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Abstract Submissions

Thank you for your interest! Abstract submissions are now closed.

Key Deadlines

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: October 15, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
    (extended)

  • Notification of Acceptance: November 20, 2025 (subject to change)

  • Presenter RSVP & Registration Deadline: January 15, 2026

Important Notes

  • Abstracts are not panel proposals. For panel proposal submissions, visit the Panel Submission page.

  • Only one abstract per presenter will be accepted.

  • All presenters must register and pay the conference fee to present.

  • Abstracts must be submitted in English, via the Abstract Submission portal

Presentation Types

All presenters must attend in person. Virtual participation is not allowed

Oral Presentations

  • Limited number available. 

  • Assigned by track; includes live Q&A.

Poster Presentations

  • Majority of accepted abstracts will be presented as posters.

  • Presenters must be available in person for Q&A.

  • Poster Format: Portrait, max width 44", height 45" (smaller sizes accepted)

Submission Guidelines

​To help ensure that this conference has an impact, CUGH seeks abstracts outlining programs, initiatives, case studies, research and solutions that are scalable, impactful, context relevant and affordable. Please bring your best ideas to CUGH 2026!

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  • Character Limit: 2,500 (including spaces)

  • Abstract Title Limit: additional 250 characters including spaces (use Title Case, not ALL CAPS)

  • No attachments (tables, images, or documents)

  • Abstracts must follow the structured format provided in the submission portal

  • Abstracts must be original. Previously published work is discouraged but may be considered. You must disclose prior publication.

  • Presenters may submit multiple abstracts, but will only be invited to present one, if selected.

  • Abstracts must fit one of three pathways:

    • Scientific

    • Program/Project

    • Global Health Education

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Use the FAQ Sheet to choose the correct category. Incorrect classification or missing required content may reduce your score or lead to rejection.

Abstract Tracks

Abstracts will be considered under six official conference tracks:

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  • Non-Communicable Diseases, Health Systems, Public Health, Primary & Surgical Care

  • Social and Political Determinants of Health

  • Environmental Determinants of Health, Planetary Health, One Health

  • Communicable Diseases

  • Research, Education, Translation, and Implementation Science; Bridging Research to Policy

  • Global Health 2029 – The Future of Global Health

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In addition, there is one additional submission category:

 

  • Global Health Education Pathway – for abstracts focused on global health education or projects where education is a component.
    Note: This pathway does not require a track selection.

Review & Selection Process

All submitted abstracts are reviewed by three members of the Scientific Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC), which includes over 200 reviewers. 

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Final selections are made by the Executive Planning Committee and Local Organizing Committee, with a strong emphasis on diversity—within individual sessions and across the overall agenda. Notifications will be sent via email only to the contact person who submitted the abstract.


Presentation formats for accepted abstracts will be determined by the Scientific Planning Committee. All decisions are final.

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Abstracts are evaluated based on the following criteria, depending on the submission pathway:

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Scientific & Programmatic Abstracts

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  • Innovation – Novelty in topic, approach, or methods

  • Solutions – Relevance, scalability, and practicality of the proposed solution

  • Impact – Potential to address global health challenges

  • Clarity & Organization – Well-structured, clearly written abstract
     

Education Pathways Abstracts

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  • Relevance – Builds on or contributes meaningfully to existing educational pedagogical methods/programs/initiatives

  • Innovation – New, creative approaches to global health education

  • Scalability & Transferability – How scalable and relevant are the solutions proposed

  • Impact – How impactful the proposal is

  • Clarity & Organization – The clarity and organizational structure of the abstract

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Abstracts serving as sales pitches for products or services will not be considered.

Abstract Award Opportunities

CUGH 2026 offers a range of opportunities and awards for outstanding abstract submissions, including recognition for innovation, impact, and leadership in global health.

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For the complete list of available awards and opportunities, visit the Opportunities and Awards page.

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