1. Are there differences between the in-person and virtual conference?

Yes, there are several key differences between the in-person (physical) and virtual conference (online event). Here are some of the most notable difference: 

a. Conference date:

• Virtual: June 29, 2024 (EST)
• In-peson: June 8, 2024 (at the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan)

 
b. Conference format:

• Virtual: Attendees join and give presentations remotely from their own devices and locations.
• In-person: Attendees physically travel to Tokyo, Japan to participate/give presentations.

 
c. Networking Opportunities:

• Virtual: online platforms which may lack the personal touch of in-person networking.
• In-person: Offers face-to-face interactions and networking opportunities with other attendees, presenters.

2. What happens at the in-person and virtual conference?

a. In-person Conference:

• Check-In: Attendees check in at the registration desk, receive their badges, conference materials, schedules and pick up their goodie bag.
• Opening Session: The conference typically kicks off with an opening session featuring welcoming remarks, and keynote speeches.
• Presentation Sessions: Accepted papers will be presented, and authors will engage in discussions with the audience during the conference. There's typically a Q&A or discussion period where attendees can interact with presenters, and ask questions.
• Networking: In-person conferences offer opportunities for networking. This can include breaks, lunch, group photos, and other conference activities, allowing participants to connect with each other and speakers. Specifically, workshops are led by teaching fellows, including medical and dental students from Columbia VP&S, as well as undergraduates from Stanford and Dartmouth.
•  Closing Session: The conference concludes with a closing session, where organizers summarize key takeaways, and make announcements about best presentation awards and future events.

b. Virtual Conference:
It is similar to the in-person conference; however, attendees/speakers participate from their own devices and locations, accessing the conference through a virtual conference platform (Zoom).

3. How can I register for the in-person and virtual conference?

All presenters must register to attend the in-person or virtual conference.​ Guests attending the in-person conference also need to register. Here is the registration LINK

4. Is there a conference program available?

The conference program (agenda) will be sent to all registered participants and will also be available on the conference website after the deadline of registration.

5. Are there any requirements or instructions for speakers?

For the virtual conference (June 29, 2024):

• All authors need to submit a 12-minute pre-recorded presentation and presentation file by June 1 , 2024 ​(EST). The presentation will be published on the conference website on the conference date to encourage audience participation and discussion. Link for submission of recorded video.
• Live presentation on the conference date is 12 minutes, followed by 3 minutes for Q&A. 
• Please Install and update Zoom for the latest version in advance since Zoom is used for the virtual conference (https://zoom.us/download)

●     We kindly ask you to be on Zoom 15 minutes before the start of your block to check internet connection and other technical tests.

For the in-person conference (June 8, 2024):

• Each presentation is 12 minutes in length, followed by 3 minutes for Q&A
• Please submit your final presentation file to the conference via the provided  Link by June 1, 2024. A laptop will be available in all rooms, so using your own laptop is not necessary and may cause technical difficulties and delays. As a backup, please bring your presentation on a USB and make sure to download it to your device prior to the conference in case of wifi difficulties.
• We kindly ask you to be in the room 15 minutes before the start of your block and upload your presentation onto the prepared laptop.
• Presentation formats: PowerPoint (format 16:9) or PDF

●     File name: Presenter name
​
You can find the presentation rubric here.
You can find the presentation guide here.

6. How to access the venue for the in-person conference?

Address:
#76 Faculty of Engineering Building 2
The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656 JAPAN

Access:

• 10 min walk from Hongo-Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Tokyo metropolitan Oedo Line)
• 5 min walk from Todaimae Station (Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line)
• 10 min walk from Nezu Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)

 
Google access: https://goo.gl/maps/cM5p58os2iZ8wzaJ7

7. What types of awards can presenters receive?

Lewis-Nguyen Research Scholarship ($5,000 USD). This scholarship will be awarded exclusively to one exceptional student who presents the best overall paper and delivers an outstanding presentation on the In-Person Day of the conference. The aim of this scholarship is to recognize and encourage high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional research prowess.

Besides, students can also have a chance to receive other awards as below:
1 - Best STEM Paper
2 - Best STEM Presentation
3 - Best Social Science & Humanities Paper
4 - Best Social Science & Humanities Presentation
5 - Best Health Narrative
6 - ​Health Narrative Honorable Mention

8. Can presenters receive a certificate of participation?

All presenters attending the in-person and virtual conference can receive a certificate of participation.

9. Guideline for preparing a pre-recorded video

All registered authors with accepted papers are required to prepare and submit a pre-recorded video of their presentation. We recommend using Zoom for recording your presentation and kindly request that you activate your camera, showing your face throughout the presentation. Please refer to the provided guidelines for instructions on how to use Zoom for recording.​

• Guidelines for recording using Zoom can be found at the following link: [here]
• You can find the presentation rubric: [here]
• You can find the presentation guide: [here]
• An example of a recorded presentation from a previous author who participated in the IYRC conference can be found [here]