The pre proposal can be quite short and has just a few content recommendations, as outlined in the Pre Proposal Guide.

It is recommended that symposium organizers seek input and buy-in from the SICB program officer and from the division program officers before submitting their pre proposal. SICB divisional program officers are listed on the SICB website for each division.

The best proposals

• are forward-looking: The program committee will be interested in symposia that highlight cutting-edge science that will be of broad interest at SICB. This is also important for potential external funding that could support the symposium

• have broad impacts: The program committee will be pleased by proposals that align with the Broader Impacts Criteria of NSF. This can be achieved by in multiple ways. SICB is particularly interested in ensuring that there is diversity in the speakers at all levels: racial, ethnic, experience, regional. Proposals should also seek to balance gender in its line-up of speakers that represent the diverse membership of SICB as outline in the “Guidelines for Broadening Participation in SICB’s Leadership, Program, and Awards.” Another way to include broader impacts is to incorporate an educational or community component by encouraging speakers to include discussion of innovative educational or training components of their research or by holding complementary events.

The SICB program officer will communicate with you about the Program Committee’s decision, typically in late fall. You might be required to revise your pre proposal before final acceptance. 

The SICB program officer will inform you about sponsors and the funds they committed to your symposium.

If your symposium is invited, work with the SICB program officer to develop a symposium plan. 

SICB is happy to help recruit speakers by broadcasting your symposium on SICB social media and through SICB communications.