OVERVIEW

The Society for Prevention Research is an international organization focused upon the advancement of science-based prevention programs and policies through empirical research. The membership of the organization includes scientists, practitioners, advocates, administrators, and policy makers who are concerned with the prevention of social, physical and mental health problems and the promotion of health, safety, and well-being.

The meeting seeks to present the latest in prevention science from across international regions in the areas of epidemiology, etiology, preventive intervention trials, demonstration projects, policy research, natural experiments, program evaluations, clinical trials, prevention-related basic research, pre-intervention studies, efficacy and effectiveness trials, population trials, and studies of the diffusion/dissemination of science-based prevention.

The conference theme, “Prevention Science to Public Health, Promoting Well-Being in the Population,” is meant to be comprehensive.

Special Topic Themes for 2005

Economic & Cost-Utility Analysis
Studies that include short and long-term costs and economic benefits of prevention interventions are rare, yet extremely important to policymakers. Thus, SPR encourages research submissions that include economic analyses and discussions of implications for public policy.

Integrating Biological & Social Factors in Prevention Research
The last decade has seen major breakthroughs in understanding the biological bases of behaviour, especially in behavioural genetics, imaging, and neuroscience. Increasingly, biobehavioral research paradigms must be employed to understand the expression of basic biological processes in everyday life. Prevention researchers must be at the forefront of leading the initiatives for this research.

Promoting Well-Being
Health promotion is not driven by an emphasis on illness, but rather by a focus on the enhancement of well-being. It is provided to individuals, groups, or large populations to enhance competence and self-esteem rather than to intervene to prevent psychological or social problems or mental disorders.

Middle Childhood Development
Research on effective factors and programs for promoting healthy childhood development and well-being and preventing serious social, emotional, physical and cognitive programs in school age children in elementary and middle grades.

Emerging Opportunities for Prevention Research
In addition to emphasizing the conference theme, SPR continues its interest and commitment to the following topic areas of emerging importance that are shaping children and families daily routines, risk factors for behavioural problems, and well-being:
• Monitoring Systems for Youth and Children
• Faith-Based Interventions
• Obesity
• Gambling
• The Internet

Cross-Cutting Thematic Papers

Methods
Using the best available scientific methods, researchers must evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of preventive methods, thus providing more information for community practitioners. Both treatment and prevention research continue to try to recruit competent scientists to their respective fields in the face of inadequately funded training programs.

Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity is the awareness of a body of important information relevant to the populations of interest, which should inform the entire research process, from defining the sampling frame, through negotiating access, to actual intervention and dissemination of results. Cultural differences and similarities exist and have an effect on values, learning, and behavior. Research must be sensitive to the health beliefs and behaviors, epidemiology, and treatment efficacy of different population groups. Recognizing health care disparities, functioning within a multicultural framework, and meeting the demands of an increasingly diverse society are priorities for all research .

Epidemiology
Knowing the prevalence of specific problems or disorders, the distribution of risk factors in the population, and shifts in risk factors and the distribution of problems over time is key to designing any effective prevention program. An emphasis on basic behavioural science and epidemiology will remain the basis of strong intervention and prevention programs. Epidemiological studies typically reflect phase 1 and 2 trials in a biomedical model of intervention development.

Etiology
Prevention science includes research that has a high probability of yielding results that will likely be applicable to disease prevention. Basic research efforts generate knowledge that contributes to the development of future preventive efforts. Etiological studies typically reflect Phase 1 trials in a biomedical model.

Efficacy Trials
Efficacy trials demonstrate the “proof of concept” with a specified population under conditions of high quality assurance and strong research designs (typically randomized controlled designs). Efficacy trials answer the basic question of whether there are benefits from a proposed innovation. In a biomedical model of intervention development, these are Phase 3 trials.

Effectiveness Trials
The true test of a prevention program is not the efficacy in the research setting but the effectiveness in the real-life setting with the community in charge of the program. Effectiveness trials involve replicating an efficacious intervention under real world conditions in community settings. There is less quality assurance on an ongoing basis and the outcomes demonstrate the likely impact of an intervention when delivered without the original research team. In a biomedical model, these are Phase 4 trials.

Dissemination
Careful trials to assess which programs would be particularly well suited for dissemination, which individuals would be most likely to benefit, and which disorders are prevented are important steps in program development Almost no interventions have been taken to scale nationally or internationally; dissemination research identifies strategies for taking interventions to scale and identifies potential barriers to dissemination.

ABSTRACTS SUBMISSION DEADLINE

In order to review all submitted work, we ask that all abstracts be submitted no later than 11:59 pm, Eastern Time, Wednesday, October 6, 2004.
Attention: Abstract submission deadline extended to October 13, 2004!

Presenting Author Acceptance notifications will be e-mailed in early February 2005.

Presenting Author Schedule Notifications will be e-mailed in late March 2005.

PRESENTATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please click on the appropriate link to read the Presentation Instructions for:

- Oral Presentations
- Poster Presentations
- Poster Forums (formerly organized poster symposia)

MEETING SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE!

Please click here to access the SPR/COS searchable abstract database. After you log on, go to Attendee Tools, then Personalized Itinerary. You can then search by abstract author, title, calendar schedule, etc.

Please click here for schedule-at-a-glance PDF file.

Please click here for complete program file.

Please click here for author's index PDF file.

MEETING VENUE

The meetings will take place from May 24 through May 27, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency Washington, Washington, D.C. The hotel is located on Capitol Hill at 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW in the heart of Washington, D.C. and within a short walk to all major attractions, shopping and commerce areas, including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Union Station and Congressional offices. Visit the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Bureau.

2005 ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Three plenary sessions
• A full day of pre-conference workshops
• More than 150 organized symposia, roundtable discussions/scientific dialogues and paper presentations
• Two evening poster sessions/receptions
• ECPN Luncheon
• NIH Workshop for New Investigators
• Annual Minority Scholarship Dance with the Mothers of Prevention

PLENARY SESSIONS

Plenary I, Wednesday, May 25, 2005, 8:30 am – 10:15 am
• Taking Prevention to Scale
• Speakers: Dr. J. David Hawkins, University of Washington, Dr. Cheryl Perry, University of Minnesota, and Dr. Leslie Lytle, University of Minnesota

Plenary II, Thursday, May 26, 2005, 8:30 am – 10:15 am
• Preventive Interventions for Major Health Outcomes
• Speakers: Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and Dr. Steve Aos, Washington State Institute for Public Policy

Plenary III, Friday, May 27, 2005, 8:30 am – 10:15 am
• Implications of Genetics for Prevention
• Speakers: Dr. Thomas Insel, Director, National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Ronald Dahl, University of Pittsburg and Dr. Philip Fisher, Oregon Social Learning Center

PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING

SPR provides training opportunities in prevention science during pre-conference workshops scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, 2005. All workshops require registration.

Pre-Conference #1
DATE: Tuesday, May 24, 2005, Hyatt Regency Washington
TIME: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Lunch on your own)

Randomizing Groups to Evaluate Place-Based Programs
Presenters: Dr. Stephen W. Raudenbush, University of Michigan and Dr. Howard S. Bloom, MDRC

This workshop will introduce participants to the precedents, principles, pitfalls and prospects of field experiments that randomize intact groups to evaluate interventions that - for theoretical or practical reasons – are targeted on groups rather than on separate individuals. More details…

Pre-Conference #2
DATE: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 Hyatt Regency Washington
TIME: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Lunch on your own)

Benefit-Cost Analysis of Prevention and Early Intervention Programs: Methods to Monetize Outcomes and Costs
Presenter: Dr. Steve Aos, Washington State Institute for Public Policy

This workshop will describe a set of economic procedures to attach monetary values to a number of important outcomes frequently evaluated in prevention and early intervention research. The workshop will also describe methods to calculate the costs of programs. Together, these two elements—monetized benefits and program costs—can describe the economic return from a program. Since pubic policy decision making involves choosing among competing options, and since there are many ways to perform benefit-cost analysis, the importance of conducting an internally-consistent approach to benefit-cost analysis will be stressed. More details…

Pre-Conference #3
DATE: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 Hyatt Regency Washington
TIME: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Lunch on your own)

Using Real Time Data Capture in Prevention Science
Presenters: Dr. Saul Shiffman, University of Pittsburg, Dr. Michael Hufford, invivodata, inc., Dr. Arthur Stone, Stony Brook University, Dr. Theodore Walls, University of Rhode Island, Dr. Brian Flay, University of Illinois, Chicago, and chair, Dr. Kathy Etz, National Institute on Drug Abuse

The use of data collection techniques that collect information on momentary experiences over time in a diversity of contexts has given rise to new research approaches of great relevance to prevention research. For example, this methodology, referred to as real time data capture (RTDC), allows for collection of data about experiences and events as they occur in participants’ natural environments, including less accessible contexts (friend’s houses, outdoor venues, etc.). By circumventing problems with recall data and ensuring ecological validity, these methods may provide a more accurate picture of behavior and experience over time, and of the influence of setting factors. In addition to collecting data on targeted behaviors, this methodology has promise for intervention delivery, in real time, in response to participants’ reports of current circumstances. We discuss these in the context of prevention science.

This workshop will review the state of the practice in design, implementation, analysis, and related issues for methods used to capture data in real time (referred to as EMA, ESM, RTDC, etc.). It will include discussion of technology and practical implementation issues as well as theoretical and methodological ones, and will use case study examples to facilitate “hands-on” knowledge. More Details...

ECPN LUNCHEON

DATE: Wednesday, May 25, 2005, Hyatt Regency Washington
TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
COST: $20, Registration Required. Limited to first 100 registrants

This year the ECPN luncheon will feature presentations by several early career scientists who are testing the theoretical foundation of preventive interventions in their research. This type of work is extremely important in the field of prevention science and is often the type of research that is available to individuals working on larger prevention trials or those utilizing secondary data sets. In the ECPN sponsored symposium that precedes the lunch this topic will be discussed by several senior-level scientists and methodologists who are responsible for some of the earliest and strongest work in this area. There will be time at the lunch for informal discussion with the speakers from both sessions.

ECPN "MEET THE SCIENTIST" DINNER

DATE: May 25, 2005
TIME: 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM

One of the many exciting opportunities that the upcoming SPR meeting affords is the chance to meet the people whose research has been meaningful in the development of our own work in the prevention field. For the past four years, ECPN has organized a series of "Meet the Scientist" dinners in response to a suggestion by the board of SPR. ECPN will once again be organizing this event at the 2005 SPR conference in Washington, D.C.. We recognize that it is not always easy for early career folks to network with senior scientists, and hope that this event provides a helpful mechanism for doing so. Click here for the application form.

NIH EVENTS

NIH NEW INVESTIGATORS BREAKFAST
DATE: Thursday, May 26, 2005, Hyatt Regency Washington
TIME: 7:15 AM – 8:30 AM
NO CHARGE, Tickets required. Limited to first 100 registrants

The New Investigator’s Workshop is an opportunity for researchers who want to obtain NIH funds to learn about NIH research, research training, and career development grants. After a presentation on the differences between common grant mechanisms, we will discuss the NIH grant preparation, submission, review and post-review process. After the presentations, there will be time for questions and discussion with program staff on current research priorities and initiatives in mental health and substance abuse prevention research.

NIH/NIMH BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE
DATE: Wednesday, May 25, 2005, Hyatt Regency Washington
TIME: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
NO CHARGE

NIMH Research Funding Opportunities for Prevention in Health Psychology.
This breakfast roundtable will provide an opportunity for interested SPR investigators to obtain information about NIMH research grant opportunities and pre-application technical assistance in the prevention of mental disorders across the lifespan. Especially encouraged is research on potent, modifiable risk and protective processes that will inform the development of preventive interventions aimed at mental disorders, symptoms, and related disability.

Grant mechanisms support research at all stages of a research career, from pre- and post-doctoral fellowships to early-, mid-, and senior-level Career Awards that provide salary support for full-time research (at least 75% effort). Small Grants (RO3s, two years of support at up to $50,000 direct costs per year) and Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R34s, three years, up to $450,000 direct costs over three years) are available for pilot research and the development of intervention protocols. Regular Research Grants (RO1s) provide support for up to five years at funding levels commensurate with the science proposed.

Presenter is Peter Muehrer, Ph.D., Chief, Health and Behavioral Science Research Branch Division of Mental Disorders, Behavioral Research, and AIDS National Institute of Mental Health National Institutes of Health.

PROMOTING WELL-BEING: RUN OR WALK

Run or walk for your health!

Organizer: Kevin Haggertyin

In the spirit of health promotion and prevention, join other prevention scientists for a run or stroll on the mall. Join us in the hotel lobby at 6:45 am. Run from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial (about 4.5 miles) or walk from the Capitol to the Washington Monument (just over 2 miles.)

SPR ANNUAL MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP DANCE

DATE: Thursday, May 26, 2005,
TIME: 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM
COST: $20

Join your SPR friends and colleagues at the 3rd ANNUAL SPR FUNDRAISING DANCE to benefit minority participant scholarships. Dance to the music of the Mothers of Prevention featuring your favorite musicians and colleagues: Brian Bumbarger, drums and vocals, Gil Botvin, trumpet and flugelhorn, Celene Domitrovich, vocals, Jim Emshoff, electric piano and vocals, John Graham, guitar and vocals, David Hawkins, acoustic guitar and vocals, John Jimenez, lead guitar, Michael Newcomb, guitar and vocals, and Randy Swain, bass guitar.

Register on-line in advance or purchase tickets at the annual meeting.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

This program is co-sponsored by the University of South Florida College of Medicine and the Society for Prevention Research. The University of South Florida College of Medicine is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. The University of South Florida College of Medicine is offering this activity for up to 18 hours of continuing education credit. The University of South Florida College of Medicine maintains responsibility for the educational integrity of the program.

The program is being offered for 1.5 – 18 Continuing Education Credits. The conference, which is a series of plenary and symposia sessions, runs from 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM each day, Wednesday, May 25 through Friday, May 28, 2005. There are four sessions each day, which are 1.5 hours in length. The fee for 1.5 – 18 CE Credit is $100. No partial fees will be accepted. Register via the SPR online registration form. The CEC registration packets will be available for pick-up on site.

REGISTRATION RATES AND RULES

The Online registration period has been closed, you may still register on site!

To be eligible for member pricing, 2005 membership dues must be paid PRIOR to registration and you will need your memberID#. See secure membership application at https://secure.preventionresearch.org/membershipapplication.php

Please note that all quoted rates are in US Dollars. All payments must be made in US Dollars.

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Tuesday, May 24, 2005
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration Open
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM PreConferences 1, 2, 3

Wednesday, May 25, 2005
7:00 AM Registration Open
7:15 AM – 8:30 AM NIMH Workshop
8:30 AM – 10:15 AM Plenary Session I
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Morning Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ECPN Lunch (registration required)
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch on your own
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Early Afternoon Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM Afternoon Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Evening Poster Session, Technological Demonstrations and Reception

Thursday, May 26, 2005
7:15 AM – 8:30 AM NIH New Investigator Workshop
7:30 AM Registration Open
8:30 AM – 10:15 AM Plenary Session II
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Morning Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch on your own
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Early Afternoon Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM Afternoon Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Evening Poster Session and Reception
7:15 PM – 9:00 PM Awards Dinner Banquet
9:30 PM – 12:30 AM Annual SPR Minority Scholarship Benefit Dance

Friday, May 27, 2005
7:30 AM Registration Open
8:30 AM – 10:15 AM Plenary Session III
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Morning Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch on your own
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Early Afternoon Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM Afternoon Concurrent symposia and paper presentations
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM Conference wrap/SPR annual meeting

HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS

The Hyatt Regency Washington, DC is the host hotel for the Annual Meeting. Discounted room reservations are available through the Hyatt Reservations Department at 1-800-233-1234 or 202-737-1234. When making your reservation, reference the 2005 Society for Prevention Research 13th Annual Meeting.

SPR has negotiated special discount room rates for you at the Hyatt Regency Washington. Your patronage of this official hotel makes it possible for SPR to secure the meeting room space needed for this event at greatly reduced cost. Please book at the Hyatt and book early.

Please note that the cut-off date for hotel reservations and to receive the discounted rate is April 26, 2005. Reserve early for the best selection.

Room Rates per Night
Single/Double: $139.00, plus state and local sales tax. Triple: $164.00 plus state and local sales tax. Quadruple: $189.00 plus state and local sales tax.

Hotel Confirmations and Cancellations
A deposit of one night’s room and tax for each of the confirmed rooms will be due from individuals attending the meeting fourteen (14) days after the room is confirmed by the Hotel. All deposits for individual room reservations are fully refundable if a room is cancelled seven (7) days or more prior to the arrival date. Personal checks, money orders or a valid American Express, Diners Club, Visa or MasterCard number and expiration date will be needed for the deposit.

TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS

SPR members may be eligible for special travel scholarships, the ECPN Conference Scholarship Program, and the SPR Minority Scholarship Program, that are designed to provide support for certain member groups to attend the Annual Meetings of the Society for Prevention Research. Click on the name of the program above for selection criteria and the application form. All applications are due by Monday, March 28, 2005.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN WASHINGTON, DC

For information on Washington, DC visit the Washington, DC Convention and Visitors Association website at http://www.washington.org

The website includes a visitor’s guide with information on restaurants, shopping, sightseeing activities, and guided tours.

ATTIRE

Suggested dress for the SPR meeting, receptions, and dinner is business casual.

NO SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is prohibited during all sessions and in public areas of the hotel.

ACCESSIBILITY

Anyone requiring special administrative assistance in order to participate in the SPR Annual Meeting is asked to contact the SPR Office, 703-934-4850 or email jenniferlewis@preventionresearch.org.

FUTURE MEETINGS

SPR's 14th Annual Meeting will be held May 31 to June 2, 2006, at Hyatt Regency San Antonio in San Antonio, TX.

To review the Call for Papers, please click here.

QUESTIONS

Please address questions to:
Society for Prevention Research
11240 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
Tel: (703)–934-4850
Fax: (703)–359-7562
info@preventionresearch.org

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