The African Journal of Laboratory Medicine (AJLM) will provide support to potential presenters wishing to submit abstracts to the ASLM2012 First International Conference. ASLM2012, which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, December 1-7, 2012, is accepting abstract submissions for oral and poster presentation sessions in three broad areas:

• scientific research, diagnosis, and drug resistance;
• policy and networking; and
• laboratory management and systems.

The Abstract Mentorship Program is designed to pair less-experienced presenters with mentors who have experience in writing and presenting abstracts. We invite you to share your valuable expertise to improve the health and the future of African laboratory science!

Who are ASLM2012 Abstract Mentors? ASLM2012 Abstract Mentors are AJLM editorial board members, peer reviewers and subject matter experts who are leaders in laboratory medicine, epidemiology, and/or public health and who have experience with writing, submitting, and presenting abstracts. Mentors will provide feedback on draft abstract submissions to help strengthen the content and quality of the abstracts.

How does this work? Potential abstract submitters will be offered the opportunity to participate in the program prior to abstract submission. Applicants must submit a draft abstract by August 15 to be considered for the program. Mentors will be notified and put into contact with their mentee upon the receipt of an application whose abstract is within the mentor's areas of expertise. The abstract submission deadline for the conference is August 15, 2012, so mentors will need to be available in July to assist.

If you are interested in participating in the program, please see the mentor volunteer registration form, fill out and return to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .