The 36th National conference of Indian Association for the Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (IASSTD) and AIDS will be held from November 2 to 4, 2012 at Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences at Cochin, Kerala.

ASTICON 2012 offers excellent educational programmes throughout the three days. It includes award oration, lectures and panel discussion by eminent faculty, paper and poster presentation and quiz programme for PG students. The theme of the conference is "Past, present and future of STD & AIDS".

As a part of the conference, an all India essay competition for medical students – UG & PG is being organised separately. The topic of the essay is "How to eradicate social stigma about STD and AIDS from our society".

Best two essays will be selected from UG & PG separately. Certificates and cash awards Rs.10,000 for the first and Rs.5,000 for second will be given for the selected essays.

Essays will have to be submitted along with a certificate from the principal of the respective colleges certifying the authenticity of the article and authors.

Maximum word count of the essay is 1500. It should be in Times New Roman in 12 point font size. The essays must not have been previously presented or published in other magazine or other publications or any other forum. Essay must reach SNIMS on or before September 30, 2012.

Prize winning authors will be given 2nd class A/C fare to and from and DA to attend the conference on production of bills/ receipts.

Articles may be sent by post to Dr Ashok Thomas Mathai, asst. professor, Dept. of Dermatology, Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Chalakka, North Kuthiyathodu. P.O 683 594, Ernakulam Dist., Kerala. Ph: 09947770600.

For more details on the conference contact organising chairman Dr AD Dharmaratnam email:dharmaratnam@leedhar.com or asticon2012@gmail.com. Mobile: 09496220200.