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Scientific Sessions

Abstract

An Abstract is a brief summary of 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).

Review Criteria
Submission Guidelines
Abstract Mentor Programme

Submissions Closed

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 on 12 November.
Note: Sessions with fewer than 10 enrolled participants 8 weeks before the start of the conference will be cancelled.

Review Criteria
Submission Guidelines

Submissions Closed

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 on 12 November.

Review Criteria
Submission Guidelines

Submissions Closed

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 up to 90 minutes long and are normally scheduled outside the core programme.

Review Criteria
Submission Guidelines

Submit Satellite Session

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.

Review Criteria
Submission Guidelines

Submissions Closed

Session Submission Guidelines

Abstracts, Symposia, Post-graduate Courses, Workshops submissions will open on 20 February 2024 and will close on 11 April 2024 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

Satellite session submissions are open on 20 February 2024 and will remain open until 30 May 2024 with a second round of submissions from 31 May – 1 August 2024.

Each session must be submitted under one of the official tracks for the conference, available here: List of tracks

Important note:

IMPORTANT: Chairs and speakers are required to register to attend the conference.

Selection Review System

The Coordinating Committee of Scientific Activities (CCSA) of The Union World Conference on Lung Health bases their programme selection decisions according to a pre-defined review system.

Satellite Session Guidelines

12-16 November 2024

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 60 or 90 minutes as detailed in the session format section below.

The most appropriate track will need to be chosen. This is to assist with programme planning, and track choice has no impact on the selection process.

The list of tracks is available here

  • Educational
  • Industry
  • The formats offered for satellite sessions are either:

    ·       A 60-minute morning session from 08:00 to 09:00 a.m. from 13-15 November  

    ·       A 90-minute morning session from 08:00-09:30 on 16 November  

    ·       A 90-minute lunch time session from 14:30-16:00 on 12 November   

    ·       Up to 90-minute lunch time session from 12:30 to 14:00 from 13-15 November  

    ·       Or an up to 90-minute evening session from 18:00 to 19:30 from 13-15 November  

     

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.

The overall objectives of the session in 150 words or less (minimum of 10, maximum of 150) must be described.

A short description of 100 words or fewer must 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 by the third week in June 2024. If there are slots remaining, there will be a second round of satellite session submissions between 31 May and 1 August 2024. Notifications for the second round will be sent by the third week in August 2024.

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. During submission preparation, the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications (Second Edition – 2022), should be followed.

Proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.

 

Below is the list of stigmatising words that will be highlighted for reviewers 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’)

The submitted email addresses of each chair and of each speaker must be active contacts since all communication will be made to these email addresses.

IMPORTANT: Each chair and speaker must use one single email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital platforms and apps., otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.

Notifications for the first round of submissions will be emailed by the third week in June.

Notifications for the second round of submissions will be emailed by the third week in 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 should 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 Fees

Satellites
Price
NGO*
Morning (08:00-09:00) 13-15 November
Up to 60 minutes
€ 12,500.00
€ 8,000.00
Morning (08:00-09:30) 16 November
Up to 90 minutes
€ 35,000.00
Afternoon (14:30-16:00) 12 November
Up to 90 minutes
€ 35,000.00
Afternoon (12:30-14:00) 13-15 November
Up to 90 minutes
€ 35,000.00
Evening (18:00-19:30) 13-15 November
Up to 90 minutes
€ 20,000.00
€ 16,000.00

* NGO rates are available for non-for-profit organisations with an annual operational budget of less than €20 million. 
For further information contact: partners@theunion.org 

Satellite Session Submission

Having carefully reviewed the guidelines, list of tracks, review criteria, and submission fees, please make your submission here :

Symposium Guidelines

12-16 November 2024

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.

90 minutes

The most appropriate track will need to be chosen. This is to assist with programme planning, and track choice has no impact on the selection process.

The list of tracks is available here

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 must 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 will be open on 20 February 2024 and close on 11 April 2024 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Symposia are editable until then. No further changes are accepted after that deadline.

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 here

The Union is committed to promoting people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. During submission preparation, the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications (Second Edition – 2022), should be followed.

Proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.

 

Below is the list of stigmatising words that will be highlighted for reviewers 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’)

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 the third week in June 2024.

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.

.

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.

The most appropriate track will need to be chosen. This is to assist with programme planning, and track choice has no impact on the selection process.

The list of tracks is available here

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: minimum of four and a 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 will be open from 20 February until 11 April 2024 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Post-graduate courses are editable until then. No further changes are accepted after that deadline.

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 people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. During submission preparation, the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications (Second Edition – 2022), should be followed.

Proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.

 

Below is the list of stigmatising words that will be highlighted for reviewers 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’)

Each coordinator, chair and speaker must use one single active email address for identification purpose in our submission, registration and conference digital platforms 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 the third week in June 2024.

Conference attendees pay a fee to attend the session 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.

The most appropriate track will need to be chosen. This is to assist with programme planning, and track choice has no impact on the selection process.

The list of tracks is available here

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: minimum of four and a 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 will be open from 20 February until 11 April 2024 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Workshops are editable until then. No further changes are accepted after that deadline.

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 people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. During submission preparation, the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications (Second Edition – 2022), should be followed.

Proposals using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.

 

Below is the list of stigmatising words that will be highlighted for reviewers 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’)

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 by the third week in June 2024.

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.

Workshop fee

3 hours
6 hours
€ 3,800.00
€ 7,600.00

.

Sessions Review System: Symposia, Post-Graduate Courses & Workshops

TOPICS TO BE SCOREDEXPECTEDSCORING
ObjectivesClear and concise statements adequately describe what the authors/presenters expect participants to take away after the session.0 = not described
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = excellent
(Weight = 0.5)
Coherence of sessionsTitles 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
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = excellent
(Weight = 1)
Relevance/ advances in the fieldSessions 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
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = excellent
(Weight = 1)
Impact

Findings presented that are likely to change participant knowledge and/or practice.

 

0 = not described
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = excellent
(Weight = 1)
Stigmatising languagePlease 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
0 = no
(Weight = 1)
Country representationThis will be pre-populated by the Secretariat0 = only 1 country represented
1 = two to three countries represented
2 = four or more countries represented
(Weight = 1)

Maximum score: 19.5

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Submissions of abstracts, symposia, post-graduate courses and workshops will open on 20 February and close by 11 April 2024 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

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 2024. Abstracts are placed under embargo until they are presented at the conference.

Find out about The Union’s Abstract Mentor Programme.

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.

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.

Abstract Guidelines

12-16 November 2024

  • 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 presenters 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.

Abstracts should be submitted to the most appropriate track. This is to assist with programme planning. Track choice has no impact on the selection process.

The list of tracks is available here

The title of the abstract should be written 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.

A 50-word summary of your abstract should be provided 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 do not count as part of the 300 words.
  • Abstracts must be submitted in English only. No simultaneous translation will be provided for the conference.
  • Formatting options provided to insert symbols, accents, and special formatting (e.g., italics, bold, β, μ, etc.) can be used.
  • Abstracts should be submitted with unjustified text and aligned to the left for an easier read (compared to justified text).
  • 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 by your organisation (if required). No changes will be accepted after the submission deadline.

The 2023 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.
  • A table can be submitted with the abstract, by clicking 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.
  • A figure/image can be submitted with the abstract, by clicking 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.
  • Graphs can be uploaded in JPG/JPEG, GIF or PNG formats.
  • 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 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.
  • Data/characters included in the figures are not considered for the word count if inserted via the ‘Insert a figure’ icon.
  • A maximum of 12 authors will be allowed.
  • If all authors belong to a single institution, there is no need to create new affiliations for each author. Click on “Institutes” to prefill the form.
  • The corresponding author is responsible for the abstract content. They are the contact person for submission and communication purposes and they are also responsible for disseminating information related to the abstract to the co-authors.
  • A listed co-author other than the corresponding author may register and present the study at the conference.
  • 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 will be open from 20 February until 11 April 2024 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Abstracts are editable until 8 April 2024. No further changes are accepted after that deadline.
  • 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. The submissions of multiple abstracts on the same topic by varying the authors or under different titles with only minor word changes or the submissions of multiple abstracts on the same study with the same first author are not encouraged. In such cases, all the submissions on that topic will be automatically rejected.
  • Abstracts submitted by email will not be considered.
  • Abstract submitted as an attachment 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.
  • Abstracts should be submitted only if there is a plan to present the abstract by the authors (in case of abstract acceptance).
  • It is the responsibility of the authors to save a copy of their abstract as submitted. The Conference Secretariat will not share copies of the abstracts.

All submitted abstracts will be sent for peer review to a panel of international experts in each one of the conference tracks. Each abstract will be reviewed and scored by at least three reviewers. The scores will then be submitted to the members of the Coordinating Committee of Scientific Activities, who will determine which abstracts are accepted and whether they are best suited for oral abstract presentation sessions or e-poster sessions. 

The Union is committed to promoting people-centred language in all conference abstracts and presentations. During submission preparation, the guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s publication, Words Matter – Suggested language and usage for tuberculosis communications (Second Edition – 2022), should be followed.

Abstracts using stigmatising language will be penalised in the review process.

 

Below is the list of stigmatising words that will be highlighted for reviewers 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’)

Abstract authors must have obtained ethical clearance (if needed) 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 World Medical Association or the WMA Statement on Animal Use in Biomedical Research. The Coordinating Committee of Scientific Activities 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 the submission, registration, conference digital devices and apps, all communications will be made with the active email address of the corresponding author. Otherwise, the system will not recognise the user.

  • Corresponding authors will be notified of the status of their abstracts in mid- June. Co-authors will need to be informed of the abstract submission status by the corresponding author.
  • After an abstract is allocated to a specific session, it will not be possible to change the date, time, or type of the session. Any allocation is final. A co-author can present on behalf of the corresponding author if they are not available on the assigned date and time.
  • Abstracts that are not accepted cannot be reconsidered for review or presentation at the conference.

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 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 Review System

TOPICS TO BE SCOREDEXPECTEDSCORING
RelevanceThe 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
1 = minimal relevance
2 = somewhat relevant
3 = relevant
4 = very relevant
5 = extremely relevant (Weight = 1.0)
Methods /intervention or responseThe study design/intervention is appropriate, given the objectives/challenges.0 = not described
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = excellent
(Weight = 1.0)
Results/impactResults/impact are in line with the analysis methodology and objectives; scope, generalisability, feasibility and robustness of findings are satisfactory.0 = not described
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = excellent
(Weight = 1.0)
Clarity of the messageThe 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
1 = very poor (i.e. Abstract is confusing. Conclusions not supported by results)
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = excellent (i.e. Abstract exceptionally well written. Conclusions congruent with results)
(Weight = 0.5)
OriginalityThe study, methodology/implementation, context and/or findings are new or novel.0 = not described
1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = average
4 = above average
5 = extremely novel
(Weight = 0.5)
Stigmatising languagePlease 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
0 = no
(Weight = 1)

Maximum score: 20

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

  • 1
    Prepare a draft abstract in accordance with the abstract submission guidelines.
  • 2
    Perform spelling and grammar check (e.g. Office Word spelling and grammar function).
  • 3
    Submit your abstract for mentor feedback by emailing it to mentoring@theunion.org by 18 March to receive feedback before 25 March.
  • 4
    Please make sure to include the track and the correct number of words in your abstract.

General rules:

• 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.

Tracks and sub-tracks

A1Immunology – research into diagnostics and immunity
A2Drug and vaccine development, including for COVID-19
A3TB diagnostics, including drug-resistance determination – Technical aspects and new developments
A4Imaging and image analysis for diagnostics (including AI)
B1TB diagnostics – Operational and clinical studies
B2TB laboratory service implementation and operations
B3Clinical trials and operational research for new treatments for TB (for adults and children)
B4Lung health across the life course (including asthma, COPD, other respiratory diseases in adults and children)
B5Active case finding and contact investigation for TB
B6Identification and management of TB infection
B7TB and comorbidities (HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, mental health, etc.)
B8COVID-19: clinical trials and operational research
B9Health and well-being post TB (clinical and operational research)
B10Transmission dynamics and bioaerosols
B11NTM diagnostics: operational and clinical studies 
B12Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TB regimens
B13Subclinical TB
C1Implementation of TPT
C2Care and treatment of TB (drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB)
C3Maternal and child TB
C4Lung health across the life course (including asthma, COPD, other respiratory diseases in adults and children)
C5Health and well-being post TB
C6Access to quality TB care and services (including person-centered care)
C7Global and local policies and politics, including funding and accountability
C8Health education and training about TB
C9COVID-19: policies and clinical implementation
C10Cost-effectiveness of TB and lung health interventions
C11Infection prevention and control of TB (and other airborne diseases affecting lung health e.g. SARS CoV-2) 
D1TB epidemiology across the life course 
D2Lung health epidemiology across the life course (COPD, pneumonia, asthma and other lung health conditions)
D3Air quality and lung health
D4Latent TB infection (LTBI) and control across the life course
D5Health and well-being post TB
D6TB and comorbidities (HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, mental health, etc.)
D7Modelling of lung health and respiratory diseases 
D8COVID-19 epidemiology
D9NTM epidemiology
D10Occupational/workplace TB
E1Civil society, advocacy and community engagement
E2Key affected populations: behavioural, social, and cultural issues and contexts
E3Human rights and ethics 
E4Communication/social media
E5UNHLM: catalyzing to End TB
E6Evidence-based community programming
F1Zoonotic diseases diagnostics and treatment
F2Zoonotic epidemiology
F3Zoonotic diseases prevention and control 
F4Zoonotic diseases and social determinants of health
F5Occupational zoonotic diseases
F6Effect of global changes on zoonotic diseases (e.g. climatic, geographic, land loss, migrations, demographic)
F7One health
G1Tobacco and comorbidities: including NCDs, TB and HIV
G2Tobacco industry interference
G3MPOWER for tobacco control
G4Other tobacco control strategies
G5Tobacco-related epidemiology
G6E-cigarettes and non-combustible tobacco products
H1Systems for training and programmatic capacity building
H2Information systems for TB, programme monitoring and TB surveillance 
H3Systems for private, corporate, and public sector engagement in TB
H4Universal health coverage (UHC)
H5Digital health technologies and lung health