Abstract Ratings
For uniformity, the scale will be from 1 to 5 with the best abstracts rated 5. A rough guideline as to what constitutes a particular score is:
5 – A must-see for everyone and is a valuable abstract/presentation even for those that do not work in the particular area of study.
4 – A must-see for those that work in the same area.
3 – An average abstract/presentation that would hold the interest of those who work in the same area.
2 – A marginal abstract/presentation that would maintain the attention of only those that have vested interest in the particular work.
1 – A poorly constructed abstract/presentation that no one will want to see.
Rating Considerations
Below are the detailed guidelines provided to those volunteers reviewing abstracts. Consideration is given to originality, work status, technical content, benefits and significance, and abstract quality.
Quality of Abstract
- What was the quality of work (good project design, appropriate applications, etc.)?
- Does it fit with the conference theme (refer to the last page for the call-for-abstracts)?
- The adequacy of an abstract is considered indicative of the quality of the final paper or poster and of the presentation at the conference.
Originality of Work
- Is it a hot topic? Does it present new information? If not, was it presented in at a previous conference (okay but not great) or at a forum that would attract a different audience (minor)? The worst case is a literature review (no data).
- Consider that the paper should deal with new concepts or novel applications of established concepts. It may describe substantial improvements of existing theories or present new data in support ofextension of these theories. Comparative/supportive data should be included.
Usefulness of Work
- Actual benefits and widespread applications should be reported. Is this an unusual case ortypical of general applications?
- Is the work useful to the water industry? Does it conclude anything new that otherwise would be ignored?
- Consider if the abstract demonstrates concrete results with practical applications.
Presentation
- Is it a sales pitch with no co-author who could speak to real-life pros/cons on the practical application of the technology/process/method (large negative impact)?
- Is there a local connection to the conference site (positive impact)?
- Is the presenter a dynamic speaker? Or a poor speaker?