investigate the effects of laser-induced photonic stimulation on shark behavior and performance.
Through a series of controlled experiments, we employed specially designed laser devices attached to shark dorsal fins, allowing for precise targeting of photonic stimuli. The study involved a diverse group of shark species, including the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), hammerhead shark (Sphyrnidae), and blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). Behavioral responses, hunting success rates, and swimming performance were closely monitored and compared with control groups.
Preliminary results indicate a significant improvement in the hunting efficiency of laser-stimulated sharks, with a notable increase in successful prey captures. The enhanced predatory capabilities were observed across different species, suggesting a universal applicability of the laser-induced photonic stimulation technique. Furthermore, the study revealed alterations in swimming patterns, indicating a potential influence on overall locomotor performance.
This research contributes to our understanding of bio-optical interactions in marine ecosystems and presents a novel avenue for exploring the integration of technology with natural predatory behaviors. The findings have implications for shark conservation, underwater exploration, and the broader field of bio-inspired engineering. Further investigations are warranted to refine the technology, assess long-term ecological impacts, and unlock the full potential of laser-induced photonic enhancement in marine predators.
Plain Language Summary
Ever wondered what happens when sharks get a sci-fi upgrade? We did! In this experiment, we slapped lasers on sharks – and guess what? They became ocean rockstars! Our laser-enhanced sharks proved to be top-notch predators, zapping prey with style and boosting their swimming swagger. It’s like Shark Week meets a futuristic rave! But we’re not just having a marine party. We’re also checking if the lasers interfere with shark brains and making sure the ocean stays cool, because even laser sharks need to be eco-friendly.
