Members of the worldwide gemological community have an opportunity to share their work in an international setting during GIA’s first-ever Gemological Research Conference, Aug. 26–27, 2006 and at the ensuing 4th International Gemological Symposium, Aug. 27–29. Both will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, Calif. Through March 1, 2006, GIA will be accepting 300- to 400-word abstracts in electronic format that will be reviewed for the Poster Session at each event. While the Research Conference will showcase technical subjects exclusively, the Poster Session, generously sponsored by Charles & Colvard, Ltd., will highlight a broad array of gem- and jewelry-related issues at both the Symposium and Conference events.

GIA’s International Gemological Symposium is a prestigious forum that attracts professionals from every sector of the gem and jewelry trade. The industry’s key economic, technological, and geopolitical issues will be addressed. Poster presentations intended only for Symposium may cover wide-ranging topics, including appraisals and other gem evaluation systems, gem cutting, jewelry history, jewelry design and manufacturing, branding, marketing, museum collections, and legal issues in the industry.

The precursor to Symposium is the two-day GIA Gemological Research Conference. Here, scientists and other specialists from around the world will exchange information and gain a better understanding of the technical challenges facing modern gemology. Experts and students alike will have an opportunity to showcase their scientific gemological research. Abstracts submitted for this conference should fall within one of six general themes: geology of gem deposits, new gem occurrences, gem characterization techniques, diamond and corundum treatments, laboratory growth of gem materials, and general gemology. Posters presented at the Gemological Research Conference may also be left on display during Symposium.

Anyone may submit an abstract for the Poster Session of either or both events. Entries may be accompanied by one illustration or table, and should include a passport-size photograph or digital image of the author(s) who will be presenting the poster (for identification purposes). The Poster Session committee will evaluate each submitted abstract for appropriateness and technical merit for inclusion in the displays.

According to GIA Library Director Dona Dirlam, who is chairing the Poster Session Committee, “One of the key attractions of the Poster Sessions is the relaxed setting in which presenters can interact one-on-one with the audience. Posters are an opportunity to deliver cutting-edge information to a dynamic audience.” Dirlam said. “Presenters can explain their research using charts, maps, laptop computers, and other media, and they can also show research samples, rock specimens, faceted stones, or other items using the microscopes that will be available in the Poster Session area.”

Successful poster presentations make use of insightful information, a concise and easy-to-read design, legibly produced text, and thorough, careful organization. Prospective presenters are encouraged to review the suggestions that GIA has prepared to help ensure an effective presentation at either conference. Click here to view a document that gives suggestions and helpful tips for submitting a poster presentation.

Each poster presentation will be provided with a backdrop with three 5 x 8 ft. panels. The abstracts of all posters that are presented at the conference will be published in a Proceedings volume.

To submit an abstract, contact Dona Dirlam, or call 760-603-4154, or mail the items to: Poster Session Committee, Attn: Dona Mary Dirlam, Gemological Institute of America, 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008-4602.

April 28, 2005