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Organizing a nanosymposium, or “nano,” is a fantastic opportunity to network and connect with others in your field. Don’t know how to organize a nanosymposium or find others to participate? This webinar will review how to select a topic, identify and recruit others to join the nano, and develop a strong nano proposal.
This is a rebroadcast of a webinar from the Annual Meeting 2025 webinar series.
Q&A: How to Organize a Nanosymposium for Neuroscience 2026
Q: Does the moderator of the nanosymposium have to be a chair or co-chair?
A: Answered live
Q: How many speakers do we need for a nanosymposium? Is the judgment of the nanosymposium based on the topic/area of research, or more on a competitive basis of all the abstracts.
A: Answered live
Q: How do you ensure that invited speakers actually get selected for the session, given that other abstracts can be linked to the nanosymposium and the final lineup is determined by SfN?
A: As Dr. Huff mentioned, there is a space that you can include information about the preferred speakers. Although these recommendations are generally honored, SfN program committee will make final decisions about the composition and order.
Q: If there are two linking groups that are similar, does SfN staff decide which one is selected based on how many / the quality of submissions?
A: The program committee discusses all submissions and prioritizes based on quality of submissions, completeness, and programmatic needs to organize a well-rounded meeting.
Q: I attended one nano since my abstract was selected. However, no chair contacts me in advance. Does this mean if I organize a nano, while I contact 7-10 groups to create a group, I can still have chance to select the abstracts later to be included in my nano?
A: Answered live
Q: Can you talk a little bit more about the organization of a nano where you have some posters and some oral talks?
A: Like Dr. Huff said, if you want to be in a poster and not an oral talk, you should create a separate linking group from those who want to do an oral talk. So, one linking group for "Poster Only" and one linking group for "Nano Preferred."
Q: Do you have a flyer describing how to submit and organize a nanosymposium?
A: We don't have a flyer, but we have a webpage about getting started and what you'll need during submission: https://www.sfn.org/meetings/neuroscience-2026/call-for-abstracts/presentation-formats/nanosymposia
Q: What was your most effective method for recruiting people – e.g. social media, cold emailing, or being searched by linking group?
A: Answered live
Q: Is there a link to submit a proposal for nanosymposium or via email?
A: Submitting a nanosymposium is part of the process of submitting an abstract. When you are submitting your abstract, there will be sections of the form to include your nano submission (that are optional fields if you aren't submitting a nano proposal).
Q: What are the most effective strategies to improve the chances of a nanosymposium being accepted? Do you have tips for what makes one immediately think ‘this will be a strong session,’ and any common pitfalls to avoid during the submission process
A: A strong proposal has seven or more speakers, has a strong statement explaining the proposal appeal, is cohesive but not too narrowly focused, and includes good geographic representation.
Q: Is it compulsory that the chair should also be the presenter in that nanosymposium?
A: Nanosymposia chairs are often presenters, but it is not required.
Q: Could you please let us know how competitive it is? Or what is the successful rate? For example, is 65% a standard rate?
A: There is not a standard success or acceptance rate. It ranges from year to year based on the number of nanosymposium submissions and the quality of the nanosymposium as a whole.
Q: Can I be a chair and a speaker within the same nanosymposium session?
A: Answered live
Q: I think Dr. Huff or Hill mentioned they put PI or research group names in the 500-word nanosymposium description, is that just a list at the end, or how is that put into the paragraph?
A: Answered live
A: Does the deadline for this year expired to submit application to organize a nano-symposium?
A: Abstracts and nanosymposium submissions open and close on the same dates. This year they open on May 27 and close on June 10.
Q: How many nano presenters can be within the same university, are there any rules for that?
A: There is no specific requirement or rule for the number of speakers from the same university. However, having a range of speakers from different universities can help make your proposal more competitive.
Q: Can I organize and host a nanosymposium for Neuroscience 2026 as a student?
A: Yes, graduate students can propose and chair a nano!
Q: When submitting the application, are you able to submit it with a co-chair?
A: Chairs of accepted nanosymposia can request a co-chair to be assigned but only after they are accepted. Requests must be submitted after acceptance to program@sfn.org.
Does co-chair also need to submit an abstract? Otherwise, how can they indicate they will co-chair the nanosymposium?
A: You can email program@sfn.org to ask that they co-chair.
Speakers
Who can attend these webinars? This webinar is open access and registration is complimentary.
Will the webinars be available on demand? Yes, all webinars will be available to watch on demand after the live broadcast.
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What are the technology requirements for attending? Webinars are hosted on Zoom Webinar. Review instructions for joining and participating in a webinar.
Can I ask the presenters questions? Yes! You can submit questions before the webinar through the registration form. Also, during the webinar, you can submit questions through the Q&A box.
I have other questions not answered here. Email neuronline@sfn.org with any other questions.
Review SfN’sCode of Conduct, rules for virtual events in the Digital Learning Community Guidelines, and communications policies regarding dissemination of unpublished scientific data, listed below. SfN asks that conference attendees respect the sensitivity of information and data being presented that are not yet available to the public by following these guidelines:
- Do not capture or publicly share details of any unpublished data presented.
- If you are unsure whether data is unpublished, check with the presenter.
- Respect presenters' wishes if they indicate that the information presented is not to be shared.
Webinar Refund Policy
- What is the cancellation/refund policy for webinars?
If SfN changes fundamental details of the webinar (date, time, or speakers), non-member registrants may request a registration refund. To request a refund, please email neuronline@sfn.org at least 48 hours before the event. Otherwise, refunds are not provided. All webinars are complimentary to SfN members. - SfN webinars can be watched ondemand if someone is unable to attend the live broadcast.
