Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submissions

Information in these guidelines relates to an in-person event. Additional speaker and moderator instructions will be provided at a later date. Proposals for presentations at the 2027 CSTE Annual Conference should be made using the formal online abstract submission system. The Program Planning Committee will evaluate abstracts based on a number of criteria, including timeliness, relevance, design, clarity, outcomes, and potential impact. All abstracts must be submitted via the online abstract system no later than Tuesday, January 6, 2027, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Proposals that are incomplete, late, or don’t adhere to the required format will not be considered. 

Important Dates

• October 20, 2026 | Open: Call for Abstracts 

• January 5, 2027 | Deadline: Abstract Submissions 

• February 3, 2027 | Open: Registration and Housing Accommodations 

• March 4, 2027 | Invitations Sent: Presenting Authors & Moderators 

• March 4, 2027 | Open: Call for Late-Breaker Abstracts 

• March 18, 2027 | Deadline: Late-Breaker Abstracts 

• April 15, 2027 | Invitations Sent: Late-Breaker Presenting Authors 

• April 1, 2027 | Deadline: Presenter & Moderator Invitation Response 

• April 7, 2027 | Deadline: Early Bird Registration 

• May 7, 2027 | Deadline: Hotel Reservations 

• May 20, 2027 | Deadline: Advance Presentation Upload 

General Information

Abstracts must represent the work of the authors listed and be appropriately referenced.  Abstracts are limited to 400 words, not including the title and speaker bio. The use of “all caps” should be limited to acronyms generally accepted in the field and names of organizations, with the full organizations name written on first reference.

Submit each individual abstract to the appropriate topic. Review the list of topics carefully to determine which one might be most appropriate for your subject area. Duplicate abstracts will not be considered.

Concluding statements such as “to be completed” should be avoided. All information should be reviewed prior to submission to ensure completeness; abstract revisions are permitted at any time before the abstract submission deadline.

Abstracts may not be modified after the submission deadline during the review period. Presenting authors may make minor changes after an abstract is accepted until the invitation response deadline.

By submitting an abstract, please make sure you or an alternate presenting author are committed to attending the in-person conference and giving the presentation if the abstract is accepted. All presenting authors are required to register for the conference and pay related fees. CSTE does not provide a travel allowance, honorarium, or reimbursement for attending the conference.

There are no restrictions on the number of abstracts you may submit, or the number of submissions you may be selected to present. Abstracts submitted to another conference may be submitted to the CSTE Annual Conference for consideration.

CSTE membership is not required but encouraged to submit an abstract.

Work created in the course and scope of employment by an author is the copyright of the agency should the author leave employment prior to presentation; conference presentation is at the agency’s discretion.

CSTE does not accept abstracts for promotion of services and/or goods. All abstracts should be scientifically based.

Choosing a Presentation Format

While the Program Planning Committee will attempt to honor the submitted format for presentations, this will not always be possible.

BREAKOUT PRESENTATION

Findings are presented on a specific topic within a breakout session with the opportunity for audience Q&A. Presentations are all 10 minutes with only one (1) presenting author slot available for the submitted abstract. Some committees may select abstracts for presentations that are less than 10 minutes. 

POSTER PRESENTATION

A visual illustration on a poster board that summarizes findings by way of limited text, graphics, and photographs. Presentations are limited to only one (1) presenting author per submitted abstract. Poster presentations will not have audiovisual equipment available. 

DISCUSSSION PRESENTATION

Brief, informative presentation focusing on recent findings or innovative topics, followed by substantial discussion among attendees. Presentations are limited to up to two (2) presenting author slots available for the submitted abstract. Abstracts submitted for discussion presentations will not be considered for other presentation types. Discussion sessions will have adequate audio equipment for the meeting room and limited use of projectors and screens to allow for one (1) visual aid to be shown in the session. Notetaking materials (e.g., notepads, etc.) or notetaking by CSTE staff will not be provided.

EPIVISION PRESENTATION

Interactive showcase in the Networking Hall including presentations designed to display the functionality and impact of dashboards or software demonstrations through direct interaction with attendees in real time. All presentations will be held within the Networking Hall and may be within a sponsored session. The presentation length is 10 minutes with one (1) presenting author per submitted abstract.

For more information on sponsoring an EpiVision session, please contact [email protected]. 

 

Presentation Format	Breakout	Poster	Discussion	EpiVision
Key Attributes	Oral presentation requiring review and discussion	Visual Display of graphics, diagrams, and limited text	Discussion-based topic where audience feedback and participation maximized	Interactive showcase of dashboards and demonstrations
Abstract Requirements	Background, Method, Results, Conclusion	Background, Method, Results, Conclusion	Key objectives, brief summary , proposed discussion questions	Purpose, Visualizations and/or interactive features, relevance
Presentation Length	10 minutes	30 minutes of information sharing and discussion	5-10 minutes of information sharing	10 minutes
Q&A	10-20 minutes at end of session	During discussion	During discussion	10-20 minutes at end of session
Number of Presentations in Session	5-6 presentations	Multiple	1-2 presentations	4 presentations
Session Length	75 minutes	Informal presentation during 30-minute breaks	45 minutes	75 minutes
Audio/Visual  Equipment	LCD projector and laptop	None	Audio only, Limited use of Visual Equipment	LCD projector and laptop
Number of presenters allowed	1 presenting author	1 presenting author	Up to 2 presenting authors	1 presenting author

 

Online Abstract System 

Please follow all directions provided in the online abstract system to ensure your abstract is entered correctly. The system divides the submission process into steps so that information can be entered, previewed, and saved at each step. The steps in the submission process are shown as links in the left navigation panel. At any time in the process, you may navigate between steps to make revisions or corrections. By following the directions on each page in the submission process, you will automatically proceed through every step needed to submit an abstract.

STEP 1 – TOPIC

Abstracts will be divided into topics for review and programming purposes based on topic areas. The Program Planning Committee reserves the right to reassign your abstract within topics and/or corresponding committees.

All abstracts will be submitted directly into abstract topics, which will be reviewed by committees.  All sessions will still be planned and facilitated by conference committees. The 2027 committee aligns with CSTE’s revised Steering Committee structure. Learn more at www.cste.org.

 

STEP 2 – TITLE

• The title is not included in the abstract word count; however, titles should not exceed 185 characters.

• Title case should be used where the first word and all other major words (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) and some conjunctions are capitalized.

• Articles such as the, a, an, and, but, for, or and nor should be in lowercase.

• Lowercase the part of a proper name that would be lowercased in text.

• Do not begin paper titles with “The”.

• Do no end title with a period.

• Use a concise title that summarizes the content of the abstract.

• Do not use abbreviations, unless they are widely accepted by the field (for example, HIV/AIDS is acceptable in place of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Deficiency Syndrome).

 

PERMISSIONS AND DISCLOSURES 

The presenting author must complete all disclosure and permission questions on the submission form.

KEYWORDS 

Choose between one and three keywords from the available list that are most relevant to your abstract.

 

STEP 3 – AUTHOR

• A presenting author is defined as an individual person who will actually present at the conference.

• The submitting author is the author that completes the online abstract submission process. This person is usually involved with the abstract as a presenting author or co-author.

• By submitting an abstract, please make sure you or an alternate presenting author are committed to attending the in-person conference and giving the presentation if the abstract is accepted. All presenting authors are required to register for the conference and pay related fees. CSTE does not provide a travel allowance, honorarium, or reimbursement for presenting authors.

• Work created in the course and scope of employment by an author is the copyright of the agency should the author leave employment prior to presentation and therefore at the agency’s discretion of presentation at the conference.

• The presenting author(s) should disclose any AI Model or Tool used in the development of the abstract or any presentation of materials. Authors should include a statement to the effect of “The author(s) disclose that {NAME OF AI MODEL/TOOL} was used to [DESCRIBE USE]. The authors reviewed, edited, and revised the content and take full responsibility for the final version.

• The primary contact for communication should be identified as the first presenting author when other presenting authors are permitted.

• Presenting author(s) must complete brief bio information on their background experience that should not exceed 100 words. If selected for an oral presentation, this information will be utilized by the session moderator to properly introduce you. This information may be shortened by the moderator to ensure presentations stay on time.

• To assist session moderators in correct pronunciation of presenting author’s name, correct pronunciation is required in bio section. Use the sounds like or phonetic spelling like the examples below:

• • Jane Knowles – silent K, sounds like “noles”

• • Allie Pyan – Pie-n, like Ryan with a P

• • Lisa Takeuchi – Tah-keh-oo-chee

• Abstracts should include all pertinent presenting author contact information.

• Co-authors who are not presenting but contributed substantially to the study of design, statistical analysis, or interpretation may be listed as a non-presenting author. Up to fifteen (15) co-authors may be included.

• A new record will need to be created for each presenting and co-author.

• Formal letters of invitation are sent by email from the CSTE National Office by Thursday, March 4, 2027. All authors receive formal communication regarding the Program Planning Committee’s determination. However, only presenting authors have system access to accept or decline an invitation.

•  It is the responsibility of the first presenting author to communicate with any presenting co-authors prior to the presentation. For breakout presentations, the presenting author is responsible for coordinating the presentation with the moderator selected by the Program Planning Committee in that session.

UPDATE CONTACT/EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

• If you need to update your contact information, including email address or employer, under “My Account” select “My Profile”. Updating your existing profile will help you keep historical records of all your abstracts in one place!

STEP 4 – ABSTRACT TEXT

REQUIRED BODY FOR BREAKOUT AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS 

• Background: Study objective(s), hypothesis, or a description of the program.

• Methods: Study design and appropriate statistical analysis.

• Results: Specific results in summary form.

• Conclusions and Public Health Impact: description of the main outcome of the study

 

REQUIRED BODY FOR DISCUSSION PRESENTATIONS 

• Key Objective(s): Objective(s) for the discussion

• Brief Summary and Public Health Impact: Description of discussion

• Proposed Discussion Question(s): Question(s) or topics(s) to be explored during the discussion

 

REQUIRED BODY FOR EPIVISION PRESENTATIONS 

• Purpose: Challenge addressed through dashboard, data sources, target audience

• Visualizations, Platform, and Features: Explain how your dashboard makes complex data clear and actionable

• Relevance and Impact: lessons learned from implementation or real-world use

 

STEP 5 – VIEW OR EDIT SUBMISSIONS

Each abstract submission will have a separate Application #. Presenting authors should use the same email address for all submissions and to access their Account, where you may be prompted to create a password linked to your email address to access all your submissions in one place. You may view and edit an abstract any time before the abstract submission deadline on Tuesday, January 5, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Abstracts may not be modified after the submission deadline during committee review. If your abstract is accepted for presentation, minor content changes may be made by contacting [email protected] no later than Friday, May 7, 2027. Author changes may be made online before the abstract submission deadline and after invitation until Friday, May 7, 2027.

 

STEP 6 – REVIEW AND SUBMIT

After you have completed all steps in the process and are ready to submit an abstract for consideration, click – “Save and Finalize”. On the pop up window, click “OK” on the last step. You must correct all errors or omissions before the abstract can be submitted as final. Once you have completed the abstract, you will receive an email confirmation that the abstract has been received. If you exit the system without completing all steps, your abstract will be considered incomplete. You must receive a confirmation email for your abstract to be considered received.

 

Forgot password? 

If you forgot your Account Password, use the Lost Password? Link on the login screen. CSTE staff do not have access to your password, so you will be required to utilize that link if needed.

Invitation Response  

Formal letters of invitation and regret are sent by email from CSTE National Office by Thursday March 4, 2027. All authors receive a formal communication that informs them of the Planning Committee’s decision. Presenting authors with an accepted abstract will receive a link to their online account where you may view session details, respond to the invitation, and upload your presentation. Co-authors with an accepted abstract will receive a determination email, but not a link to the online User Portal. The deadline for responding to the invitation to present is Thursday, April 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Presenting authors that fail to respond by the deadline will be considered accepted and expected to present or find a replacement presenting author. Failure to present an accepted abstract could result in disqualification from presenting an abstract at future conferences. If unforeseen circumstances arise after the invitation deadline and a presenting author cannot present, contact [email protected] as soon as possible. All presenting authors are expected to register for the conference and pay related fees.  

Withdrawals  

Withdrawal of an abstract can be made at any time during submission and review. The deadline to decline presentation or withdraw after invitation acceptance is Thursday, April 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Withdrawal of a presentation after invitation acceptance or after the deadline should be communicated by email to [email protected]. Withdrawals made after the invitation deadline, failure to present an accepted abstract, or find a replacement presenting author could result in disqualification from presenting an abstract at future conferences. Please also see Invitation Response.   

Student Abstracts  

Students are encouraged to submit abstracts for sessions offered at the CSTE Annual Conference. To be eligible for consideration, abstracts must be authored by students currently enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate program who are actively pursuing a degree in public health or related field. Discounted registration fees are offered to qualified students.   

Late Breaker Abstracts  

Abstracts containing truly late-breaking research or outbreak or event responses not available at the regular abstract deadline may be submitted as late breakers. During submission, authors are required to justify why their abstract is a late breaker. Abstracts are only considered for presentation during a Breakout Session on Wednesday morning of the conference. Late breaker abstracts are highly competitive as space is limited.   

• The late breaker abstract submission process will open on Thursday, March 4, 2027  

• All late breaker abstracts must be submitted via the abstract submission website by Thursday, March 18, 2027 by 11:59 p.m. ET.  

• Only one presenting author per presentation will be allowed during the late breaker session.  

• Formal letters of invitation for late breaker presentation are sent by email from the CSTE National Office by Thursday, April 15, 2027.   

Presenter Disclosure 

Presenting authors must disclose to participants prior to speaking any significant financial interest or other relationships with the manufacturer(s) or any commercial product(s) or provider(s) of any commercial services discussed in a session presentation and with any commercial supports of the activity. This pertains to relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or other corporations whose products or services are related to the subject matter of the presentation topic. Having an interest or affiliation with a corporate organization does not prevent a speaker from making a presentation, but the relationship must be made known in advance to the audience. Presenting author(s) should disclose any AI Model or Tool used in the development of the abstract or any presentation of materials. Authors should include a statement to the effect of “The author(s) disclose that {NAME OF AI MODEL/TOOL} was used to [DESCRIBE USE]. The authors reviewed, edited, and revised the content and take full responsibility for the final version. Questions regarding CSTE presenter disclosure should be directed to the CSTE National Office.

Presidential Priorities Award 

Each year, the President of CSTE sets forth a list of Presidential Priorities. These are key areas impacting the field of applied epidemiology that the organization, Executive Director, and Executive Board works to advance during the year. Presidential Priorities change from year to year based on the current CSTE President. The 2026-2027 CSTE President is Sarah Kemble, MD, State Epidemiologist, Hawaii

 

CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION 

MORE INFORMATION TO COME!

 

RECOGNITION AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 

The award recipient will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the Annual Conference. Presenters interested in being considered must submit their abstract into the Presidential Priorities topics within the online abstract system. Depending on the quality and quantity of eligible abstracts, a session may be organized for eligible, finalist presentations.

Outstanding Poster Presentation Awards 

Poster presentations are an important and valued part of the CSTE Annual Conference. CSTE will recognize the work of poster presenters by offering CSTE Steering Committee Poster Awards in Chronic Disease & Maternal and Child Health; Environmental Health & Occupational Health; Health Equity & Tribal Epidemiology; Health Security, Policy & Law; Infectious Diseases; Injury, Substance Use & Mental Health; Surveillance & Informatics; and, Workforce Development.

 

NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS 

Only abstracts submitted and accepted for poster presentation at the 2027 CSTE Annual Conference will be eligible. Planning Committee members or members of their committee may select up to five abstracts for a poster award. Only one poster per presenter may be considered. The nomination criteria are as follows:

• Scientific content, including originality, study design and analysis;

• Public health impact; and

• Exemplifies the effective and innovative application of epidemiologic methods in an investigation or study.

 

POSTER FINALIST 

Poster Award Finalists will be announced by March 4, 2027. Each finalist will have their poster displayed during the conference from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday morning when the Networking Hall closes.

CSTE Award in Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities | RWJF Award 

The “Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Award for Outstanding Epidemiology Practice in Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities” was established by CSTE to recognize an individual presenter at the CSTE Annual Conference whose professional work advances public health knowledge through epidemiology and applied research in racial and ethnic disparities and improves public health practice through effective use of data and epidemiology.

 

CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION 

• Abstract should address racial and ethnic health disparities.

• Speakers should be from a state or local health department; federal employees are not eligible.

• Abstract is selected to present oral or poster presentations; discussion and late breakers are not eligible.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THE AWARD RECIPIENT 

• Impact of work in the field of eliminating health disparities.

• Contribution/translation to practice.

• Policy implications for evoking long-term change in eliminating and preventing health disparities.

• Quality of poster or breakout session presentation.

 

The award recipient will be presented with a commemorative plaque and a $1,000 honorarium at the conference. Presenters interested in being considered must apply through the abstract submission process by the deadline. Late-breaker or EpiVision abstracts are not eligible for consideration.

Media  

CSTE typically issues media passes to appropriate outlets interested in covering the Conference. Credentialed reporters may attend all non-closed portions of the conference.  

 

Continuing Education  

Continuing education for this activity is pending. The conference website will be updated with final announcement and details.  

 

Questions  

Contact the CSTE National Office at (770) 458-3811,  [email protected], or visit csteconference.org.