Scientific Sessions
Abstract
An Abstract is a brief summary of a scientific research or an analysis on a specific topic. Once submitted, abstracts are peer-reviewed and, if accepted, are organised by track and core content into oral or e-poster sessions by the Coordinating Committee of Scientific Activities (CCSA).
Symposium
A Symposium is a 90-minute session with up to five speakers on a specific topic but with different perspectives and/or settings. Once submitted, symposium submissions are peer-reviewed and, if accepted, organised by track and core content by the CCSA.
Post-graduate Course
A Post-graduate Course is an educational and informative session with presentations that is either three-hour (half-day) or six-hour long (full-day). Post-graduate courses will be held as pre- conference activities.
Workshop
A Workshop is a practical and audience-engaging session that is either three-hour (half-day) or six-hour long (full-day), including presentations and practical exercises. Workshops will be held as a pre- conference activities.
Satellite Session
A Satellite Session is either an educational or an industry organised activity that is supported by individuals, non-profit groups, organisations or commercial entities. Satellite sessions are 40, 60, 75 or 90-minutes long and are scheduled outside of the official hours of the core programme.
Currently Satellite Session submissions(second round) are open from 1 June to 1 August.
Session Submission Guidelines
The second round of Satellite session submissions are open from 1 June – 1 August. The first round of Satellite session submissions closed on 30 May.
Abstracts, Symposia, Post-graduate Courses, Workshops submissions are now closed.
Important note:
- IMPORTANT: Chairs and speakers are required to register to attend the conference, including for sessions they will be contributing to.
LIST OF TRACKS
Your session must be submitted under one of the official tracks of the conference, found here: list of tracks.
SELECTION REVIEW SYSTEM
The Scientific Programme Committee of the Union World Conference bases their programme selection decisions according to a pre-defined review system.
Satellite Session Guidelines
15-18 November 2023
Session submitters will be able to mention their preferred date of presentation, but the Scientific Programme Committee reserves the right to offer another date to minimise conflict in the programme and maximise attendance.
Satellite sessions are solely scheduled outside of core conference hours for 40, 60, 75 or 90 minutes minutes as detailed in the session format section here below.
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning, track choice has no impact on the selection process.
- Educational
- Industry
The formats offered for satellite sessions are either:
- A 40-minute morning session from 08:00 to 08:40.
- A 75- or 90-minute session from 12:15 to 13:45.
- Or a 60-minute evening session from 18:15 to 19:15.
Satellite Sessions should have one or two chairs. They will be responsible for coordinating the session, communicating with speakers, promptly informing the Secretariat about changes, and moderating the session.
The maximum number of presentations is five. A minimum of four and maximum of five speakers is required. Chairs are not included in this speaker count.
The Union offers to individuals, non-profit groups, organisations, or commercial entities the opportunity to showcase their work, research and programmes, or draw more attention to a specific subject or area by organising a satellite session. The sponsor of a satellite session is to be identified and mentioned in the submission form. Satellite sessions not including sponsor information will not be considered for review.
Describe the overall objectives of the session in 150 words or less (minimum of 10, maximum of 150).
A short description of 100 words or fewer should be submitted for each presentation. The presentation description will be considered for publication in the online programme.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker. The biography will be considered for publication in the online programme.
Satellite sessions submitted by 30 May will receive notification in Mid-June. Currently, there is a second round of satellite session submissions between 1 June and 1 August. Notifications for the second round will be sent from 14 August.
The session will be reviewed for compliance with The Union’s mission and vision. There will be two rounds of reviews and notifications (see the section above). Proposals submitted in the first round will be given priority in slot selection.
The Union is committed to promoting people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submissions, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process. Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
Also review pages 37 and 38 of the document to make sure terms are carefully used as suggested. |
Please make sure that you enter the active email address of each chair and speaker. All communication will be made to this email address.
IMPORTANT: Each chair and speaker must use one single email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notifications for the first round of submissions will be emailed in mid-June.
Notifications for the second round of submissions will be emailed from 14 August.
The satellite session organiser should ensure costs of registration, transportation and hotel for the speakers and chairpersons will be covered, whether they are financially responsible or the speakers and chairpersons pay for themselves.
Full session payment should be made within six weeks of approval. If no payment is received, the slot will be allocated to another proposal.
If selected, the session chairs, speakers and sponsors agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
SATELLITE SESSION SUBMISSION
Having carefully reviewed the guidelines, tracks and review criteria, please consult the below fees and make your submission here:
| PRICE | NGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Morning - 40 minute |
€ 12,000 |
€ 8,000 |
||
|
Afternoon - 75 to 90
minute |
€ 35,000 |
/ |
||
|
Evening - 60 minute |
€ 20,000 |
€ 16,000 |
||
*NGO rates are available for not for profit organisations with an annual operational budget of less than €20 million
For more information, contact partners@theunion.org.
Post-graduate Course Guidelines
The specific dates and times of presentation will be confirmed once the session is accepted.
Courses are three hours (half day) or six hours long (full day). Session length should be indicated during the online submission process.
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning. Trackchoice has no impact on the selection process.
The preferred format and layout of the course must be clearly indicated, particularly if some practical exercises require a table. It may not be possible to accommodate layout other than theatre style
Post-graduate courses should have one or two coordinators. They will be responsible for communicating with speakers, promptly liaising with the Secretariat about the session agenda, changes and facilitating or co-facilitating the course.
Submitters will also have the option to include up to two chairs that will moderate the session. In this case and for diversity purposes, it is important that the coordinators of the session do not chair sessions they coordinate.
- For three-hour courses: minimum of four and a maximum of five speakers.
- For six-hour courses: maximum of 10 speakers
Description sub-heading should include course objectives, expected outputs/outcomes and relevance of the topic for the target audience in 300 words or less.
Each course should be organised around a specific theme, have clear learning objectives and specific knowledge to be gained. The agenda must include time for discussion.
If accepted, this description will be available online for participants.
A short description of 100 words or fewer must be submitted for each presentation.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker.
Online submission is closed. No further changes will be accepted.
Post-graduate courses are assessed based on objectives, relevance, presentation, originality, utilisation of evidence, geographical impact and country representation. The session outline must be in line with the session selected format
The Union is committed to promoting person-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submission, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process. Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
Also review pages 37 and 38 of the document to make sure terms are carefully used as suggested. |
Each coordinator, chair and speaker must use one single active email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notification about the status of the submission will be emailed to the session chairs and submitter in mid-June.
Conference attendees pay a fee to attend the session and sign-up online or in-person. Sessions with fewer than 10 enrolled participants 8 weeks before the start of the conference will be cancelled.
If selected, the chairs, coordinators and speakers agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
Workshop Guidelines
The specific dates and times of presentation will be confirmed once the session is accepted.
Workshops are three hours (half day) or six hours long (full day). Session length should be indicated during online submission process.
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning. Track choice has no impact on the selection process.
The preferred format and layout of the course must be clearly indicated, particularly if some practical exercises require a table. It may not be possible to accommodate layout other than theatre style.
Workshops should have one or two coordinators. They will be responsible for communicating with speakers, promptly liaising with the Secretariat about the session agenda, changes and facilitating or co-facilitating the workshop.
Submitters will also have the option to include up to two workshop chairs. In this case and for diversity purposes, it is important that the coordinators of the session do not chair sessions they coordinate.
- For three-hour workshops: minimum of four and a maximum of five speakers.
- For six-hour workshops: maximum of 10 speakers
Description sub-heading should include workshop objectives, specific skills and knowledge to be gained, expected outputs/outcomes and relevance of the topic for the target audience in 300 words or fewer.
Active learning and participation are expected including in the presentation format. The session agenda should include ample time for discussion and interactive activities.
A short description of 100 words or fewer must be submitted for each presentation.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker.
Online submission is closed. No further changes will be accepted.
Workshops are assessed based on objectives, relevance, presentation, originality, utilisation of evidence, geographical impact, and country representation. The session outline must be in line with the session selected format.
The Union is committed to promoting person-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submission, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Suggested Language and Usage for Tuberculosis Care, Communications and Publications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.
Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
|
Each coordinator, chair and speaker must use one single active email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notification about the status of the submission will be emailed to the session chairs and submitter in mid-June.
Workshop organisers are required to pay a fee to organise their session. The pricing structure will depend on the duration of the session. The Workshops will be open to all conference registered delegates on a first-come, first-served basis according to the room capacity.
If selected, the chairs and speakers agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
Workshops Fee:
| Three Hours | Six Hours |
|---|---|
|
€ 3,500 |
€ 6,500 |
Symposium Guidelines
15-18 November 2023
Symposia will take place during core programme hours; dates and time of presentation are allocated by the Secretariat to accommodate the complexity of the programme and minimise the overlap of tracks.
Symposia will be offered in the below time slots:
- 09:00 – 10:30
- 14:15 – 15:45
- 16:00 – 17:30
90 minutes
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning. Track choice has no impact on the selection process
Symposia should have one to two individuals serving as chairs. Chairs play the role of coordinators, communicate with speakers, submit the session online, liaise with the Secretariat about changes and moderate the session.
Minimum of four and maximum of five speakers.
Describe the overall objective of the session in 150 words or less (minimum of 10)
A short description of 100 words or fewer should be submitted for each presentation. The presentation description will be considered for publication in the Abstract Book and in the online programme.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker. The biography will be considered for publication in the online programme.
Online submission is closed. No further changes will be accepted.
Symposia are peer-reviewed by a minimum of three experts and assessed based on objectives, relevance/advances in the field, potential impact coherence of session, originality, and country representation.
Symposia covering novel, emerging or previously neglected topics and those presenting new methodologies or significant new data will be given priority.
Read more about the review system
The Union is committed to promoting people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submission, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process. Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
Also review pages 37 and 38 of the document to make sure terms are carefully used as suggested. |
Please make sure that you are entering the active email address of the chairs as all communication will be made to the email addresses you enter.
IMPORTANT: Each chair and speaker must use one single email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notification about the status of the submission will be emailed to the session chairs and submitter by mid-June.
All delegates registered for the conference can attend symposia as a part of the core programme.
Speakers and chairs must register for the conference.
If selected, the chairs and speakers agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
SESSIONS REVIEW SYSTEM: SYMPOSIA, POST-GRADUATE COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
| TOPICS TO BE SCORED | EXPECTED | SCORING |
|---|---|---|
|
Objectives |
Clear and concise statements adequately describe what the authors/presenters expect participants to take away after the session. |
0 = not described |
|
Coherence of sessions |
Titles of presentations describe its contents appropriately, contents of the individual presentations are consistent with the objectives of the session and there is a noticeable theme across presentations. |
0 = not described |
|
Relevance/ advances in the field |
Sessions are on topics of current interest as well as new evidence/information, approaches and updates on practice related to the subject are provided. |
0 = not described |
|
Impact |
Findings presented that are likely to change participant knowledge and/or practice. |
0 = not described |
|
Stigmatising language |
Please follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words matter language guide. Key stigmatising words/phrases will be highlighted by the system for reviewers to consider. |
-1 = yes |
|
Country representation |
This will be pre-populated by the Secretariat |
0 = only 1 country represented |
Maximum score: 19.5
Satellite Session Guidelines
15-18 November 2023
Session submitters will be able to mention their preferred date of presentation, but the Scientific Programme Committee reserves the right to offer another date to minimise conflict in the programme and maximise attendance.
Satellite sessions are solely scheduled outside of core conference hours for 40, 60, 75 or 90 minutes minutes as detailed in the session format section here below.
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning, track choice has no impact on the selection process.
- Educational
- Industry
The formats offered for satellite sessions are either:
- A 40-minute morning session from 08:00 to 08:40.
- A 75- or 90-minute session from 12:15 to 13:45.
- Or a 60-minute evening session from 18:15 to 19:15.
Satellite Sessions should have one or two chairs. They will be responsible for coordinating the session, communicating with speakers, promptly informing the Secretariat about changes, and moderating the session.
The maximum number of presentations is five. A minimum of four and maximum of five speakers is required. Chairs are not included in this speaker count.
The Union offers to individuals, non-profit groups, organisations, or commercial entities the opportunity to showcase their work, research and programmes, or draw more attention to a specific subject or area by organising a satellite session. The sponsor of a satellite session is to be identified and mentioned in the submission form. Satellite sessions not including sponsor information will not be considered for review.
Describe the overall objectives of the session in 150 words or less (minimum of 10, maximum of 150).
A short description of 100 words or fewer should be submitted for each presentation. The presentation description will be considered for publication in the online programme.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker. The biography will be considered for publication in the online programme.
Satellite sessions submitted by 30 May will receive notification in Mid-June. Currently, there is a second round of satellite session submissions between 1 June and 1 August. Notifications for the second round will be sent from 14 August.
The session will be reviewed for compliance with The Union’s mission and vision. There will be two rounds of reviews and notifications (see the section above). Proposals submitted in the first round will be given priority in slot selection.
The Union is committed to promoting people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submissions, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process. Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
Also review pages 37 and 38 of the document to make sure terms are carefully used as suggested. |
Please make sure that you enter the active email address of each chair and speaker. All communication will be made to this email address.
IMPORTANT: Each chair and speaker must use one single email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notifications for the first round of submissions will be emailed in mid-June.
Notifications for the second round of submissions will be emailed from 14 August.
The satellite session organiser should ensure costs of registration, transportation and hotel for the speakers and chairpersons will be covered, whether they are financially responsible or the speakers and chairpersons pay for themselves.
Full session payment should be made within six weeks of approval. If no payment is received, the slot will be allocated to another proposal.
If selected, the session chairs, speakers and sponsors agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
SATELLITE SESSION SUBMISSION
Having carefully reviewed the guidelines, tracks and review criteria, please consult the below fees and make your submission here:
| PRICE | NGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Morning - 40 minute |
€ 12,000 |
€ 8,000 |
||
|
Afternoon - 75 to 90
minute |
€ 35,000 |
/ |
||
|
Evening - 60 minute |
€ 20,000 |
€ 16,000 |
||
*NGO rates are available for not for profit organisations with an annual operational budget of less than €20 million
For more information, contact partners@theunion.org.
Post-graduate Course Guidelines
The specific dates and times of presentation will be confirmed once the session is accepted.
Courses are three hours (half day) or six hours long (full day). Session length should be indicated during the online submission process.
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning. Trackchoice has no impact on the selection process.
The preferred format and layout of the course must be clearly indicated, particularly if some practical exercises require a table. It may not be possible to accommodate layout other than theatre style
Post-graduate courses should have one or two coordinators. They will be responsible for communicating with speakers, promptly liaising with the Secretariat about the session agenda, changes and facilitating or co-facilitating the course.
Submitters will also have the option to include up to two chairs that will moderate the session. In this case and for diversity purposes, it is important that the coordinators of the session do not chair sessions they coordinate.
- For three-hour courses: minimum of four and a maximum of five speakers.
- For six-hour courses: maximum of 10 speakers
Description sub-heading should include course objectives, expected outputs/outcomes and relevance of the topic for the target audience in 300 words or less.
Each course should be organised around a specific theme, have clear learning objectives and specific knowledge to be gained. The agenda must include time for discussion.
If accepted, this description will be available online for participants.
A short description of 100 words or fewer must be submitted for each presentation.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker.
Online submission is closed. No further changes will be accepted.
Post-graduate courses are assessed based on objectives, relevance, presentation, originality, utilisation of evidence, geographical impact and country representation. The session outline must be in line with the session selected format
The Union is committed to promoting person-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submission, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process. Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
Also review pages 37 and 38 of the document to make sure terms are carefully used as suggested. |
Each coordinator, chair and speaker must use one single active email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notification about the status of the submission will be emailed to the session chairs and submitter in mid-June.
Conference attendees pay a fee to attend the session and sign-up online or in-person. Sessions with fewer than 10 enrolled participants 8 weeks before the start of the conference will be cancelled.
If selected, the chairs, coordinators and speakers agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
Workshop Guidelines
The specific dates and times of presentation will be confirmed once the session is accepted.
Workshops are three hours (half day) or six hours long (full day). Session length should be indicated during online submission process.
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning. Track choice has no impact on the selection process.
The preferred format and layout of the course must be clearly indicated, particularly if some practical exercises require a table. It may not be possible to accommodate layout other than theatre style.
Workshops should have one or two coordinators. They will be responsible for communicating with speakers, promptly liaising with the Secretariat about the session agenda, changes and facilitating or co-facilitating the workshop.
Submitters will also have the option to include up to two workshop chairs. In this case and for diversity purposes, it is important that the coordinators of the session do not chair sessions they coordinate.
- For three-hour workshops: minimum of four and a maximum of five speakers.
- For six-hour workshops: maximum of 10 speakers
Description sub-heading should include workshop objectives, specific skills and knowledge to be gained, expected outputs/outcomes and relevance of the topic for the target audience in 300 words or fewer.
Active learning and participation are expected including in the presentation format. The session agenda should include ample time for discussion and interactive activities.
A short description of 100 words or fewer must be submitted for each presentation.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker.
Online submission is closed. No further changes will be accepted.
Workshops are assessed based on objectives, relevance, presentation, originality, utilisation of evidence, geographical impact, and country representation. The session outline must be in line with the session selected format.
The Union is committed to promoting person-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submission, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Suggested Language and Usage for Tuberculosis Care, Communications and Publications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.
Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
|
Each coordinator, chair and speaker must use one single active email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notification about the status of the submission will be emailed to the session chairs and submitter in mid-June.
Workshop organisers are required to pay a fee to organise their session. The pricing structure will depend on the duration of the session. The Workshops will be open to all conference registered delegates on a first-come, first-served basis according to the room capacity.
If selected, the chairs and speakers agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
Workshops Fee:
| Three Hours | Six Hours |
|---|---|
|
€ 3,500 |
€ 6,500 |
Symposium Guidelines
15-18 November 2023
Symposia will take place during core programme hours; dates and time of presentation are allocated by the Secretariat to accommodate the complexity of the programme and minimise the overlap of tracks.
Symposia will be offered in the below time slots:
- 09:00 – 10:30
- 14:15 – 15:45
- 16:00 – 17:30
90 minutes
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning. Track choice has no impact on the selection process
Symposia should have one to two individuals serving as chairs. Chairs play the role of coordinators, communicate with speakers, submit the session online, liaise with the Secretariat about changes and moderate the session.
Minimum of four and maximum of five speakers.
Describe the overall objective of the session in 150 words or less (minimum of 10)
A short description of 100 words or fewer should be submitted for each presentation. The presentation description will be considered for publication in the Abstract Book and in the online programme.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted for each proposed speaker. The biography will be considered for publication in the online programme.
Online submission is closed. No further changes will be accepted.
Symposia are peer-reviewed by a minimum of three experts and assessed based on objectives, relevance/advances in the field, potential impact coherence of session, originality, and country representation.
Symposia covering novel, emerging or previously neglected topics and those presenting new methodologies or significant new data will be given priority.
Read more about the review system
The Union is committed to promoting people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your submission, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications. Please note, proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process. Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
Also review pages 37 and 38 of the document to make sure terms are carefully used as suggested. |
Please make sure that you are entering the active email address of the chairs as all communication will be made to the email addresses you enter.
IMPORTANT: Each chair and speaker must use one single email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital devices and apps. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
Notification about the status of the submission will be emailed to the session chairs and submitter by mid-June.
All delegates registered for the conference can attend symposia as a part of the core programme.
Speakers and chairs must register for the conference.
If selected, the chairs and speakers agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session.
SESSIONS REVIEW SYSTEM: SYMPOSIA, POST-GRADUATE COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
| TOPICS TO BE SCORED | EXPECTED | SCORING |
|---|---|---|
|
Objectives |
Clear and concise statements adequately describe what the authors/presenters expect participants to take away after the session. |
0 = not described |
|
Coherence of sessions |
Titles of presentations describe its contents appropriately, contents of the individual presentations are consistent with the objectives of the session and there is a noticeable theme across presentations. |
0 = not described |
|
Relevance/ advances in the field |
Sessions are on topics of current interest as well as new evidence/information, approaches and updates on practice related to the subject are provided. |
0 = not described |
|
Impact |
Findings presented that are likely to change participant knowledge and/or practice. |
0 = not described |
|
Stigmatising language |
Please follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words matter language guide. Key stigmatising words/phrases will be highlighted by the system for reviewers to consider. |
-1 = yes |
|
Country representation |
This will be pre-populated by the Secretariat |
0 = only 1 country represented |
Maximum score: 19.5
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Submissions of abstracts, symposia, post-graduate courses and workshops are now closed.
All abstracts must present original research and at least preliminary results; abstracts reporting data pending will not be accepted. Submission implies that the material has not previously been presented or published elsewhere before presentation at the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2023. Abstracts are placed under embargo until they are presented at the conference.
SELECTION REVIEW SYSTEM
The Coordinating Committee of Scientific Activities (CCSA) of the Union World Conference base their programme selection decisions according to a pre-defined review system.
LIST OF TRACKS
Your abstract must be submitted under one of the official tracks of the conference. You can view the list of tracks here.
Find out more about
For enquiries regarding the programme, please send an email to scientific@theunion.org
| TOPICS TO BE SCORED | EXPECTED | SCORING |
|---|---|---|
|
Relevance |
The research question is relevant. The study/intervention addresses current, relevant scientific or public health issues; the study/intervention findings are important and will likely contribute to new knowledge, practice, policies or programmes. |
0 = not described/irrelevant |
|
Methods /intervention or response |
The study design/intervention is appropriate, given the objectives/challenges. |
0 = not described |
|
Results/impact |
Results/impact are in line with the analysis methodology and objectives; scope, generalisability, feasibility and robustness of findings are satisfactory. |
0 = not described |
|
Clarity of the message |
The study’s objectives/challenges or working hypotheses are clearly stated. The text is concise and objective, the conclusions are clear and congruent with the results and the final overall message is clear. |
0 = Unable to understand abstract/no conclusions |
|
Originality |
The study, methodology/implementation, context and/or findings are new or novel. |
0 = not described |
|
Stigmatising language |
Please follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter - Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications. Key stigmatising words/phrases will be highlighted by the system for reviewers to consider. |
-1 = yes |
Maximum Score: 20
ABSTRACT GUIDELINES
Please read the abstract guidelines below carefully before submitting.
15-18 November 2023
- Oral abstract session
- E-poster session
This year’s conference will be in-person. Technical specifications will be provided at a later stage to help speakers prepare.
- For oral abstract sessions, presenters will both present and participate in the live discussion that will take place during the session.
- E-poster presenters will be required to present and address audience questions during their allotted presentation time.
Please select the most appropriate track. Note this is to assist with programme planning. Track choice has no impact on the selection process.
Please type the title of the abstract in upper and lower case, using capitals only for the first word, acronyms and proper nouns. Titles of more than 25 words (110 characters and spaces) will be truncated.
Please provide a 50-word summary of your abstract for publication on the online programme, prior to the lifting of the conference embargo. This must not include any results but should provide information of relevance to assist delegates in selecting sessions of interest.
- The abstract text should not exceed 300 words. Abstracts of more than 300 words will be truncated.
- Please note that affiliations don’t count as part of the 300 words.
- Abstracts must be submitted in English only. No simultaneous interpretation will be provided for the conference.
- Use the formatting options provided to insert symbols, accents and special formatting (e.g., italics, bold, β, μ, etc.).
- Authors are responsible for proofreading and submitting an abstract without errors, as they will be reproduced in the form they were submitted.
- Abbreviations and acronyms must be written out in full at the first mention in the text.
- The content to be submitted needs to be approved by all co-authors beforehand and cleared, if required by your organisation. No changes will be accepted after the submission deadline.
The 2022 Conference Abstract Book is available here for your reference.
All submitters can choose out of two abstract categories:
- Category 1: Scientific Research
This category is for reporting scientific and public health evaluations as well as operational research. Abstracts in Category 1 should be organised as follows:
– Background: State the study objectives, study question/hypothesis or describe the challenge addressed by the research.
– Design/Methods: Describe study design, setting, desired outcomes, procedures and techniques used to collect and analyse data. Include a description of appropriate statistical analysis.
– Results: Present specific findings to date.
– Conclusions: Describe the implications of the results presented and summarise key recommendations. Explain specific findings on how the research addressed the study question or challenge.
- Category 2: Public Health Practice
This category is for reporting experiences in overcoming policy or programme barriers and demonstrating best practices in implementing effective prevention and control programming. This includes identification of service delivery issues and the presentation of evidence-based practices that programmes have adopted. Abstracts in Category 2 should be organised as follows:
– Background and challenges to implementation: Identify the context and the specific challenges to programme implementation.
– Intervention or response: How was the challenge overcome? Detail the methods, activities and implementation steps used to overcome the challenge. Describe the procedures and techniques used to collect and analyse information that informed your conclusions.
– Results/Impact: Describe the results and impact of the project. Explain the potential application or benefit to other programmes. Define what worked, what did not work and the evidence that led to this determination.
– Conclusions: Describe the public health practice implications of the results and summarise key recommendations. Highlight opportunities for future programme practice and implications for other programmes or setting.
- Authors may submit one table or one figure per abstract. If more than one table or figure are submitted, one of them will be deleted.
- Tables should be smaller than 10 rows x 10 columns.
- If you wish to submit a table with your abstract, click on the “Insert Table” icon on the pink ribbon.
Data/characters included in the tables are not considered for the word count if inserted via the ‘Insert a table’ icon
- If you wish to submit a figure/image with your abstract, click on the “Insert Image” icon .
- The maximum file size of each figure/image is 5 MB. The maximum pixel size of the figure/image is 600(w) x 800(h) pixels.
- You may upload graphs in JPG, GIF or PNG format.
- The graphic content must be clearly legible when previewing the abstract.
- Recommended resolution: min. 150 dpi, 300 dpi for images, 600 dpi for line art (charts). Low-resolution images will not be included in the Abstract Book.
- Please do not upload the text of your abstract as an attachment. Uploaded abstracts will not be considered.
- Please note that tables and figures are reproduced in a single column with the abstract and that legibility is the responsibility of the author. We recommend that you use a sans serif (Arial or Calibri) font for clarity.
- A maximum of 12 authors will be allowed.
- If all authors belong to a single institution, you do not need to create new affiliations for each author. Click on “Institutes” to prefill the form.
- The corresponding author is responsible for the abstract content. S/he is the contact person for submission and communication purposes and is also responsible for disseminating information related to the abstract to the co-authors.
- Once the abstract is submitted and reviewed, the list of co-authors can no longer be amended. Please make sure there is no oversight in the final list of co-authors before proceeding with the submission.
A biography of no more than 100 words must be submitted by the proposed presenter.
- Online submission is closed. No further changes will be accepted.
- The corresponding author will receive an email confirming that the submitted abstract has been received.
- An abstract should be submitted only once and only under one or two tracks: resubmission is not permitted. Please refrain from submitting multiple abstracts on the same topic by varying the authors or under different titles with only minor word changes. Please also refrain from submitting multiple abstracts on the same study with the same first author. In such cases, all of the submissions on that topic will be automatically rejected.
- Abstracts submitted by email will not be considered.
- First-time users of this platform will need to create an account to be able to submit an abstract. Other authors can reset their password if they have forgotten it.
- Please do not submit an abstract if none of the authors intends to present it, in the event that it is accepted.
All submitted abstracts will be sent for peer review to a panel of international experts in the fields of TB, adult & child lung health, HIV and tobacco control. Each abstract will be reviewed and scored by at least three reviewers. The scores will then be submitted to the members of the Scientific Programme Committee, who will determine which abstracts are accepted and whether they are best suited for oral abstract presentation sessions or e-poster sessions.
The review criteria are available here.
The Union is committed to promoting people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. When drafting your abstract, The Union requests that you follow the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications
Please note, abstracts using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.
Below is the list of stigmatising words which will be highlighted for reviewers for consideration:
- TB Contact (prefer ‘contact person’)
- Defaulter (prefer ‘person lost to follow-up’
- Illegal/alien worker (prefer ‘noncitizen resident or unauthorized resident/worker’)
- He-his or she-her (prefer ‘they-them’)
- Suspect (prefer ‘person with presumed TB’)
- TB control (prefer ‘TB prevention and care or ending TB’)
- AIDS patient (prefer ‘person living with HIV/AIDS PLWHA/PLHIV’)
- Innocent victim (prefer ‘person living with HIV/AIDS’)
Also review pages 37 and 38 of the document to make sure terms are carefully used as suggested.
Abstract authors must have obtained ethical clearance for their abstract before submission. Research presented in the abstract must have been conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association. The Scientific Programme Committee may contact you to enquire further into ethical aspects when reviewing the abstract. This does not apply to public health practice abstracts. |
To facilitate access to our submission, registration, conference digital devices and apps please make sure that you enter the active email address of the corresponding authors as all communication will be made with the email addresses you enter. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.
- Corresponding authors will be notified of the status of their abstracts in mid- June. Please make sure you inform the co-authors of the submission status of your abstract.
- If your abstract has been allocated to a specific session, please note that it will not be possible to change the date, time or type of session. Any allocation is final. A co-author or colleague can present on your behalf if you are not available on the assigned date and time.
All accepted and presented abstracts will be included in the Abstract Book, which is a supplement to the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IJTLD). The Abstract Book will be made available online for download from the website at the conclusion of the conference. Accepted abstracts which will ultimately not presented at the conference will not be included in the Abstract Book.
All abstract presenters must register to present and attend the conference.
All delegates registered to the conference can attend all abstract sessions.
If selected, the abstract presenters agree to the attached information relating to the release, recording and publication of their presentation and session. |
Abstract Mentor Programme
The goal of The Union’s Abstract Mentor Programme is to provide an opportunity for individuals with limited experience in writing and submitting abstracts to work with a volunteer mentor (someone with notable experience). Mentors review and provide feedback on the writing and content of an abstract.
Steps:
- Prepare a draft abstract in accordance with the abstract submission guidelines.
- Perform spelling and grammar check (e.g. Office Word spelling and grammar function).
- Submit your abstract for mentor feed-back by emailing it to mentoring@theunion.org by 9 March to receive feed-back before 23 March.
- Please make sure to include the track and the correct number of words in your abstract.
- The process is neither anonymous for the mentor nor for the mentee. The draft abstract submitted must follow the submission guidelines.
- Each delegate is allowed to submit only one abstract to the mentorship programme.
- The administrator of the mentorship programme will immediately return abstract drafts to the author without review if they do not follow the submission guidelines.
- Mentors assist by reviewing the content, writing and format. Some technical support on research methods, analysis, or the report of results may be provided.
- Mentors cannot indicate if they think that the abstract is likely to be selected or not.
List of Tracks
| Scope for this track includes basic sciences, pre-clinical and product development for TB and other lung health conditions |
| A1. Immunology – research into diagnostics and immunity |
| A2. Drug and vaccine development, including for COVID-19 |
| A3. TB diagnostics, including drug-resistance determination – Technical aspects and new developments |
| A4. Imaging and image analysis for diagnostics |
| Scope for this track includes clinical trials, pragmatic trials, operational research on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of TB and other lung health conditions, including post-TB lung disease. Targeted populations may include children or any other age group, vulnerable sub-populations or people living with other co-morbidities. |
| B1. TB diagnostics – Operational and clinical studies |
| B2. TB laboratory service implementation and operations |
| B3. Clinical trials and operational research for new treatments for TB (for adults and children) |
| B4. Lung health across the life course |
| B5. Active case finding and contact investigation for TB |
| B6. Identification and management of TB infection |
| B7. TB and comorbidities: including HIV and diabetes |
| B8 COVID-19: clinical trials and operational research |
| B9. Health and well-being post TB |
| B10. Transmission dynamics and bioaerosols |
| B11. NTM diagnostics: operational and clinical studies. |
| B12. Pharmacokinetics |
| Scope for this track includes the review and evaluation of global and local policies, clinical practices and programmatic implementation across the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of TB and other lung health conditions, including post-TB lung disease; including research on improvement of current policies and practices |
| C1. Implementation of TPT |
| C2. Care and treatment of TB (drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB) |
| C3. Maternal and child TB |
| C4. Lung health across the life course |
| C5. Health and well-being post TB |
| C6. Person-centred care |
| C7. Access to quality TB care and services |
| C8. Global and local policies and politics, including funding and accountability |
| C9. Health education and training about TB |
| C10. COVID-19: policies and clinical implementation |
| C11. Cost-effectiveness of TB and lung health interventions |
| Scope for this track includes all aspects of epidemiology relating to TB, lung disease and comorbidities such as HIV. |
| D1. TB epidemiology across the life course |
| D2. Lung health epidemiology across the life course (COPD, pneumonia, asthma and other lung health conditions) |
| D3. Air quality and lung health |
| D4. Latent TB infection (LTBI) and control across the life course |
| D5. Infection prevention and control of TB (and other airborne diseases affecting lung health e.g. SARS CoV-2) |
| D6. Health and well-being post TB |
| D7. HIV-TB and other HIV-related lung health |
| D8. Modelling, including modelling of COVID-19: the effect of social controls, preparedness and lessons for other infectious diseases. |
| D9. COVID-19 epidemiology |
| D10. NTM epidemiology |
| D11. Occupational/workplace TB |
| Scope includes research on and assessment of social, political, legal and human rights factors, stigma and discrimination influencing prevention, treatment, care and support for persons impacted by lung health issues, as well as communication of these issues to relevant stakeholders. |
| E1. Civil society, advocacy and community engagement |
| E2. Key affected populations: behavioural, social, and cultural issues and contexts |
| E3. Human rights and ethics |
| E4. Communication/social media |
| E5. UNHLM: What’s next |
| Scope for this track includes studies on the epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment challenges posed by zoonotic tuberculosis caused primarily by Mycobacterium bovis; to assist animal and public health agencies in more effectively controlling this disease and collaborating on field and laboratory research. |
| F1. Basic science and zoonotic diagnostics |
| F2. Zoonotic diseases, care and treatment |
| F3. Zoonotic epidemiology |
| F4: Zoonotic diseases prevention and control |
| F5: Zoonotic diseases & social determinants of health |
| F6: Occupational zoonotic diseases |
| F7: Effect of global changes on zoonotic diseases (e.g. climatic, geographic, land loss, migrations, demographic) |
| Scope of this track includes epidemiology, health effects of tobacco and nicotine products as well as tobacco industry interventions to health policies |
| G1. Tobacco and comorbidities: including NCDs, TB and HIV |
| G2. Tobacco control and tobacco industry interference |
| G3. MPOWER for tobacco control |
| G4. Tobacco-related epidemiology |
| G5. E-cigarettes and non-combustible tobacco products |
| Scope for this NEW track includes implementation projects/studies around building systems and capacity of health programmes and institutions to accelerate progress toward Ending TB |
| H1: Systems for training and programmatic capacity building |
| H2: Information systems for TB, programme monitoring and TB surveillance |
| H3: Systems for private and corporate sector engagement in TB |