Call for Abstracts
2027 CBS-SCB Bioethics Community Forum
12-13 & 19-20 May 2027
Rethinking Justice in a Changing World
IMPORTANT DATES
5 Nov 2026 – Opening of Call for Abstracts
14 Dec 2026 – Closing of Call for Abstracts
By 26 Jan 2027 – Completion of Peer Review of Abstracts
3 Mar 2027 – Notification of selected Abstracts
12-13 & 19-20 May 2027 – CBS-SCB Bioethics Community Forum (Online)
EVENT OVERVIEW
Our world is undergoing significant change. Changes to our health system(s), environmental conditions, technological advances, clinical norms, and research practices all have bioethical implications, particularly regarding our understanding and pursuit of justice. Given the current context, the CBS-SCB invites submissions that critically examine the concept of justice relevant to our changing world. Contributions from diverse perspectives, disciplines, and experiences are encouraged.
The fourth CBS-SCB Bioethics Community Forum is a four-day virtual event that will take place over two weeks - 12-13 & 19-20 May 2027. It will consist of plenary speakers, panel discussions, short snapper presentations, standard oral presentations, virtual posters and workshops, as well as opportunities for interaction and networking. There will also be student-specific events and awards. The goal of the Forum is to share knowledge and reflections on a variety of bioethics topics with a general focus on the concept of justice, given the array of complexities and changes occurring in and to our world.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE
Abstract submissions are welcome in any area that advances the field of bioethics and that would benefit from discussion and community engagement. The CBS-SCB is composed of individuals from a range of backgrounds, in different career stages, with various connections to bioethics, professional or personal, and who work in differing roles and contexts. We expressly extend an invitation to all those interested in bioethics to attend and submit abstracts, including academics and scholars, students, health care leaders and providers, researchers, practicing healthcare ethicists, those affected by or influencing the work of those above, and all other individuals with an interest in bioethics.
The CBS-SCB is committed to creating safe(r) and more inclusive spaces for members of under-represented groups and those experiencing structural injustice, and encourages people from diverse backgrounds, identities, cultures, sexes, genders, socioeconomic status, and abilities to submit abstracts and attend the Forum. Our conversations will be richer and our work more successful by engaging a broad and comprehensive group of involved and interested participants.
Note that simultaneous AI interpretation will be offered in all sessions (not available in breakout rooms - see presentation formats for additional details). CBS-SCB has a commitment to providing materials in English and French and other language options will be available through AI interpretation.
PRESENTATION FORMATS
The 2027 Bioethics Community Forum comprises several events including virtual poster presentations, short snapper presentations, standard oral presentations, work-in-progress collaborations and workshops. Abstracts will be peer-reviewed by the CBS-SCB Abstract Review Committee.
Accepted student abstracts will be entered into a student award competition, reviewed by a CBS-SCB Board Student Award Sub-committee led by the Student Board Representatives. One student abstract will be selected in each category. Student abstract award winners will receive a certificate, free Student Forum registration (to a max of 4 students per category) and recognition during the Forum.
Applicants are responsible for developing the content of their presentation. For abstracts that are selected, speakers will present during their designated time slot at the Forum. The CBS-SCB will provide the online platform and technical support to present, coordinate registration for the event, collect the registration fees, and promote individual events as part of the promotion of the Forum.
All selected presenters must register for the Forum.
Poster Presentation
- A virtual (PDF or PowerPoint) poster that provides a description of a project or program, its goals, methods and results.
- There will be dedicated times during the Forum for poster viewing. Presenters must make themselves available in a provided virtual breakout room during these times to respond to participants’ questions.
- No simultaneous AI interpretation available for this event.
Short Snapper Presentation (10-minute presentation)
- A 10-minute oral presentation.
- These “short snappers” are designed to provide brief overviews of interesting work going on in bioethics.
- Presenters may use PowerPoint slides or present a video that provides a description of the work.
- If using PowerPoint, presenters are asked to limit themselves to five slides.
- Additional information can be made available through handouts.
Standard Oral Presentation (20-minute presentation + 10 minute for discussion)
- A 20-minute oral presentation followed by 10 minutes for questions.
- Presentations will be grouped according to theme.
- The discussion period will be moderated by an individual with relevant background.
Work-in-Progress Collaboration (40-minute informal discussion)
- Presenters will provide a brief (maximum 10 minutes) introduction that will include an overview of their work so far, their goal for the session, and 3 questions for attendees to discuss.
- Presenters may choose to circulate resources or handouts in the chat.
- The goal is to share developing concepts and to stimulate the enhancement of ideas through collaborative discussion.
Workshop (90-minute interactive session)
- 90-minute facilitated session involving discussion, audience engagement and/or group activity.
- The primary goal of a workshop is to facilitate advancement of a topic through collective creation and skill building; at least 30% of the workshop time should be allocated for collaborative engagement.
- The abstract submission must include: (1) the names and affiliations of the workshop presenters and co-presenter(s); (2) a brief description of the workshop’s focus and purpose; (3) a draft agenda; and (4) the learning objectives for the participants.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS
General Instructions
- Abstract submission lengths are as follows:
- Poster Presentation: maximum 250 words
- Short Snapper Presentation: maximum 250 words
- Standard Oral Presentation: maximum 500 words
- Work-in-Progress Collaboration: maximum 500 words
- Workshop: maximum 750 words (excluding agenda)
- Abstracts may be submitted in French or English.
- In order to promote the bilingual character of the CBS-SCB, authors who are able to present in both languages are strongly encouraged to do so, either by adapting their Power Point presentation for both languages or by indicating that they can answer questions in both official languages.
- Note that simultaneous AI interpretation will be offered in all sessions (not available in breakout rooms)
- The individual listed as the primary presenter will also be the main contact person. Co-presenter(s), including contact information, should also be listed in the appropriate field on the abstract submission form.
- Presenters who wish their abstract to be considered for a Student Award must indicate that they are a student on the Abstract submission form. The CBS-SCB defines a student as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student working towards a degree.
- Please review your abstract to ensure it is completely accurate. If it is chosen, it will be published as it was submitted.
- Conflicts of interest (for example: grants, consultation, memberships in advisory boards, etc.) and financing sources must be disclosed.
- Authors chosen for presentations must register for the Forum and pay the associated registration fees.
- On the abstract submission form, applicants will be asked to identify three substantive questions that a participant might be stimulated to ask after attending their session. For Work-in-Progress submissions only, applicants will be asked to identify three substantive questions that they will pose to participants during their session. These questions will be publicized in order to provide participants with a brief insight into the content of the presentation.
- Applicants must identify three general subject areas of bioethics that most closely reflect their submission; a comprehensive list is provided on the abstract submission form. This information may be used by the CSB-SCB Abstract Review Committee to assign reviewers, as well as by the Forum organizers to ensure a broad representation of topics, and for program scheduling and promotional purposes.
- Abstracts that reflect the theme of the Forum are strongly encouraged. However, submissions are welcome in a broad range of areas of bioethical inquiry and practice, including theory, policy, research and clinical applications.
Submission Requirements
Each application must include:
- Title
- Presentation format
- Abstract (Word count and instructions are format-dependent – see above)
- Three substantive questions
- Three learning objectives
- General areas of bioethics reflected by your submission
For each presenter(s):
- Name(s)
- Title
- Credentials
- Affiliation (Institution name, city, country)
- Email address*
- Phone number
*Please provide the most up-to-date email address and consider using a personal email address if your affiliation may change during the year
Please click here for Abstract Submission Form.
Questions may be directed to: Forum@cbs-scb.ca