COVID-19  management considerations

Science Pathways 2021: Sustainable Careers is planned to be a hybrid model, with in-person and online components. We have worked hard to develop a unique experience for both components of the conference for all our attendees and our sponsors. Due to the continually changing nature of the post-COVID world we have put together a COVID management plan to ensure all our attendees are kept safe. We have outlined below the COVID-safe plans and guidelines for managing outbreaks should they occur. Please refer to this page for changes to our conference in the event that our event needs to change due to lockdowns or similar COVID restrictions.

This page will be regularly updated based on information and government regulations as they are announced.

Requirements to attend the in-person event 
As part of the University of Melbourne ongoing response to the pandemic, to minimise the risk of COVID‑19 to the  community, COVID‑19 vaccination (or a valid exemption) is now a requirement for anyone attending University of Melbourne campuses or undertaking University activities in third-party or public settings. You can view a copy of the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements Policy. Participants registered to participate in the activities on 25 - 26 November at the University of Melbourne must show proof of vaccination (or a valid exemption) to enter the venue.

Ensuring a COVID-safe plan for the in-person components of the launch event 

In the event that a lockdown occurs, or regulations change at the last minute, the team behind Science Pathways 2021 is ready to transition to a fully online event. The contingency to transition to a fully online event was developed from the inception of the conference plan, hence, we are confident that this year’s conference will be engaging and memorable regardless of the format. 

In the case of an outbreak the in-person components will be adjusted in the following ways:

COVID-19 outbreaks interstate 

For outbreaks outside of Victoria that prevent travel or in the case of required quarantine periods that overlaps with the conference:

Registrations: Individuals from affected states will have their in-person registrations transferred to the comparable online registration automatically. Following the completion of the conference, the Science Pathways organising team will contact you regarding your compensation for the difference in price of registration.

Flights: We recommend attendees purchase refundable tickets to make the process of having a full refund easier with their airline of choice. 

For outbreaks in Victoria

A. Restrictions that affect capacity of face-to-face events.

The EMCR Forum will arrange alternate venues and stream in-person events to meet any reductions in participant numbers as recommended by DHHS as well as mandate masks and social distancing precautions. 

Registrations: Registrants for in-person launch event will have the option to transfer to the online attendee registration. 


B. Lockdowns that prevent all face-to-face events. 

Registrations: All registrants for the in-person launch event will have their registration transferred to the comparable online registration automatically. Following the completion of the conference, the organising team will contact you regarding your compensation for the difference in price of registration. As our Project delivery team works to transition to the virtual platform, we ask for your patience and ask that you only contact the Science Pathways organising team for critical technical issues relating to your attendance at the online conference.

Sponsors: Our sponsorship team are working with all partners to ensure they are able to attend and support the online launch event. Instructions have been sent on ways to engage constructively with delegates in order to make the experience as valuable as possible. The sponsorship team will work with each supporting organisation in regard to any compensation for the loss of the face-to-face exhibition element.

Speakers, workshop presenters and panelists: We will send instructions to you on how you could participate and engage with our delegates through our online platform. If you were originally presenting in-person, instructions for pre-recording your presentation will be sent when appropriate. 

 

Ensuring a COVID-safe event 

  • If you experience ANY symptoms DO NOT attend any of the in-person launch event. Get tested and follow the DHHS advice. Get in touch with us at emcr@science.org.au and we will transfer your registration to the online registration.
  • Please do not attend if you are required to isolate or quarantine for any reason or if you are awaiting test results
  • Get in touch with us at emcr@science.org.au and we will arrange a transfer of your registration to an online ticket and arrange a refund of the rest of the registration after the event. 
  • Please ensure that you sign in using our QR code for contact tracing purposes. SP21 will use contact tracing to keep us all safe as well as masks/social distancing in accordance with DHHS recommendations.
  • Please notify us if you develop symptoms during or after the event
  • Follow Victorian Government directions for face coverings and hygiene during the event
  • Ensure appropriate physical distancing

Keep up to date with the most recent health advice here. Protect yourself and others by following health advice and get vaccinated if you’re eligible.


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