Abstracts & ePosters: Submit, Browse, Discuss

Abstracts and ePosters are the foundation of scientific exchange at the meeting. They provide a forum where new data, emerging ideas, and challenging results can be shared with the community. Unlike plenary or keynote sessions, posters often feature work-in-progress or findings not yet published elsewhere. This space celebrates openness, curiosity, and constructive dialogue—whether the result is groundbreaking, unexpected, or inconclusive.

This page outlines who should submit, what the submission process looks like, how review and selection are handled, and what is expected of presenters and participants before, during, and after the meeting.

Who Should Submit

Abstract submission is open to a wide range of contributors, reflecting the diversity of the field.

Researchers with Early Findings: Preliminary data are welcome. Even if the full story is not yet complete, early insights can spark collaboration and improve the design of ongoing studies.
Negative or Neutral Results: Science advances through knowing what does not work as much as through successes. Abstracts reporting negative findings are valued because they prevent duplication and inform future approaches.
Students and Trainees: Early-career researchers gain valuable experience in communicating their work and receiving feedback. Abstracts from trainees are encouraged, and the poster hall provides a supportive environment for discussion.
Clinicians and Practitioners: Clinical observations, case series, and practice-based insights add essential context. Abstracts that connect bench and bedside perspectives enrich the program.
Industry and Regulatory Professionals: Applied research, manufacturing improvements, or policy-relevant studies provide valuable contributions.

Submitting an abstract is an invitation to join a collective conversation where every result—positive, negative, early, or applied—has a role to play.

Submission Basics

Abstracts are evaluated on clarity, rigor, and contribution to the field. While formats may vary by theme, several principles apply to all submissions:

Clear Structure: Submissions should include background, methods, results, and conclusions. Even if results are preliminary, clarity about what has been done and why it matters is essential.
Scientific Rigor: Methods should be described with enough detail to show that the approach is sound. Limitations should be acknowledged openly.
Contribution to Knowledge: Each abstract should explain what new insight it adds—whether an innovative approach, an unexpected finding, or a practical application.
Plain English: Technical accuracy is important, but clarity matters too. Submissions should be understandable to readers from other disciplines.
Ethical Responsibility: Research involving humans, animals, or sensitive data should demonstrate appropriate approvals and safeguards.
Word Limits: Keep submissions concise, highlighting key points. Overly long or unfocused abstracts are less effective.

The aim is not perfection but transparency: describing what was done, what was found, and why it matters.

Review & Selection

The review process is guided by fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.

Principles of Fair Review

Peer Evaluation: Abstracts are reviewed by experts familiar with the field but not directly involved in the work.
Conflict Management: Reviewers disclose any potential conflicts of interest and are recused where necessary.
Diversity of Perspectives: Panels include reviewers from multiple regions and backgrounds to avoid narrow judgments.
Constructive Feedback: Whenever possible, reviewers provide comments that help authors improve their work.

Selection Considerations

Relevance to Themes: Abstracts are mapped to the program’s Program Overview to ensure alignment.
Novelty and Insight: New or unexpected findings are prioritized, but incremental work that adds clarity or rigor is also valued.
Balance: The final selection aims for diversity across disciplines, geographies, and career stages.

Fair review ensures that the poster hall reflects the true breadth of contributions, not just the most polished or well-resourced projects.

ePoster Essentials

ePosters provide a digital format for displaying research. Clarity, accessibility, and professionalism are the keys to effective presentation.

Key Elements

Readable Figures: Figures should use clear labels, appropriate font sizes, and uncluttered layouts. Data should be easy to interpret at first glance.
Concise Text: Limit narrative text. Use short sentences or bullet points to highlight background, methods, results, and conclusions.
Captions: Every figure and table should have a caption that explains its meaning in plain language. Avoid assuming readers can interpret visual data without guidance.
Logical Flow: Arrange content so that readers can follow the story easily from introduction to conclusion.
Accessibility: Use high-contrast colors and simple layouts. Ensure that any charts or diagrams are explained with descriptive captions for participants using assistive technologies.
Acknowledgments: Credit collaborators, funding sources, and institutions clearly.

Presentation Style

The best posters tell a story: What problem was addressed, what was done, what was found, and why it matters. Brevity and clarity make the story memorable.

For more context on session design, see Session Formats.

During the Meeting

Poster sessions are among the most interactive parts of the program. Presenters and attendees meet for dialogue, critique, and connection.

For Presenters

Be Ready with a Summary: Prepare a two- to three-minute overview of your work. This gives attendees a quick entry point before diving into details.
Welcome Questions: Encourage dialogue, even if questions challenge your assumptions. Constructive critique is part of scientific growth.
Stay Professional: Respond respectfully, even when feedback is critical. Demonstrating openness builds credibility.

For Attendees

Ask Thoughtful Questions: Inquire about methods, implications, or limitations. Avoid questions that are overly narrow or self-promotional.
Respect Time: Others may be waiting to ask questions. Keep your exchanges concise.
Engage Broadly: Explore posters beyond your direct specialty. Cross-disciplinary insights often come from unexpected places.

Q&A Etiquette

Speak clearly and listen actively.
Avoid monopolizing time.
Use plain language when possible.
Follow the moderator’s guidance if present.

For navigating the space itself, see the Virtual Venue Guide.

After the Meeting

The value of abstracts and posters continues beyond the event itself. Proper citation and sharing ensure that contributions have lasting impact.

Citation Norms

Credit the Author: When referring to work seen in a poster, cite the abstract and list the presenting author.
Respect Confidentiality: Some posters may present preliminary data not yet published. Do not share beyond the meeting unless permission is granted.
Differentiate Published vs. Unpublished: Treat posters as scientific communication but recognize they may differ from peer-reviewed articles.

Sharing Norms

Personal Notes: Keep notes for your own research or teaching, but ask before distributing materials.
Professional Courtesy: If a poster influences your work, reach out to the author. Collaboration often starts with a simple follow-up.
Ongoing Dialogue: Many presenters welcome continued discussion. Use Speakers & Chairs or Contact pages to explore follow-up opportunities.

By respecting these norms, participants help maintain a culture where sharing early and negative results is safe and rewarding.

Closing

Abstracts and ePosters represent the community at its most open and collaborative. They allow early findings to be shared, negative results to inform, and students to learn alongside experienced professionals. Submitting is not about showcasing perfection—it is about contributing honestly to collective progress.

By following submission basics, trusting in fair review, designing accessible posters, engaging respectfully during sessions, and observing norms for citation and sharing afterwards, participants uphold the integrity of the scientific process.

For additional guidance, consult the Program Overview, learn more in Session Formats, prepare through the Virtual Venue Guide, and connect with presenters via Speakers & Chairs. Questions may be directed through Contact.