Abstract submission

Breaking science is key to helping end the HIV epidemic. Share your research with a global audience at AIDS 2022.

Regular abstract submission is now closed.

We have sent notifications of acceptance or non-acceptance to all submitting authors.

Late-breaker abstract submission closed on 10 May 2022.  

Members of the AIDS 2022 Track Committee will make the final selection of late-breaker abstracts. Notifications of acceptance or non-acceptance of abstracts will be sent to submitting authors by mid- to end-June 2022. It is the submitting author’s responsibility to inform all co-authors of the status of the abstract.

Scientific tracks

AIDS 2022, the 24th International AIDS Conference, welcomes the submission of abstracts that present original contributions to the field in the following scientific tracks:

Basic and translational science will focus on recent advancements made through basic and translational research to further our understanding of HIV transmission, pathogenesis and persistence. A strong resurgence of progress in these areas can be anticipated as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, underscoring the AIDS 2022 theme to Re-engage and follow the science. Highlights will include advances in combining immunotherapeutic agents to achieve ARV-free remission of HIV viremia, novel insights into the nature of the HIV reservoir and mechanisms of persistence, advances towards vaccine-mediated elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), innovations in PrEP- and bNAb-mediated interruption of HIV transmission, intersections between the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics, and progress towards understanding the drivers and implications of ongoing immuno-metabolism and inflammation in ARV-treated individuals, including the impact of CMV and COVID-19 on people living with HIV.

Download the full list of Track A abstract submission categories

Clinical science will focus on research developments in the clinical care of people living with HIV, with emphasis on new-generation ART, including long-acting orals and injectables, and treatment strategies involving two-drug regimens and long-acting formulations. Clinical research on populations most vulnerable to HIV acquisition, such as adolescents, transgender populations and women, will continue to be a focus of Track B. It will highlight insights into the intersection of HIV and ageing, including approaches for treatment of HIV and management of HIV-related co-morbidities, co-infections and complications. Finally, Track B will address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosis, linkage to care and retention and the clinical impact on people living with HIV.

Download the full list of Track B abstract submission categories

Epidemiology and prevention science will explore the HIV prevention toolkit, which is expanding with vaginal rings, long-acting oral and injectable PrEP, new HIV testing modalities, bNAbs and programmatic innovations. Interventions aimed at reducing HIV transmission and acquisition are fundamental to achieving the goal of ending the HIV epidemic, but progress has been limited by suboptimal coverage, uptake, adherence and persistence. Track C will present advances in prevention tools along with assessments of where and why HIV incidence densities remain too high to end the epidemic, as well as explore the impacts of COVID-19 on HIV prevention programmes, HIV testing, ART initiation and PrEP programmes. The track will assess best practices for greater inclusion of key groups such as the “missing men”, adolescent girls and young women, marginalized and refugee populations, people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, transgender people and Indigenous peoples. A major focus will also be on next-generation HIV prevention trial designs, which can assess new advances in the context of high-efficacy options.

Download the full list of Track C abstract submission categories

Social and behavioural science will facilitate the discovery-policy-implementation trajectory through qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods assessments of social and behavioural factors influencing HIV vulnerability, clinical outcomes and intervention impact. These factors include the effectiveness of treatment, care and support strategies for people living with HIV and HIV prevention methods for those most vulnerable to HIV acquisition. The track will also focus on structural interventions for HIV prevention and treatment, including advances in measuring and supporting adherence and retention, and factors that promote or impede the translation of social, behavioural and structural evidence into practice at all levels (global, national, local, community and individual). Track D will place attention on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on models of service delivery and adaptations, service availability and uptake and strategies employed by health systems, service providers and individuals to mitigate the impact of service disruptions. It will also look at strategies to deliver integrated HIV and other services, such as harm reduction, sexual and reproductive health and rights services, and co-morbidities. Submissions will be invited from the full range of social and behavioural science disciplines, including operational research by community-based implementers.

Download the full list of Track D abstract submission categories

Implementation science is a practical, powerful way to translate scientific evidence into impactful health interventions based on technologies and approaches that have proven to be efficacious in clinical trials to people in greatest need in real-world settings. Countries continue to face challenges in rolling out prevention, testing, treatment and care programmes. Specific elements of health intervention packages that are essential or adaptable must be explored with reference to cultural and organizational contexts, economic relationships and behavioural aspects that influence the effectiveness of service delivery and sustainability of results. These elements include HIV and STI testing technologies, ART, PrEP, condoms, harm reduction services and gender-affirming care. Track E will focus on novel approaches in integrating socio-behavioural and political science, econometric studies and health system research, with specific emphasis on successful implementation strategies at different levels of health systems to improve and sustain HIV prevention and care interventions, novel integrated HIV service packages that combine biomedical, socio-behavioural and structural interventions tailored to each population, improved methods for measuring health intervention success, and partnership best practices in translating science into rapid health product and service access.

Download the full list of Track E abstract submission categories

Political science, laws, ethics, policies and human rights will build on the findings of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law (2012/2018), priorities set out in the UNAIDS Global Strategy 2021-26, the questions informing the work of the IAS–Lancet Commission on Health and Human Rights established in March 2021, and commitments in the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2021. In so doing, we will address the legal, social and other environmental factors that impede or enable prevention, early diagnosis, access to and sustained engagement with care and treatment, and adherence to ART. Particular focus will be on the impact of these factors on adolescent girls and women and underserved, marginalized and key populations, and on evidence-based policies and initiatives that have proven effective in reducing HIV incidence and the risk of acquisition and transmission. Track F will encourage the presentation of research and best practice related to a sustainable reduction in the spread of HIV. It will also focus on strategic, community-led and other interventions to mitigate the impact of medical and other inequalities and contribute to eliminating HIV-related violence, stigma and discrimination. The track will also explore how we can more effectively establish and support enabling legal environments through law reform and changes in law enforcement practice that are informed by and secure the enjoyment of human rights and ensure that no one is left behind.

Download the full list of Track F abstract submission categories

Each scientific track is divided into track categories. All abstract authors are asked to choose one scientific track and one track category during the submission process.

By submitting an abstract to the conference, you agree to adhere to the conference embargo policy. The policy specifies that while authors may publish the fact that their abstract has been selected for inclusion in the conference programme, they may NOT share data from the abstract in any form (print, broadcast or online publication, media release or conference presentation) before its official presentation at AIDS 2022.

Regular abstract submission is now closed.

We have sent notification of acceptance or rejection to all submitting authors.

Abstracts submitted to the conference will go through a blind, peer-reviewed process carried out by an international review panel. The AIDS 2022 Track Committee will make the final selection of abstracts by mid-April.

The highest-scoring abstracts will be selected for presentation in abstract sessions to be held in person in Montreal. The majority of the selected posters will be displayed as on demand e-posters in Montreal and via the conference platform.

Call for abstracts

We encourage work that introduces new ideas, concepts and research and deepens understanding in the field, as well as analyses of both successes and failures. Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your abstract:

  • Abstracts can be submitted only online via the conference account. Submissions by fax, post or email will not be considered.
  • All abstracts must be written in English.
  • It is the author’s responsibility to submit an abstract with the correct wording. Any errors in spelling, grammar or scientific fact in the abstract text will be reproduced exactly as typed by the author. Abstract titles will be subject to a spellcheck if the abstract is selected for presentation.

Questions

  • For technical questions regarding the abstract submission system, please contact the Abstract Support team at [email protected].
  • For general questions regarding abstracts, please see the FAQ.

Abstract submission process

Conference account

Authors must create a conference account to submit an abstract. More than one abstract can be submitted through a conference account. After an abstract has been created, modifications can be made until 4 February 2022, 23:59 Central European Time.

Choosing a track category

The track category is the general heading under which the abstract will be reviewed and later published in the conference materials if accepted. During the submission process, you will be asked to select one track category for your abstract. Choose the track category that best describes the subject of the abstract.

Abstract structure

The conference offers two options for abstract submission:

Option 1

This is suitable for research conducted in all disciplines. Abstracts submitted under Option 1 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Indicate the purpose and objective of the research, the hypothesis that was tested, or a description of the problem being analysed or evaluated.
  • Methods: Describe the study period, setting and location, study design, study population, data collection and methods of analysis used.
  • Results: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the study. Please disaggregate data by age and gender where possible and summarize any specific results.
  • Conclusions: Explain the significance of your study’s findings and/or outcomes for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

The following review criteria will be used in scoring abstracts submitted under Option 1:

  1. Is there a clear background and justified objective?
  2. Is the methodology and/or study design appropriate for the objectives?
  3. Are the results important and clearly presented?
  4. Are the conclusions supported by the results?
  5. Is the study original and does it contribute to the field?

Option 2

This is suitable for lessons learned through programme, project or policy implementation or management. Abstracts submitted under Option 2 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Summarize the purpose, scope and objectives of the programme, project or policy.
  • Description: Describe the programme, project or policy period, setting and location, the structure, key population (if applicable) and activities and interventions undertaken in support of the programme, project or policy.
  • Lessons learned: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy. Include an analysis or evaluation of lessons learned and best practices. Please summarize any specific results that support your lessons learned and best practices.
  • Conclusions/next steps: Explain the significance of the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

The following review criteria will apply to abstracts submitted under Option 2:

  1. Is there a clear background and justified objective?
  2. Are the programme, project or policy design and implementation appropriate for the objectives?
  3. Are the lessons learned or best practices important, supported by the findings and clearly presented?
  4. Are the conclusions/next steps supported by the results and are they feasible?
  5. Is the work reported original and does it contribute to the field?

Disaggregation by sex and other demographic data in abstracts

Authors are encouraged to provide a breakdown of data by gender identity and/or assigned sex at birth and other demographics, such as age, geographic region, racial/ethnic identity and/or other relevant demographic characteristics in submitted abstracts, when appropriate. Your abstract should include the number and percentage of men and women who participated in your research or project (and additional breakdown by gender, age and/or ethnicity if appropriate). Results should be disaggregated by sex/gender and other relevant demographics. Analyses of any gender-based differences or any other differences between sub-populations should be provided in the Results or Lessons learned sections if relevant.

Font

Use a standard font, such as Arial, when formatting the text. This helps prevent special characters from getting lost when copying the text to the online abstract submission form. Ensure that you check the final abstract with the system’s preview function before submission, and edit or replace if necessary.

Word limits

The abstract is limited to 350 words. Titles are limited to 30 words.

A maximum of two tables and/or graphs or images can be included. A graph or image (in JPG, GIF or PNG, ideally 600dpi) counts as 50 words and a table counts as five words per row (50 words maximum).

Common reasons for abstract rejection:

  • Abstract poorly written
  • Not enough new information
  • Clear objective and/or hypothesis missing
  • Methods (either quantitative or qualitative) inadequate and/or insufficient to support conclusions
  • Summary of essential results inadequate and/or missing
  • Study conclusions not supported by the data
  • Linkage between different parts of the abstract not comprehensible
  • Duplicate or overlap with another abstract
  • Study too preliminary or insufficient to draw conclusions
  • Study originality lacking.

Recommendations:

  • Abstracts should disclose primary findings and avoid, whenever possible, promissory statements, such as “experiments are in progress” or “results/lessons learned will be discussed”.
  • If English is not your native language, arrange for a native English speaker to review your abstract before submission.
  • IAS – the International AIDS Society – offers an Abstract Mentor Programme for less experienced submitters. Please see further information below.

Submission confirmation

After submission of the abstract, a confirmation email will be sent to the abstract submitter. To receive confirmation, please ensure that your email provider does not mark emails from [email protected] as spam.

Policies for abstract submission

Copyright policy

Abstracts must not include libellous or defamatory content. Material presented in abstracts must not violate any copyright laws. If figures, graphics and/or images have been taken from sources not copyrighted by the author, it is the author’s sole responsibility to secure the rights from the copyright holder in writing to reproduce those figures, graphics and/or images for both worldwide print and web publication. The author must bear all reproduction costs charged by the copyright holder.

Language

As the official AIDS 2022 language is English, all materials must be in English. If English is not your native language, please arrange for a native English speaker to review your abstract before submission. Please use the UNAIDS terminology guidelines and/or the People First Charter when drafting and submitting your abstract. Please ensure that you do NOT use stigmatizing language. DO use: people or person living with HIV; person or people with COVID-19; person or people with TB; healthcare seekers or clients. AVOID using: HIV-infected; infected; infections; cases; carriers; victims; patients.

Resubmission policy

An abstract that has been previously published or presented at a national, regional or international meeting can be submitted to AIDS 2022 only if there are new methods, findings, updated information or other valid reasons for resubmitting.

If preliminary or partial data have been published or presented previously, the submitting author will be required to provide details of the publication or presentation, along with a justification of why the abstract merits being considered for AIDS 2022. The AIDS 2022 Organizing Committee will consider this information when making final decisions.

If the author neglects to provide these required details and justification or if evidence of previous publication or presentation is found, the abstract will be rejected.

Plagiarism

The IAS regard plagiarism as serious professional misconduct. All abstracts are screened for plagiarism and, when identified, the abstract and any other abstracts submitted by the same author are rejected. In addition, the submitting author’s account and scholarship application (if one has been submitted) will be cancelled.

Co-submission

AIDS 2022 may negotiate co-submission of abstracts with affiliated events, pre-events and/or external events. Visit www.aids2022.org for updated information.

Ethical research declaration

The conference supports only research that has been conducted according to the protocol approved by the institutional or local committee on ethics in human investigation. Where no such committee exists, the research should have been conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association. If you answer “no” or “not applicable”, you will be required to provide a written explanation for your answer. The AIDS 2022 Organizing Committee may enquire further into ethical aspects when evaluating abstracts.

Abstract review and selection process

Abstract review

All submitted abstracts will go through a blind peer-review process carried out by international reviewers. At least three reviewers will review each abstract.

Abstract selection

Abstracts will be selected for oral presentations, in-person exhibitions or e-posters. Presentations will be part of oral abstract sessions and a limited number of poster exhibitions will be held in person only. The remaining abstracts will be in the form of e-posters and available on demand on the virtual conference platform only.

Notification of acceptance or rejection to corresponding author

Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the submitting (corresponding) author by mid-April. Please note that only the corresponding author will receive an email concerning the abstract; this author is responsible for informing all co-authors of the status of the abstract. The presenting author, whose abstract has been accepted, will receive instructions for the presentation of their abstract. 

Rule of two

Each presenting author may present a maximum of two abstracts at the conference. The number of submissions is, however, not limited. Should an author have more than two abstracts accepted for presentation, a co-author must be named as the presenting author for one or more abstracts.

Each presenting author may also present one late-breaker abstract at the conference.

Publication of accepted abstracts

The submission of an abstract constitutes the author(s)’ consent for publication. If the abstract is accepted, the author(s) agree that the abstract is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence. The licence allows third parties to share the published work (copy, distribute, transmit) and to adapt it for any purposes, under the condition that AIDS 2022 and authors are given credit and that in the event of reuse or distribution, the terms of this licence are made clear. Authors retain the copyright of their abstract, with first publication rights granted to the IAS.

Accepted abstracts may, therefore, be published on IAS websites and in such publications as the AIDS 2022 online conference programme and other conference materials, the IAS abstract archive and the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS).

Conference embargo policy

As is the case with most scientific and medical conferences, abstracts from AIDS 2022 are released to delegates and media under a strict embargo policy. The conference embargo policy can be found here. All conference delegates, presenters and media agree to respect this policy.

Support programmes

Abstract Mentor Programme Scholarships

Co-submission

The IAS has approved several conferences for abstract co-submission leading up to AIDS 2022. This means that you will be able to submit your abstract to the selected conferences, listed below, and to AIDS 2022 without breaking our embargo policy. Conference organizers have until 31 March 2022 to request co-submission, and this list will be updated accordingly as further conferences are approved.

The approved co-submission conferences so far are:

FAQs

For AIDS 2022, the 24th International AIDS Conference, an abstract is a standalone statement that briefly explains the essential information of a study, research project, policy or programme.

Detailed descriptions of the scope and objectives of each scientific track, as defined by the AIDS 2022 Organizing Committee, can be found on the Abstract submission page.

The deadline for submission of abstracts is 4 February 2022, 23:59 CET.

Abstracts are intended to present scientific studies, research, programmes and policies, highlighting the methods and/or description and results and/or recommendations. If you are describing a study that is still in the planning stage, it would not be suitable for submission unless the method that you use is, for example, of particular scientific interest. However, if your study is ongoing and you have preliminary data that seems relevant or significant, please submit an abstract.

Late-breaker submissions must introduce data of unquestioned significance. Data analysed after the regular submission deadline (4 February 2022) should not be sent in as late breakers if the data do not meet an extremely high standard of scientific merit. The percentage of abstracts selected as late breakers will depend on the number of submissions made, but selection will certainly be more rigorous than for regular abstracts. A small number of late-breaker abstracts will be accepted for presentation orally or as posters at the conference.

During their abstract submission, authors will have to declare the reason why their abstract is a late breaker. The same submission rules apply for late-breaker abstracts as for regular abstracts, but each presenting author may present only one late-breaker abstract at the conference. Late-breaker abstract submission will be open from 20 April to 10 May 2022.

An abstract consists of a title, author list and abstract text no longer than 350 words. It can also include tables or graphs and/or images. Literature references should not be included.

AIDS 2022 offers two options for abstract submission:

Option 1

This is suitable for research conducted in all disciplines. Abstracts submitted under Option 1 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Indicate the purpose and objective of the research, the hypothesis that was tested or a description of the problem being analysed or evaluated.
  • Methods: Describe the study period, setting and location, study design, study population, data collection and methods of analysis used.
  • Results: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the study. Please disaggregate data by age and gender where possible and summarize any specific results.
  • Conclusions: Explain the significance of the findings and/or outcomes of your study for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

Option 2

This is suitable for lessons learned through programme, project or policy implementation or management. Abstracts submitted under Option 2 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Summarize the purpose, scope and objectives of the programme, project or policy.
  • Description: Describe the programme, project or policy period, setting and location, structure, key population (if applicable) and activities and interventions undertaken in support of the programme, project or policy.
  • Lessons learned: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy. Include an analysis or evaluation of lessons learned and best practices. Please summarize any specific results that support your lessons learned and best practices.
  • Conclusions/next steps: Explain the significance of the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

Before submitting an abstract, you are asked to create a conference account. One or several abstracts can be submitted through this account.

To submit abstracts, please log in to your conference account and click on the “Abstract submission” box on the conference account overview page. Then click on the red button, “Submit an abstract”. In the abstract submission system:

  1. Select the track, category and country of research. Enter your abstract title and text.
  2. Enter the presenting author and co-authors (individually).
  3. Preview your abstract and check format and correctness.
  4. Submit your abstract.

After an abstract has been created, modifications can be made at any time until the submission deadline. After submission, the abstract submitter will receive a confirmation email with an abstract reference number. Please refer to this reference number in all conference correspondence.

After an abstract has been submitted via the conference account, modifications can be made until the submission deadline, 4 February 2022. After making your modifications, you need to resubmit your abstract. No modifications will be accepted after 4 February 2022.

A good abstract title is short, specific, representative and informative. It helps the reviewers categorize your abstract and, if accepted, it may help conference delegates find your presentation. The title should summarize your abstract without going into excessive details. Describe the topic clearly, including, for example, the population, country and issue of the research. Titles are limited to 30 words.

It is permitted but not mandatory to include tables or graphs and/or images in the abstract. A maximum of two tables, graphs or images in total can be included. A graph or image (in JPG, GIF or PNG, ideally 600dpi) counts as 50 words and a table counts as five words per row (50 words maximum). As a reminder, the abstract text body is limited to 350 words.

Please create your table or upload your graph or image following the instructions in the abstract submission system. Place the table, graph or image into your abstract text and save the changes. Review the abstract preview page to ensure that your table, graph and/or image displays properly.

There is no limit to the number of co-authors per abstract, although we strongly recommend the use of a study group name for abstracts with a high number of co-authors. A person can be listed as a co-author if they meet ALL the following criteria:

  1. They made substantial contributions to concept and design, acquisition of data or analysis and interpretation of data.
  2. They drafted the abstract or revised it for intellectual content.
  3. They approved the final version to be submitted.

If the abstract is accepted, the presenting authors are asked to disclose all financial and personal relationships between themselves and others that might be perceived as biasing their work. The conference organizer asks that all presenting authors disclose any conflict of interest at the time of presentation for the benefit of conference delegates. The purpose of this is to guarantee that all potential conflicts of interest are recognized and mechanisms to resolve them before the conference are implemented.

Material presented in abstracts should not violate any copyright laws. If figures, graphics and/or images have been taken from sources not copyrighted by the author, it is the author’s sole responsibility to secure the rights from the copyright holder in writing to reproduce those figures, graphics and/or images for both worldwide print and web publication. The author must bear all reproduction costs charged by the copyright holder.

All submitted abstracts will go through a blind peer-review process by international reviewers. At least three reviewers will review each abstract. The AIDS 2022 Organizing Committee makes the final selection of abstracts to be included in the conference programme.

The highest-scoring abstracts will be selected for presentation in an oral abstract session. All e-posters will be displayed on site in the exhibition hall and virtually on the conference platform. In addition, a small number of high-scoring posters will be selected for oral presentation in e-poster sessions on site.

The methodology or study design presented in your abstract should be appropriate to address the purpose and objectives. Results or lessons learned should be clearly presented and support the conclusions. In addition, the findings should contribute to the advancement of knowledge and development in the field.

If English is not your native language, we strongly recommend that you arrange for a native English speaker working in your field to review your abstract before submission.

Please use the UNAIDS terminology guidelines when drafting and submitting your abstract. Please ensure that you DO NOT use stigmatizing language. DO use: people or person living with HIV; person or people with COVID-19; person or people with TB; healthcare seekers or clients. DO NOT label people as: HIV-infected; infected; cases; carriers; victims; patients.

You may check the common reasons for abstract rejection in the abstract submission guidelines.

You may also review examples of abstracts from previous conferences. If you need additional support, the Abstract Mentor Programme offers free, expert feedback to young or less experienced researchers interested in submitting an abstract for AIDS 2022. The programme is open from 8 November 2021 to 14 January 2022. Find out more by visiting the AMP webpage.

Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the submitting (corresponding) author by mid-April.

To obtain a certificate for abstracts accepted, please contact [email protected].

The submission of the abstract constitutes the authors’ consent to publish. If the abstract is accepted, the authors agree that their abstract can be published under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence. The licence allows third parties to share the published work (copy, distribute, transmit) and adapt it for any purposes, under the condition that AIDS 2022 and the authors are given credit, and that in the event of reuse or distribution, the terms of this licence are made clear. Authors retain the copyright of their abstracts, with first publication rights granted to IAS – the International AIDS Society.

An electronic abstract book will be available free of charge on the conference website.

Accepted abstracts will be published on IAS websites and in such publications as the AIDS 2022 online programme and other conference materials, the IAS abstract archive and the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS).

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