Regarding the scientific and programmatic planning process for the Open Meeting, the structure and thematic focus remain unchanged. The overall process is well underway; IHDP is excited by the number and general quality of abstracts and proposals submitted and the broad interest expressed. All panel, paper and poster acceptances for the Open Meeting remain valid.

IHDP has received more than 800 submissions for sessions and papers, and confirmation letters were sent to participants out mid May. We will have 72 sessions and some 500 papers and posters to be presented. Currently the Secretariat is matching accepted sessions and papers. The grading has been done by a group of eminent scholars, mostly members of the International Science Planning Committee (ISPC), and we are convinced of the quality, variety and the major thematic streams of the contributions. The same is true for the expected plenary presentations, roundtables and side events. So, we are set for a very good Open Meeting.

Photo: Alan Levine