Conference

July 24-28, 2022
Sheraton Hotel
39 Dalton St. Boston, MA 02199

2019 and 2020 Fellowship Classes from across the United States will have the opportunity to network and hear from DoD national leaders and subject matter experts in the field of science, technology, and engineering for a riveting week that showcases ongoing research activities relevant to the National Defense mission.

Participate in research presentations, workshops, career fair, connect with like-minded researchers and scientists!

Please click here to access the High-Level Conference Agenda. A more detailed agenda is available here.

We require participants to adhere to the DoD COVID-19 protocol, as well as protocols by the CDC, the State of Massachusetts and the City of Boston. COVID-19 requirements to attend the conference are subject to change as we navigate the changing conditions and guidance related to the pandemic. Please continue to check this website for any update on COVID-19 requirements for in-person participation at the NDSEG Annual Conference.

Check out CDC recommendations for Travel as of 2/25/2022 here: Domestic Travel Recommendations Quick Reference | CDC

Check out CDC recommendations for Travel as of 4/2/21 here: Domestic Travel Recommendations Quick Reference | CDC

Attendees should not travel if the below requirements are not met prior to the conference.

• All attendees must show a completed DD Form 3150, "COVID-19 Certification of Vaccination."
• Attendees that are not fully vaccinated or who decline to provide information about their vaccination status, may not attend the meeting if they do not show the meeting organizer proof of a negative Food and Drug Administration-approved COVID-19 test completed no earlier than 72 hours prior to the meeting and at least weekly if the meeting is greater than 1 week in duration.

State of Massachusetts

Effective March 1, 2022: The State of Massachusetts follows CDC recommendation. CDC updated its guidance on mask wearing and announced that it is no longer requiring that masks be worn on school buses or vans for K-12 and child care programs and public outdoors at transportation settings. Read here.

Effective July 30, 2021: The Department of Public Health has issued a new mask advisory in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Fully vaccinated individuals are advised to wear a mask or face covering when indoors. Masks are mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. Read more.

City of Boston

As of March 5, 2022: Citing improving COVID-19 metrics in Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, today announced that the City’s indoor masking mandate will be lifted effective Saturday, March 5, 2022. At a meeting held this afternoon, the City’s Board of Health voted unanimously to endorse the recommendation from Dr. Ojikutu to rescind the order. The decision was made based on key COVID-19 metrics, which show continued improvement in the prevalence and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in Boston. Read more.

Effective August 27, 2021: Face masks will be required in all indoor public settings in the City of Boston, as part of a Five-Point Plan for the Delta Variant, a more contagious COVID-19 variant that is now the primary strain of the virus. Read more.

What are the dates and location of the conference?

The 2022 DoD National NDSEG Fellows Conference is scheduled from July 24-28, 2022, at Sheraton Hotel in Boston, MA.

Am I required to attend the 2022 DoD National NDSEG Fellows Conference?

Yes, per your signed fellowship terms and agreement: the DoD National NDSEG Fellows Conference is a mandatory required travel obligation during their tenure. Those fellows who complete PhD’s are required to participate/attend the DoD conference.

Is there an option to join virtually?

The current format is in-person conference. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 restrictions and are prepared to move online if needed.

I cannot attend the full event. Is it possible to only show up for some of the days?

All fellows are required to be at the conference for the full 5 days (July 24-28, 2022).

I am an FY2020 fellow, can I opt out from this year’s conference and attend the 2023 conference instead?

No. All FY2019 and FY2020 fellows must be at the 2022 conference. For any extenuating circumstances please contact ndseg.conference@sysplus.com.

When should we travel to the conference?

Recommended travel day is on July 24th. Conference check-in begins at 11:00 AM. Please arrive by 3:00 PM Eastern time.

I live close to Boston and will not utilize all of the planned budget of $2,500 for the 2022 DoD National NDSEG Fellows Conference. Can I apply the excess toward another professional development conference that will cost me more than $2,500?

The current planning budget for the 2022 DoD National NDSEG Fellows Conference is $2,500 regardless of your location. Any other professional development activity should not exceed $2,500. We will continue to use this planning budget as there has been no change to the approved travel guidance by the DoD.

Am I expected to stay at the hotel if I live close by?

The conference starts at 8:30 Am and will run through around 7:00 PM everyday. Two nights will run at a later time. It is in your best interest to stay at the hotel.

Are we sharing room with another fellow?

Each fellow will have their own separate accommodations.

Can I bring family members or loved ones?

If you wish to bring families or loved ones they will be responsible for all extra costs. The DoD will provide funding for the NDSEG fellow only.

How do I go about requesting my travel authorization?

TRAVEL Guidance will be provided in late February/early March. Any NDSEG travel-related questions ahead of March can be sent to ndseg.conference@sysplus.com.

How do I get reimbursed for the travel costs?

TRAVEL Guidance will be provided in late February/early March. Any NDSEG travel-related questions ahead of March can be sent to ndseg.conference@sysplus.com.