Call for Abstracts

NOTE:Oral presentation slots now full. Abstracts for poster presentations are still being accepted.

The Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law invites research papers on legal and forensic scientific topics pertaining to the John F. Kennedy assassination for presentation at its fourth annual conference. Abstracts will be peer-reviewed for quality research and logical presentation. Accepted abstracts will be scheduled for poster presentations during the lunch hour on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The following guidelines address key factors that the Wecht Institute’s Annual Conference Advisory Committee will consider in reviewing abstracts, along with the procedures for submitting them. Attention to these details will significantly increase the likelihood of an abstract being accepted for presentation.

I) Abstract Format

1. Title: A concise title that clearly indicates the content of the abstract
2. Author: Full name, academic degree(s), and professional affiliation(s)
3. Abstract text:
   a. Background: The problem under investigation or a hypothesis
   b. Methods: The methods and material used to conduct the research
   c. Results: The essential results obtained in summary form
   d. Conclusions: A summary of research findings supported by the results
4. Word Count: Not to exceed 250 words
5. Language: English
6. Contact Information: Address, phone number and e-mail address

PLEASE NOTE: The area of research must involve forensic science and/or law. While papers dealing with other matters (e.g., Cold War politics, Oswald’s identity, intelligence, the media) will be considered, they will not be given first preference.

II) Submission and Acceptance Procedures:

1. The following must be received either electronically or by mail on or before October 31, 2003:
   a) Three (3) properly formatted abstracts
   b) A current copy of the lead author’s curriculum vitae that includes any prior published and/or peer-reviewed research in his/her area of interest
2. On or before November 7, 2003, the lead author will be notified as to whether or not his/her paper has been accepted for presentation. If a proposal is accepted, the contact person will also be mailed the presentation guidelines, along with a list of hotels in the area, directions to the conference and other pertinent information.

Please mail/e-mail submissions, marked “JFK Symposium,” to:

Ben Wecht
Manager, Program Development and Communication
The Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law
Duquesne University School of Law
900 Locust St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-0700
E-mail: jfksymposium@duq.edu

Questions may be addressed via e-mail or by calling 412-396-1049.