Members of the Zoological Society of Japan

Regarding the holding of the 92nd Yonago Annual Meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan for fiscal year 2021, careful discussions were held by the organizing committee, other related parties, and the board of directors. As a result, in view of the fact that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is still not in sight and states of emergency have been issued in major metropolitan areas including Tokyo and Osaka, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the on-site holding of the Yonago Annual Meeting and hold it online instead. We sincerely ask for your understanding regarding the online format, following last year. Furthermore,Regarding the tournament schedule, as originally planned, it will start with the satellite symposium on Wednesday, September 1st, followed by a three-day period from Thursday, September 2nd to Saturday, September 4th.。

Outline of the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan, Online Yonago Conference

1. The events to be held are as follows:
   ・Open symposia and related meetings: 15 proposals in total
   Virtual poster presentation
   - Headquarters planned events: General meeting, award winners' lectures (Society Award / Encouraging Award)
   Headquarters Planning Symposium (Tentative Title: Research History: Turning Points in Zoological Research)
   ・Public events (Zoology Plaza, Public Lectures)
   High School Student Presentation
2. Live streaming via Zoom for these events (open symposia, related meetings, and headquarters-organized symposia), as well asGather.townThis will be held in conjunction with a virtual poster session (general presentations) on an online space called (accessible only to registered participants). Following last year, rather than using the programs and online abstract search system (Kcon-navi) provided at conventional conferences, we plan to provide an online-searchable program as well as PDF abstract collections (with viewing passwords distributed only to participants).
3. For these implementations, in addition to the preparation costs incurred so far for the in-person event, subscription and contract fees for various services required for the online event are also necessary.
   As a result, it will be a slight reduction compared to the cost of holding it in-person, and we would like to set the participation fee as follows.Regular Member: 8,000 yen / Student Member: 2,000 yen
   The participation fee remains the same until the registration deadline (August 10).
   
   ・General member participation fees remain unchanged at the early registration rate for on-site attendance.
   To reduce the financial burden, student member registration fees have been reduced from the early bird rate. Student members who have already paid 4,000 yen and completed their registration will receive a 2,000 yen refund. Inquiries regarding refund bank accounts will be sent to each individual by mail.
   Student and regular members who are having difficulty paying the registration fee due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are requested to contact the secretariat of the academic society.
4. For online events as well, to foster interaction among participants similar to that of an on-site setting, general presentations, some related meetings, and various exhibitions areGather.townWe plan to utilize an online space service where multiple users can have separate conversations via video calls, chats, etc., and freely enter and leave as easily as in real life. Please note that we are preparing a trial site for you to get used to the Gather.town environment, and details will be announced at a later date.
   Also,Survey on last year's online tournamentReflecting the feedback received, we plan to allow non-registered individuals to participate in events such as the public citizens' event (Zoology Plaza and public lectures).
5. The public event will be held at the Yonago Convention Center. In addition to the in-person event, we plan to stream it online. Further details will be announced at a later date.
6. Regarding high school student presentations, they will be poster presentations using WordPress, an online platform, and there are basically no changes.
7. The Yonago Tournament Preparation Committee will continue to be responsible for the management of this tournament.

That is all for the 92nd Online Yonago Convention.

The 93rd Annual Meeting in fiscal year 2022 is scheduled to be held at Waseda University. However, an in-person event for the following year is not guaranteed, and it cannot be said that the situation of continuing to hold academic conferences online will not persist in the future.

This year, just like last year, the event will be held under very difficult circumstances. We kindly ask those planning to present to conduct their research to the best of their ability without overextending themselves given their respective situations, and we hope that many of you will participate and present your work. Both the headquarters of the academic society and the conference organizing committee will work together to make the preparations. We look forward to seeing you online.

Kazuo Inaba, President, The Zoological Society of Japan
The 92nd Annual Meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan, Yonago: Meeting President, Nobuhiro Tsurusaki