XVIII International Symposium on Civilizing Processes 2020: Changes due to COVID-19 crisis.

Greetings,

Many university activities and events planned for this year 2020 have been affected by the global health crisis of COVID-19. The case of international events is even more sensitive, since borders have been closed in some countries and we do not know for sure how the situation will evolve. Projections of the behavior of the epidemic by some scientists suggest for the time being that outbreaks of the virus will only cease to be a threat until a vaccine is available, and that the total duration of the epidemic could last until 2022, which would require the implementation of social distancing measures between 25% and 75% during that time[1].

This situation of uncertainty has impacted the planning of the XVIII SIPC 2020 in November in Bogota. However, we are not thinking of postponing the event, considering that one less scientific event generates impacts in the advancement of our research and scientific products. The reduction of our scientific activity may have negative effects on universities, especially in the post-pandemic scenario. Therefore, seeking to keep the Symposium on the established dates, we are willing to explore new ideas, making the most of the resources we have and adapting to the current situation. From this, we have decided to make substantial changes in the logistics and planing of the event. However, it is important to keep in mind that these changes may be adjusted as the health emergency evolves in the coming months. All changes will be continuously updated on our web page (https://sipc2020english.wordpress.com/changes-due-to-covid-19-crisis), and informed via e-mail to those who have shown interest in attending the event (if you are also interested, please write to simposioelias2020@gmail.com).

The changes affect the following points for the time being:

The location of the conference

Originally planned to be held at the National University of Colombia (UNAL), it has been established for the time being that most of the event will be held through teleconferencing. The resources we currently have allow us to hire web conference platforms to ensure the best logistical and technical conditions for the event. Since the teleconferences can be recorded, the memories of the event will be built with them.

Only if the evolution of the situation in the coming months allows it, a hybrid approach will be adopted: some of the conferences could be organized at UNAL Campus –following the appropriate biosecurity measures– with the presence of the participants who can travel to Bogotá who will be linked via teleconference with the participants who cannot travel. However, this option could only be used if the risk of compromising the health of the participants is minimal and if local epidemic control measures allow it. If these conditions are not met, the Symposium will be conducted entirely by teleconference.

The deadline for submission of abstracts

Initially scheduled for May 4th, 2020, the call will be extended for two and a half months, until July 20th 2020, so that those interested can adapt to the current situation, and project and submit their abstracts more calmly.

The communication date of abstracts acceptance

Originally scheduled for July 15th 2020, the abstract acceptance notification date will be extended to August 20th 2020.

The registration date will open from September 1st to October 12th 2020

We appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to write us to simposioelias2020@gmail.com.

Best regards,

David Sierra
Organizer of the XVIII International Symposium on Civilizing processes 2020
davidsierrag86@gmail.com

[1] https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/04/14/science.abb5793.full