Researcher interest in the 3rd International Symposium Focused Ultrasound has reached unprecedented levels, reports Neal Kassell, MD, chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. “We’ve received 50 percent more abstracts than in previous years,” he says. “Young Investigator applications have nearly quadrupled since the 2nd International Symposium in 2010.”
Kassell says this surge in interest is indicative of escalating clinical momentum in the field of image-guided focused ultrasound. “More patient studies either have been launched or added to the pipeline during the past two years than at any other point in the history of focused ultrasound,” he notes. “The pace of translational research is swiftly accelerating.”
Abstract review and selection is now underway. Acceptance notifications will be sent in late August. Young Investigator award winners will also be notified at that time.
“We have received 48 Young Investigator applications and have 10 awards available, so this will be a particularly competitive selection process,” Kassell adds. Young Investigators will receive free symposium registration, up to $1,500 in travel expenses and special recognition during the symposium’s Evening Poster Session.