CHARM 2026 Abstract submissions

KEY DATES:

Canberra Health Annual Research Meeting (CHARM) 15-19 June 2026

Abstract submission opens 5pm Monday, 2 February 2026

Abstract submission closes 5pm Monday, 2 March 2026 

Notification of Acceptance by COB Thursday, 2 April 2026

ABSRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

To submit an abstract to the Canberra Health Annual Research Meeting (CHARM), please complete the following form.

There will be limited spots available for oral, poster, and 3-minute pitch. The abstract process is competitive and the decisions of the abstract review committee are final.

Please note that we only accept abstracts that directly support, contribute to, or are based on research conducted in the ACT, or that have clear relevance to the ACT health system, population, workforce, or research priorities.

We are unable to accept general health research that does not demonstrate an ACT connection or benefit.

Abstracts will be assessed against the following rubric: 

• Introduction (Background and Significance): A description of the background, context and importance of the research question(s) and/or aim(s).
• Aims/Question: A statement of research intention.
• Methods: The strategies, processes or techniques for collecting/generating and analysing data or evidence.
• Results: A report of the study’s current/future findings.
• Conclusions: A description of how the key results address the research aims/questions.
• Impact: A demonstration of how the results and conclusions could in the future or have already contributed to improvements in health outcomes.
• Overall/other: As a whole, the abstract presents research which is important and relevant to the CHARM audience, demonstrates high quality research skills and is compelling.

• 0 = Absent - None provided. 
• 1 = Poor - Insufficient or confusing.
• 2 = Fair - Present, however with significant scope for improvement.
• 3 = Average - Present, however with some scope for improvement.
• 4 = Good - Good description, minimal scope for improvement. 
• 5 = Excellent - Excellent description, no scope for improvement.          

Abstracts must be entered as text only into the form. Please note, a maximum of 260 words can be entered into the abstract box. This word limit INCLUDES headings. If you copy and paste from a word document, any words outside this word limit will not be included. Please ensure you check content prior to submission.

PRESENTATION FORMAT REQUIREMENTS:

• Oral presentations will either be 8 or plus 2 minutes for questions OR 3-minute pitches. 
• Poster should be A0 size and portrait orientation (841mm wide x 1189mm high). Please note that the width can't exceed 841mm.
• All posters displayed must be appropriate for public viewing and should avoid any material that is offensive, discriminatory, explicit, or otherwise unsuitable for a diverse audience. 

Please note: If formatted according to instructions, you may submit an abstract that has been presented previously at another meeting within the last 12 months.

AWARD ELIGIBILITY:

If you require any assistance with this form, please contact the Centre for Health and Medical Research team via email: CHARM@act.gov.au.