Student and other initiatives at the conference

Students have always been important at CCN conferences.

In 2012, we are planning a number of events and programme items to support students and new graduates, and to showcase their research.

Initiatives under consideration include:

- Student Case Presentations - a session where students can present their cases in a supportive session facilitated by senior clinical neuropsychologists.

- Controversies in Clinical Neuropsychology - this will be an opportunity for students to present the most up-to-date information and controversies from their research projects. We figure that students are immersed in the most recent research in a whole range of areas across the lifespan. They're often even more up-to-date than their supervisors. Giving students (and recent graduates) the opportunity to present a controversies and recent developments that they have identified in their research will update the knowledge of those of us who studied long, or not so long, ago, and will also allow discussion and sharing of ideas and references related to the field of study. Research findings could then be shared in the poster session, potentially allowing the student two abstracts in the conference proceedings. Note: this session is not intended to merely be students presenting the rationale for their research projects. Rather, it is an opportunity for them to share with the CCN community important issues that they have identified during their research. Just as presenting research findings at conferences can help students in preparing their theses, this session may even help in preparation of literature reviews for publication as stand-alone articles...

- Speed Mentoring (idea courtesy of APA Division 40). The idea is to allow students and new grads to ask experienced clinicians about their work, careers, advice. The clinician sits at a table, the students gather around and ask their own questions, or listen to answers.

- Interest Group Forums. This is intended to get neuropsychologists together with others who work in similar areas (e.g., paeds, forensic, geriatric, rehab, general neurology, psychiatry) to discuss the state of the affairs. It is hoped that in addition to providing peer supervision PD for the Psychology Board's requirements and networking opportunities, this will allow practitioners to identify areas where the CCN can develop resources such as tip sheets, brochures, position statements, or practice guidelines.

As usual, student submissions for platform presentations and posters based on their research findings will be welcomed, although the committee may have to limit the number of platform presentations depending on the content of the entire program.

The success of these sessions will depend on the participation of college delegates.

So if you are a student or new graduate with a wonderful literature review to share, think about submitting an abstract when we call for them in January. And share the link to this blog with your friends - http://ccn2012.blogspot.com

And if you're a senior clinician who'd like to share their wisdom and experience on a mentoring table, let me know by email (fiona.bardenhagen@gmail.com).