Abstract Submission Guidelines

General Info and Updates for 2025

IMPORTANT: Read the abstract review criteria to understand how your abstract will be reviewed and scored (see page 10). See the new criteria that was introduced for the 2024 conference: Communication of Content (Bias-free language) and Health Equity. See author resources on page 11.
For Individual Papers, Individual Posters, Organized Paper Symposia, Organized Team Science Panel (this format was introduced at the 2024 conference), Round Tables, TED-Like Talks, and Technology Demonstrations.
The abstract submission site opens Friday, September 13, 2024.
Abstract submission website: https://spr.confex.com/spr/spr2025/cfp.cgi.
Abstract submission deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2024, 11:59 pm, Pacific.
Questions? If you have ANY questions about the annual meeting, program content, abstract submission process, please contact Jennifer Lewis, SPR Executive Director at jenniferlewis@preventionresearch.org or 703-934-4850, x1. I’m happy to provide assistance and answer all questions to facilitate your submission.
Confex is the online abstract submission vendor. For urgently needed technical support, please contact Confex at phone +1 (401) 334-0220 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, US Eastern Standard Time (GMT -05:00).

Submission Site Instructions

2025 Annual Meeting Call for Papers (PDF version)

To Submit: Individual Paper, Individual Poster, and Technology Demonstrations. You will see in Upper left hand corner the ICON Abstract Submission. Click on it. You will see horizonal tabs:

Title, Theme, Authors, Disclosures, Abstract Text, Research Focus, Confirmation. To start your submission click on “TITLE.” Then click on each tab as you progress through the submission steps.

To Submit: organized paper symposia, organized team science panel, roundtables, and TED-Like Talks you will see in Upper Left hand corner icon Click on it. You will see horizontal tab:

Title, Theme, Submitters, Disclosures, Abstract Text, Confirmation. Then click on each tab as you progress through the submission steps.

Start Your Submission:
You will receive a confirmation email from “spr@confex.com.” Make sure to keep/print out your email notifications. Each abstract that you submit has its own ID# and password which you’ll need to access the abstract which you may do until the deadline of October 31, 2024.
Theme Selection:

- Select the best fit with your research. It is very important to consider your theme. Poor theme selection may impact your abstract review score. Questions? email jenniferlewis@preventionresearch.org.
- Chairs/Organizers of organized paper symposium, organized team science panel, roundtables, and TED-Like Talks must submit all abstracts within the session. The Confex system automatically links all abstracts within a session. VERY, VERY IMPORTANT: all abstracts within a session must have the SAME THEME. If you have not entered all of the abstracts within a session with the same theme it may adversely impact the abstract review.

Authors (Add/Edit People) for individual papers, individual posters and technology demonstrations:

- Before adding a new name, search the database to see if that name and contact information have already been entered. If using an existing name in the database, make sure you are using the latest contact information. You will need the following information for each author.
  - First and Last name
  - Credentials for display in the program, e.g., PhD, DSW, MSW, BA, etc.
  - Career Level, e.g., early career, first year professional, post-doctoral fellow, mid-career, senior, student-high school, student-bachelors, student-masters, student PhD
  - Highest degree (select one) and Highest Degree, Field of Study (select one) or if multiple select “Other” and fill in the text box
  - Secondary degree (select one) and Highest Degree, Field of Study (select one) or if multiple select “Other” and fill in the text box
  - Institution, Department, Position or Job Title, Full address, Phone #, Email

Submitters (Add/Edit People) for Organizer paper symposium, Organized Team Science Panel, and TED-Like Talk

- First enter the organizer and discussant (optional).
- Next enter each of the presenters with the title of their presentation.
- Next enter same information for Authors as listed in above step 4.

Disclosures: For each chair/organizer, discussant, presenting author, and co-authors any real or perceived conflict of interest must be disclosed.
Abstract Text:

- Word/character limit: There is a 2800-character limit for each abstract which is approximately 400 words. The character limit includes spaces.
- No tables or figures are permitted. References are not required.
- No Identifications: Do not include the names of chairs, authors and discussants in your abstracts. Abstracts are reviewed in a “blind,” peer-review.

Research Foci Questions must be completed for each abstract submitted. If you are entering an abstract for another person, ask them to answer these questions before you start the submission. Click here for the PDF version.
Confirmation: Remember to finalize your submission! You must click on CONFIRMATION.
Questions/Need assistance? Please contact the SPR staff for assistance. So that you can complete your submission as efficiently as possible we’re happy to guide you through the process. Email jenniferlewis@preventionresearch.org or call 703-934-4850, ext. 1.

Deadline for Submission and Other Important Dates

The abstract submission website is open as of Friday, September 13, 2024.
The abstract submission deadline is Thursday, October 31, 2024, 11:59 pm, Pacific.
Presenting Author Acceptance notifications will be e-mailed in March 2025.
Presenting Author Schedule notifications will be e-mailed mid-April 2025.
The complete schedule will be available mid-April 2025.

Author Instructions

Each abstract submission may contain a maximum of 2800 characters (including spaces) which is approximately 400 words. Tables and Figures are not allowed. References are not required.

Given the limited time and rooms for oral presentations, we are especially interested in organized paper symposia, organized team science panel, roundtables, and the “TED-Like Talks” that include authors from a variety of research groups and from more than one project; or from several authors from single research studies, such as multi-site and/or longitudinal studies.

We seek broad participation in the conference, and many individual poster presentations can be accommodated. We will again combine the three evening poster sessions with receptions to enhance camaraderie. The conference is planned to be in person at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, Seattle, WA.

Please note that all submissions and presentations must be in English.

Abstract Types

Individual Paper Presentation
Abstracts of individual research papers may be submitted for a 20 minute oral presentation. A maximum of three individual papers will be grouped together based on a single theme and similar content within a 90-minute concurrent session. A volunteer chair will facilitate an extended period of open discussion following the three oral paper presentations.

When submitting an individual paper presentation, your abstract will be reviewed as an individual paper. However, authors are encouraged during the abstract submission process to indicate their willingness to present an individual poster, if your submission cannot be scheduled as an individual paper in a session with 2 other individual papers due to the limitations of meeting time and space. Please note that the ability for the abstract theme review committees (2^nd stage of the review process) to group your individual paper with two other papers with similar content is a factor for acceptance as an individual paper presentation.

Individual Poster Presentation
Poster displays allow presenters to discuss their research with interested colleagues during a 75-minute block of time. The standard poster boards are 4 ft. high x 8 ft. wide. The poster sessions will be held in the early evening along with a reception, and will not compete with any other sessions. Please note there is a NIDA International Poster Session, held in conjunction with the SPR poster session which will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (select the category/theme “NIDA International Poster Session”) when submitting to this session. You may only submit the individual poster format to the NIDA theme. Your research must be international.

Organized Paper Symposium
An organized paper symposium provides for multiple oral research presentations to be made on a single theme involving a brief introduction by the chair, 3 (minimum/maximum) presenters, with one discussant (encouraged, though optional) and open discussion from the floor. When a discussant is included indicate the perspective, issue, etc. they will address. The concurrent session is 90-minutes. Presenters have 15 minutes to present the core content and the discussant has 15 minutes to comment upon the presentations with 30 minutes reserved for interactive discussion, facilitated by the chair, between the presenters and the session audience. An abstract should be submitted that describes the overall symposium, and 3 separate abstracts should be submitted for each proposed presentation (that is, 4 abstracts should be submitted for a symposium with 3 presenters). One person should submit all components of the organized paper symposium. Please make sure all abstracts have the same theme.

Organized Team Science Panel (This format was introduced at the 2024 conference.)
The Organized Team Science Panel provides an opportunity for multiple presentations on a single research project from multiple members of the project team. These presentations should represent different viewpoints or perspectives on the project. For example, panels could include three presentations representing different stages in the prevention science research cycle. Panels that demonstrate how researchers from different disciplines collaboratively advance prevention science or how researchers, community partners, and/or funders work together to develop, evaluate, and implement preventive interventions are encouraged. The session should begin with a brief overview of the research project by the chair and shall include 3 presentations from members of the project team. Though optional, we also encourage inclusion of a discussant (not directly affiliated with the project) who can provide additional insight and help facilitate discussion with the audience. The concurrent session is 90-minutes. Presenters (and the discussant) have 15 minutes to present their perspective, with at least 20 minutes reserved for interactive discussion, facilitated by the chair or discussant, between the panel and the session audience. A single abstract should be submitted that provides an overview of the research project and a summary of how each presenter will contribute a unique perspective on that project. A title for each of the 3 presentations shall also be entered. Co-authors may be included when appropriate for each presentation. When a discussant is included, please also indicate the perspective, issue, etc. they will address. Please note that the Organized Team Science Panel submission is different from an Organized Paper Symposium which requires a total of 4 abstracts and typically includes three presentations from different research projects that center around a single theme. community-led and community-engaged team science.

Roundtable Discussion/Scientific Dialogue
A roundtable discussion/scientific dialogue (RD/SD) does not present research findings, but rather addresses an area or issue of fundamental importance to the field, in a format that encourages a lively exchange of different points of views. Examples include training and funding opportunities in prevention, priorities in prevention, and advocacy for the use of scientific approaches to prevention. The RD/SD chair and the required panel of five (5) discussants often include members/people outside the research community. The 90-minute RD/SD should include a brief introduction clearly outlining the issues presented by the chair followed by each of the discussants elaborating on their different viewpoints and perspectives on the issue. Then the chair facilitates extended open discussion with the session audience and the discussants. The RD/SD abstract submission should include only one abstract (unlike an organized symposium), which includes an outline of the issue and varying viewpoints that will be elaborated upon. Please note the panel must include 1 chair and 5 discussants.

TED-Like Talk
A TED-Like Talk presentation provides for multiple oral presentations to be made on a single theme involving a brief introduction by the chair and 4 minimum/6 maximum unique presenters (not including the chair, a presenter may not present more than 1 time in the session). These TED-Like Talks offer commentary, present new ideas, promote a new direction, or emphasize a take-home message from your work that transcends single empirical papers. The TED-Like Talk is less of a research format, more personal, process orientated, concise, and presents innovative and ground breaking ideas. The talks should be engaging and inspiring. Presenters have 10 – 15 minutes total for their presentation. After the 4-6 presentations there will be 30 minutes for active discussions/questions. The Ted-Like Talk abstract submission should include only one abstract which outlines the overall topic of the session, the innovation, and/or take home message. The individual presentations should be briefly highlighted. One person should submit all components of the Ted-Like Talk.

Technology Demonstration
Abstracts are encouraged that describe prevention-related technology and science-based prevention program materials. A technology demonstration session will be presented during the conference for “hands-on” presentations of technology, such as statistical analysis programs, data collection instruments and techniques, literature search techniques, or science-based prevention curricula. The technology demonstrations will be held in the same area as the evening poster sessions. A table, two chairs and a power outlet will be provided. Internet access is limited to the free WIFI in the poster presentation rooms.

TWO ABSTRACT FORMATS are no longer available: Organized Poster Forum and 20 x 20 presentation.

Sample Abstracts

Please see the following links for examples of five (5) model abstracts. These examples are included to provide guidance to authors; however, there may be instances in which another format is preferable depending upon the nature of your research and your proposed presentation.

Organized Paper Symposium (PDF)
Introductory session abstract AND individual paper abstracts within an organized paper symposium.
Individual Paper (PDF)
Individual Poster (PDF)
Individual Technology Demonstration (PDF)
Roundtable Discussion/Scientific Dialogue (PDF)
TED-Like Talks. The TED-Like Talk is similar to the roundtable discussion/scientific dialogue format; there is only one abstract which outlines the overall topic of the session, the innovation, and/or take home message. The individual presentations should be briefly highlighted.

What are the qualities of an excellent abstract? Check out prior year conference programs at https://preventionresearch.org/meeting/past-conferences/ to read Abstracts of Distinction. Click on the program link and search by “abstracts of distinction” which will be in the title of the abstract.

Author Roles (please read carefully as requirements may have been changed.)

All persons associated with an abstract submission shall be included in the abstract author information. Please select author roles carefully. To maximize participation in oral presentations a limit on TWO Presenting Authors abstract submissions has been instituted. Oral presentations are limited to TWO per person, therefore when inviting your presenters for an organized paper symposium it is important to confirm that they have not already committed to more than one other organized paper symposium presentation or individual paper presentation. Chairing a symposium or serving as a discussant does not count as an oral presentation.

The online abstract submission system will not allow a presenting author to submit more than two oral presentations.

Submitter – This individual is responsible for entering all abstract information and may or may not be an author or presenter.
Presenting Author – This individual is the presenter for oral (both individual papers or within an organized symposium, organized team science panel, and TED-Like Talks) and poster presentations and technology demonstrations. This individual must attend the meeting. There is a minimum and maximum of one Presenting Author per submission. A presenting author is limited to TWO oral presentations in the meeting. The presenting author is ALWAYS LISTED FIRST IN THE PROGRAM.
First Author – This individual is the primary author of the abstract and/or research paper. The primary author may or may not be the presenting author and may or may not attend the meeting. During the Author entry step, you may order the authors as to how they should be listed in the program.
Co-Author – This individual(s) is a co-author on the abstract and/or research paper. Co-authors may or may not attend the meeting. There is no minimum or maximum requirement for Co-Authors. During the Author entry step, you may order the authors as to how they should be listed in the program.
Chair/Organizer – This individual organizes the symposium, organized team science panel, roundtable/scientific discussion, and TED-Like Talk. The chair/organizer is responsible for coordinating the presenters’ abstracts, selecting the theme for the submission (note all abstracts within an organized session must have the same theme) and that the presenters and discussant attend the meeting. The Chair/Organizer acts as moderator to ensure presenters keep to the 15-minute time limit and to facilitate the open discussion segment of the session. The Chair/Organizer must attend the meeting. There is a minimum and maximum of one Chair/Organizer for an organized symposium, organized team science panel, roundtable/scientific dialogue, and TED-Like Talk.
Discussant – This is an optional role in organized symposia and organized team science panel, and a required role in roundtable discussions/scientific dialogues. Discussants should not give presentations. In an organized symposium/organized team science panel a discussant’s role/goal is to identify common themes among the presentations, clarify the big-picture, and integrate the research presentations. In a roundtable/scientific discussion a discussant’s role is to elaborate on varying perspectives within the specified area or issue. Discussants are not limited to the number of organized symposia or roundtable/scientific dialogues in which they participate. However, be considerate as to how many you agree to be included in so as to give other prospective conference presenters opportunities to participate in the program.

Note to ALL Presenting Authors, Chairs and Discussants: If your abstract(s) and session(s) are accepted you are required to register for the meeting.

Research Foci Questions

The Research Foci questions must be completed for each abstract submission. For the complete list, click here.

Questions include

Research Content
Research Method/Design
Research Method/Analytic Quantitative
Research Method/Analytic Qualitative
Research Method/Data Collecting Assessment
Research Population(s)
Developmental Stage
Research Funding

Abstract Review Criteria for Blind, Peer Review

For the 2024 conference, the Abstract Review Criteria changed significantly. Please note two criteria established for the 2024 conference: Communication of Content (Bias-free language) and Health Equity.

Abstract Review Criteria for Blind, Peer Review (PDF version):

Review Type: Quantitative rankings
Rank Scoring 5-point scale

1	Very Weak
2	Weak
3	Average
4	Strong
5	Very Strong

3A. Seven categories for review for individual papers and posters, organized paper symposia, and technology demonstrations:

1. Interest	Topic will likely be of interest to attendees
2. Significance	Addresses an important problem in the field of prevention science; results could inform and advance the scientific knowledge base
3. Innovation	Presents novel methods, theoretical approaches, and new questions for prevention science
4. Rigor	Theory, methods, and analyses are coherent, logical, and appropriate to the question; provides clear scientific foundation, addresses sampling procedures, biases, size, missing data, uses reliable measures, addresses race/ethnicity/biological sex diversity
5. Communication of Content (Bias-free language)	Uses language that is sensitive to people’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, physical condition, and many other categories in a way that does not discriminate and treats others fairly. (See below for author resources.)
6. Health Equity	Presents health equity constructs, theories, and/or research evidence which can inform the design and development of equity-focused intervention approaches. (See below for author resources.)
7. Overall Rank	Based on categories 1 – 6, what is the overall impact of the abstract on prevention science?

3B. Seven categories for review for roundtable discussions/scientific dialogues and TED-Like Talks. Same seven categories as 3A. except for 4. Rigor.

4. Rigor

Discussants (roundtable discussions/scientific dialogues) will present diverse perspectives and presenters (TED-Like Talks) will offer commentary, innovative and ground breaking ideas, promote a new direction, or emphasize a take-home message.

3C. Seven categories for review for Organized Team Science Panel (introduced for 2024 conference). Same seven categories as 3A. except for 4. Rigor.