Submitting an abstract to a scientific conference is your first step toward sharing your work, gaining recognition, and building your academic network. Whether you’re a student, early-career researcher, or seasoned scientist, knowing how to prepare and submit your abstract correctly can make or break your chance of being accepted to present.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to submitting your abstract to science events in 2025.
Step 1: Choose the Right Conference
Before you begin writing, make sure you’re submitting to a conference that aligns with your topic, field, and goals.
Consider:
- Conference theme and track topics
- Submission deadlines and presentation formats (oral, poster, virtual)
- Whether it’s local, national, or international
- Your eligibility for student rates, travel grants, or awards
Pro tip: Many top science conferences have deadlines 3–6 months before the event.
Step 2: Review the Abstract Submission Guidelines
Every conference has its own requirements. Look for these key details:
| Guideline | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Word/character limit | Usually 250–500 words |
| Format | Background, methods, results, conclusion (IMRaD) |
| Language | Typically English, formal academic tone |
| Submission platform | Conference portal or external system (like Ex Ordo or EasyChair) |
| Figures/tables allowed | Often not included in abstracts |
Download a template if provided—it can save you time and formatting errors.
Step 3: Write a Clear, Concise Abstract
Structure your abstract to be easy to read and informative. Even if your study is ongoing, focus on:
Common Structure (IMRaD):
- Introduction: What is the problem or question?
- Methods: How did you investigate it?
- Results: What did you find (even preliminary)?
- Conclusion: What do your results suggest, and why do they matter?
Writing Tips:
- Use active voice and precise wording
- Avoid jargon or unexplained acronyms
- Stick to the word limit
- Use past tense for completed work, present tense for conclusions
Step 4: Get Feedback Before You Submit
Ask a mentor, advisor, or colleague to review your abstract. They may catch:
- Typos or unclear phrasing
- Methodological gaps
- Relevance to the conference theme
- Suggestions to improve impact
Revising after peer feedback greatly improves your chances of acceptance.
Step 5: Create an Account and Submit Online
Head to the conference website and find the Abstract Submission Portal. You’ll usually need to:
- Create a user account (email, affiliation, password)
- Enter your abstract text into a web form (copy/paste—avoid special characters)
- Choose a topic track or session category
- List authors and affiliations in correct order
- Declare conflicts of interest or funding sources
Some platforms allow uploading a PDF, but others only accept plain text.
Step 6: Double-Check and Confirm Submission
Before clicking submit:
- Review all spelling, names, and formatting
- Ensure author order is correct and matches contributor roles
- Save a copy of your submitted abstract and confirmation email
Important: Many systems will email you a confirmation. If you don’t receive one, your abstract may not have been accepted!
Step 7: Wait for Notification and Prepare
You’ll be notified within 4–8 weeks about the acceptance of your abstract and whether you’ve been selected for:
- Oral presentation
- Poster presentation
- Virtual session
If accepted, start preparing your slide deck or poster early—deadlines for uploads or printing often follow quickly.
FAQs
Can I submit the same abstract to multiple conferences?
Usually yes—unless the conference requires original, unpublished work. Always check the policies.
Do I need to register before submitting?
Not always. Some conferences allow free abstract submission but require registration upon acceptance.
What if my research isn’t finished yet?
That’s okay. Many conferences accept abstracts with preliminary data, especially from students or early-career researchers.
