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Canadian Public Health Association

Call for Submissions

The call for submissions is now open. Submit a proposal by 23:59 Thursday 2 November

We are now accepting submissions for presentation at Public Health 2024. Our goal is to present an integrated scientific program of research, policy and practice perspectives that encourages delegates and presenters to connect, share and learn from each other.

Public health has a broad understanding of the issues that are relevant to the health of individuals and communities. As such, public health researchers, policy-makers and practitioners represent an equally broad range of disciplines and subject matter expertise. Public Health 2024 provides the venue for the public health community and its allies to showcase their work in both domestic and global settings.

Submissions will be accepted for oral and poster abstracts, symposiums, or workshops that are focused on one of our conference keywords.

Proposals may be submitted in either English or French and will be peer-reviewed according to the language of submission. Simultaneous interpretation will not be provided and French submitters must be comfortable presenting in English.

Conflict of Interest
The Canadian Public Health Association supports the Canadian Medical Association's Policy on Guidelines for Physicians in Interactions with Industry. A conflict of interest may exist if a presenter is affiliated with, or has financial interest in a commercial organization that may have a direct or indirect interest in the subject matter of his/her topic presentation. This policy is not intended to prevent a presentation and the information you disclose will not influence the review of your abstract.  

As the conference will be seeking accreditation by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), all symposiums and workshops must include three learning objectives that meet their guidelines. Learning objectives should be concise, specific and identify the outcomes or actions that participants can expect to demonstrate as a result of attending the session.

Abstract Submissions

Given the very high quality of abstracts that we receive, submissions will be scheduled in the most appropriate format (oral or poster presentation) for the program. The goal is to create a concise but comprehensive oral program while featuring the posters in a complementary and interactive format.

Each individual may submit a maximum of two abstracts as Presenting Author. Abstracts presented at a previous conference can be submitted. During the submission process you will be prompted to indicate where the abstract was previously presented and if new data will be presented at the conference. 

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Accepted presentations will be grouped into 75-minute sessions that share a common topic or complimentary theme. Each presentation is 10 minutes followed by a 3-minute discussion period facilitated by a moderator. Presenters may use slides to accompany the presentation. 

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Presenters will engage with participants during two dedicated poster presentation sessions on Tuesday 23 April from 11:00 - 12:00 and Wednesday 24 April from 13:30 - 14:30. Our aim is to promote the importance of posters as an opportunity to transfer knowledge in an interactive format. 

All submissions must use the MS Word template, other file types are not accepted. The document must not exceed 300 words, not including title and section headings.

Review Criteria

The following criteria evaluate each abstract. .

Research abstracts

  • Research addresses a gap in existing literature and evidence known to date.
  • Problem addressed by the research is clearly articulated.
  • The methodology supports the purpose of the study.
  • Validity of the conclusions based on the results.
  • Research is appropriate to the advancement of policy, practice or additional research.

Download the research template

Policy abstracts

  • Definition of the problem demonstrates the need for a change in policy.
  • Research methodology is clear and transparent and appropriate stakeholders were engaged.
  • Results and analysis support the policy recommendation.
  • Policy recommendations are innovative and appropriate to the advancement of policy, practice or additional research.

Download the policy template

Practice abstracts

  • Program need and objectives address an important issue.
  • Program methods and activities address the issue and includes evaluation.
  • Results and outcomes used indicators that are valid and reliable.
  • Program demonstrates innovation and is appropriate to the advancement of practice or additional research.

Download the practice template

Symposiums and Workshops

We are accepting applications for 75-minute sessions that facilitate the exchange and dissemination of immunization research excellence, advances in surveillance, programs and practice and the latest in policy innovations related to a specific conference stream.  

We encourage diversity in the organizing team and speakers. This includes diversity of viewpoint and thinking regarding the topics discussed at the symposium or workshop, gender, race, affiliations, seniority, geographic location, etc.

Industry-led applications are not accepted. Applications may include one (1) speaker from industry as long as that person is not the session chair or moderator.

SYMPOSIUMS

Symposium speakers should offer a coordinated exchange on a common topic or complimentary theme and we recommend a maximum of three speakers plus a moderator. Sessions are 75-minutes and total presentation time should not exceed 55-65 minutes. For the remaining time, speakers should take part in a moderated Q&A. 

Review Criteria

The following criteria evaluate each symposium: 

  • Background / Rationale clearly outlines the need for the symposium.
  • Participants will be able to apply the information they learn in the session in their day-to-day research, policy or practice setting.
  • Description reflects an emerging or new perspective on a public health issue.
  • Proposed speakers will present diverse perspectives that will enrich the discussion.
  • Learning objectives are clearly described and articulate what participants are expected to demonstrate as a result of attending the symposium.

All submissions must use the MS Word template, other file types are not accepted and must not exceed two (2) pages.

Download the symposium template

WORKSHOPS

Sessions are 75-minutes and facilitators should be experienced in leading sessions and encouraging participants to contribute to the discussion. Workshop proposals must include elements to generate lively interactions among participants and facilitators.

Review Criteria

The following criteria evaluate each workshop: 

  • Background / Rationale clearly outlines the need for the workshop.
  • The impact of the workshop articulates the problem to be solved and how the workshop will contribute to their solution.
  • Description of the workshop reflects an emerging or new perspective on a public health issue.
  • The workshop format is interactive and will engage participants throughout the session.
  • Learning objectives are clearly described and articulate what participants are expected to demonstrate a result of attending the workshop.

All submissions must use the MS Word template, other file types are not accepted and must not exceed two (2) pages.

Download the Workshop template

Submission deadline: Thursday 2 November at 23:59 (ET)

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Submissions must meet the following criteria to be eligible for peer review: 

  • Submissions must be uploaded using the online portal. E-mail submissions are not accepted.   
  • Presenting Authors may submit a maximum of two abstracts and data presented at other conferences may be submitted.
  • The submitting author certifies that all co-authors and/or co-presenters agree to the submission.

Submit your Proposal

SUBMISSION ACCEPTANCE

  • Each submission is reviewed and scored by at least two independent peer reviewers and final decisions regarding acceptance will be made by the Organizing Committee.
  • Submitters will be notified of the outcome by Tuesday 19 December.
  • An LCD data projector, microphone, computer (PC), screen and an audio-video connection are included as part of the standard audio visual package in each session room. 

REGISTRATION

  • All speakers who present must be registered for at least one day of the conference by Tuesday 4 April in order to be included in the program. 
  • No financial assistance is available for registration, travel, or accommodation fees. 
  • Exhibitor and sponsor passes CANNOT be used by presenters.