Overview
A limited number of oral and poster presentation slots are available for late-breaker abstracts. This pathway allows innovative, high-impact scientific findings and project results that became available after the regular abstract deadline of 30 September 2026 to be considered for inclusion in the program. Abstracts containing final data or analyses that were available before the regular submission deadline will not be considered late-breakers.
Late-breaker abstracts may be submitted under any conference thematic track.
The conference offers two pathways for late-breaker abstract submissions:
- Shell abstract followed by full submission (considered for oral or poster presentation)
- Full submission only (considered for poster presentation only)
Together, these two pathways preserve a rigorous late-breaker review process while giving organizers early visibility into the likely volume, subject areas, and support needs of late-breaker submissions. This advance information enables more effective planning of the conference program while retaining flexibility to consider important findings that become available close to the dates of the Forum.
Key Dates & Deadlines
September 2026: Call for shell submissions opens
30 October 2026: Call for shell submissions closes
29 January 2027: Call for full late-breaker abstract submissions closes
15 February 2027: Notification sent to presenting author
22 February 2027: Registration deadline for presenting author
Shell Abstracts and Full Submissions
Shell Abstract
Authors who anticipate that new data or project results will be available by the late-breaker submission deadline are encouraged to submit a shell abstract. A shell abstract is a brief, preliminary description of work expected to produce late-breaking data or project results. It enables organizers to anticipate potential submissions and plan the scientific program.
A shell abstract is not reviewed or accepted; it is used solely for program planning. To be included in the late-breaker review and programming process, the shell abstract must be updated to meet all requirements for a full late-breaker abstract.
Full late-breaker abstracts preceded by a shell abstract will be considered for oral or poster presentation. In the shell abstract, authors may indicate whether they will require travel and registration support to attend the conference and present their work.
Please note that submitting a shell abstract does not guarantee that an abstract will be accepted or that travel and registration support will be provided.
Full Late-Breaker Submission
A full late-breaker abstract must include complete, analyzable results that were not available by the regular abstract deadline. Full abstracts undergo review to determine acceptance into the conference program. All authors, including those who previously submitted a shell abstract, must submit a full abstract.
Authors may submit a late-breaker abstract without first submitting a shell abstract; however, it will be considered for poster presentation only, except in exceptional circumstances, and is subject to space availability. Because of the timing of the submission deadline, authors who submit only a full late-breaker abstract are not eligible for travel and registration support.
Abstract Submission
Abstracts must be submitted through the online abstract submission platform. Abstracts submitted by email or any other method will not be considered.
Authors must create an account to submit an abstract. More than one abstract can be submitted through an author’s account.
Abstracts must be submitted under a thematic track and sub-track. Click here for information on the thematic tracks for the 8th Global Forum. Please select the track and sub-track that most closely align with the content of the abstract. The Organizers reserve the right to reassign an abstract to another track and sub-track at their discretion.
Authors submitting a shell abstract must indicate whether they wish their abstract to be considered for oral or poster presentation or poster presentation only. The decision on acceptance for oral or poster presentation is made by the Organizers and that decision is final. Authors submitting a full late-breaker submission only will be considered for poster presentation only.
Abstract submissions may be saved on the platform until the author is ready to submit. Shell abstracts must be submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on 30 October 2026. Shell abstracts submitted after that time will not be considered.
The full late-breaker may must be submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on 1 February 2027.
Once submitted, the shell or full abstract may be edited until the full submission deadline of 11:59 pm Pacific Time on 1 February 2027. No changes can be made after this time.
Abstract Instructions
Abstracts must be submitted in English. If the abstract is accepted for the 8th Global Forum program, it must be presented in English. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you arrange for someone whose first language is English to review your abstract before submission.
Abstracts may not exceed 2000 characters. Spaces and headings are included in the character count. Title, author names, affiliations, figure/table, conflicts of interest and funding sources are not included in the character limit.
A shell abstract must include at a minimum:
Provisional Title: A descriptive title of no more than 200 characters (including spaces). Capitalize only the first letter of the title, any acronyms or proper nouns, and the first word following a colon (e.g., Developing new TB vaccines: Results of a recent clinical trial). Titles not submitted in this format will be edited to conform to this requirement.
The abstract title should not include identifying information about the authors or author affiliations/institutions.
Presenting Authors: The presenting author’s name, email, affiliated institutions, city, and country. Co-authors may be added at this time but are not required (see the section on Author Information and Criteria below for more information and instructions).
Shell Abstract Body: Include a brief background, a summary of the methods, the type of data expected to be available by the late-breaker deadline of 31 January 2027, and the anticipated impact of the results. Preliminary data may be included if available. The abstract body may not exceed 2000 characters. Headings and spaces are included in the character count.
The shell abstract body should not include identifying information about the authors or author affiliations/institutions.
Timing of Data Availability: Indicate when the data are expected to be available.
Late-breaker rationale: Briefly explain why this abstract is being submitted as a late-breaker (1-2 sentences).
Authors may provide additional information in accordance with the full abstract format below, but it is not required for a shell abstract.
After submitting a shell abstract, authors may edit it until the late-breaker submission deadline of 1 February 2027 to add the information required for a full abstract.
Shell Abstract Withdrawal: If, after submitting a shell abstract, the presenting author becomes aware that the anticipated data will not be available in time to complete a full late-breaker submission, the author may withdraw the shell abstract through the abstract submission portal or by sending a written withdrawal request to the Global Forum Secretariat.
The full late-breaker submission must include:
Final Title: A descriptive title of no more than 200 characters (including spaces). Capitalize only the first letter of the title, any acronyms or proper nouns, and the first word following a colon (e.g., Developing new TB vaccines: Results of a recent clinical trial). Titles not submitted in this format will be edited to conform to this requirement.
The abstract title should not include identifying information about the authors or author affiliations/institutions.
Authors: A list of authors, affiliated institutions, cities, and countries, with the presenting author clearly indicated (see the section on Author Information and Criteria below for more information and instructions)..
Abstract Body: The content of your abstract following the structure outlined in the Structure section below. The abstract body may not exceed 2000 characters. Spaces and headings are included in the character count.
The abstract body should not include identifying information about the authors or author affiliations/institutions.
Clinical Trial Identifiers: Any reference to a clinical trial that is underway or completed must include a clinical trial identifier, such as a clinical trial registry number.
Figures: Authors are allowed to submit one table or figure per abstract, which should provide an overview summarizing the most important findings or the study/trial design. Tables should not exceed 10 rows x 10 columns. The maximum file size is 5MB. The figure or table can be uploaded in jpeg, gif, or png format.
Late-breaker justification. Briefly explain why the abstract is being submitted as a late-breaker rather than through the regular submission process, and describe the novelty and anticipated impact of the findings.
Funding Sources and Conflicts of Interest: List any funding sources and/or conflicts of interest in the designated fields in the submission form. If not applicable, indicate “None.”
Generative AI Disclosure: Disclose the use of generative artificial intelligence tools in developing the abstract, if applicable. See the section on Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence below for more information.
Additional instructions
Abbreviations: Non-standard or uncommon abbreviations must be spelled out in the abstract at first use. Examples of common abbreviations include TB, HIV, IFN-γ, IGRA, IL-17, QFT.
Personal Data/Information: Any personal data or information that could potentially cause a research participant or bystander to be identified must be “de-identified” (made anonymous) in the abstract submission and any subsequent presentation in any form (written, audio, visual, video, or other) unless permission has been granted in writing to use such/data information and the use of the personal data is in compliance with all relevant data protection laws.
Non-Stigmatising Language: The Organizers promote the use of people-centered language in conference abstracts, presentations, and posters. We encourage the use of guidelines laid out in the Stop TB Partnership’s Words Matter TB Language Guide.
Author Responsibility for Submission: Authors are responsible for submitting an abstract without errors. Abstracts will be reproduced as they were submitted, except the title which may be edited to conform to the guidance provided above.
Structure
Abstracts should be divided into sections with headings. The following structures are recommended for the body of the abstract (Alternate headings may be used if neither of these structures are appropriate for the content of your abstract):
Background/Introduction. Clearly state the purpose and objectives of the research, the hypothesis that was tested, or a description of the problem being analyzed or evaluated.
Methods. Describe the study design, setting and location, study population, data collection, and analytical approaches. This description should provide enough detail to allow reviewers to assess the quality and rigor of the study.
Results. Present the study findings with as much detail as possible and highlight specific or noteworthy results. This section should contain enough detail to allow for critical appraisal by reviewers. If results are not available at the time of submission, convey what results you plan to present if the abstract is accepted.
Discussion and Conclusion. Summarize the significance of your findings, discuss the broader implications of the research and results, and articulate what your study contributes to the field.
Background: Summarize the purpose scope, and objective of the program, policy, or project.
Description: Describe as applicable the setting and location, duration, structure, key population(s), activities and interventions, data collection methods, and evaluation methods and metrics. The description should provide enough detail to allow reviewers to understand what was undertaken and evaluate the implementation process and results and/or policy recommendations.
Lessons Learned: Present the key findings and/or outcomes of the program, project, or policy with as much detail as possible. Include an analysis of lessons learned and best practices, including specific results that support these lessons and practices. Include enough detail to allow for a critical review and appraisal of the results and conclusions.
Conclusion/Next Steps: Summarize the signification of the findings/outcomes of the program, project, or policy and discuss their broader implications. Articulate what the program, policy, or project contributes to the field and any recommendations for future practice or implementation.
Author Information & Criteria
There is no limit to the number of authors on an abstract; however, the list of authors should be limited to individuals who conceived, designed, and carried out the study and/or gathered and analyzed the data, and who wrote or reviewed/edited the abstract. Every listed author should read and approve the abstract before it is submitted. Authors will determine the author order on the abstract. The use of study groups as co-authors is encouraged.
Presenting authors are limited to three (3) abstract submissions, but there is no limit to the number of abstracts on which a person is listed as co-author.
When listing author affiliations, one additional department or internal institution may be included along with the primary affiliation. The affiliations of authors from the same institution or research group should be written in full and there should be no abbreviations or deviations in subsequent co-author entries (for example, University Medical College should be written in full for each author affiliated with that institution). Author affiliations will be listed in the abstract as they appear in the submission. Inconsistent listings may result in multiple references to the same affiliation. If multiple authors from the same institution are submitted with different departments listed, each department will be listed as a separate affiliation (for example, John Smith, Immunology Department, Medical Research Hospital; Jane Doe, Clinical Department, Medical Research Hospital will be separate affiliations if these departments are included in the authors' affiliation).
Submitters should review author affiliations carefully and ensure that affiliations are listed consistently and correctly before submitting the abstract.
The author listed as the presenting author in the abstract submission is expected to present the abstract in person at the conference if it is accepted. Virtual presentations are not accepted. If the presenting author cannot present for reasons that were unforeseen at the time of submission, a co-author may present in their place. Organizers must be notified in advance of any changes in the presenter.
Abstract Review
All submitted abstracts will go through a double-blind peer review process carried out by members of the Organizing Committee, Track Committees, or other experts in the thematic track under which the abstract is submitted.
Reviewers will consider factors such as relevance, significance, impact, originality and innovation, approach and methodology, results and conclusions, and quality when reviewing abstracts.
The review process for the 8th Global Forum is confidential, and this is communicated to all abstract reviewers. However, it is important to note that reviewers are volunteers and are not Global Forum Organizers. Misuse of confidential information should be brought to the attention of the Global Forum Organizers, but the Global Forum Organizers shall not be responsible for the failure of a reviewer to maintain abstract confidentiality.
Content & Eligibility
ABSTRACT CONTENT
Abstracts must contain information about research, advocacy, implementation or other projects or programs that will inform or enhance the research, development and implementation of new TB vaccines. Abstracts that review general concepts or commentaries (for example, pipeline overviews with no new information or associated research, or reflections on the importance of community engagement without specific community engagement projects) will not be considered for the program.
Previously published/presented work may be submitted if it is timely and the subject matter is relevant. If work has been previously published or presented, this must be indicated on the submission form. Acceptance and presentation of previously published or presented work will be based on abstract review and overall program development.
Multiple abstract submissions for a single study are allowed, provided that each abstract presents a different aspect of the study and different information.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Abstract text under copyright to a publication or another conference should not be submitted.
Material presented in abstracts must not violate any copyright laws or infringe on the rights of others. If any material, images, or graphics included in the abstract are not copyrighted by the author, it is the author’s sole responsibility to secure the rights from the copyright holder in writing to reproduce the figure, graphic, and/or image for print and online publication worldwide, and the author must bear all associated costs charged by the copyright holder.
Authors retain the copyright of their abstracts, with rights granted to the Global Forum Organizers to publish the abstract on the Global Forum mobile app and website. The Global Forum Organizers retain the copyright to session recordings, if applicable.
ETHICAL RESEARCH STANDARDS
The Global Forum on TB Vaccines supports only research that has been conducted according to ethical research standards. Research conducted in animals must adhere to local or regional ethics committees and/or requirements for animal research where applicable. Research conducted in humans must conform to all regulatory requirements and must be conducted according to the protocol approved by the institutional or local committee on ethics in human investigation; where no such committee exists, the research must have been conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association.
Abstracts submitted under Option 2, reporting on programmatic data, may not require ethical clearance.
USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The Organizers recognize that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in preparing abstract submissions, but they must be used responsibly and transparently. Generative AI may be used for language editing, grammar, spelling, clarity, translation, formatting, and summarizing text that the authors themselves have written, provided these uses do not change the scientific meaning or interpretation of the work. Generative AI may not be used to generate scientific content, methods, results, interpretations, or any substantive content of the abstract; nor may it be used to fabricate or manipulate data, references, or citations.
Use of generative AI for images is permitted only when the images are based entirely on author‑provided data or concepts and do not depict fabricated or manipulated results or evidence. All images generated or modified by generative AI must be reviewed and validated by the authors for scientific accuracy.
All generative AI-assisted work must be conducted with human oversight, and authors remain fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality, and scientific integrity of the final submission. Generative AI cannot be credited as an author or co-author of an abstract.
Authors must disclose the use of generative AI when it is used for drafting, structuring, or substantive editing of text, or for generating images, in the designated field of the submission form. The disclosure statement should include the name of the tool(s) used, the purpose of the use, and confirmation that the tool was used with human oversight. Use of AI tools for limited editorial support such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation do not need to be disclosed. If AI is used in the research process, this should be declared and described in the Methods section.
Sample disclosure
The authors used [name of AI tool/service] in developing this abstract for the following purpose(s): [list purposes of use]. The author(s) reviewed the content, and edited it as needed, and take(s) full responsibility for the final content of the abstract.
Abstract Publication and Session Recordings
Accepted abstracts will be made available to session chairs two to four weeks before the start of the 8th Global Forum and will be published for registered participants on the attendee website and mobile app one week before the event's start date.
Accepted abstracts will be published on the Global Forum website (https://tbvaccinesforum.org) for public viewing following the 8th Global Forum. Authors also have the option to have their presentation or poster published on the website.
Submission of an abstract constitutes agreement to its publication as noted above.
Certain Global Forum sessions may be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing by registered participants for a specified period following the conference. Presenters will be notified in advance if their session will be recorded.
Data Collection & Privacy
For information about how the Organizers may use and process your personal information, please read our Privacy Policy. Please ensure that each co-author is aware of and agrees to the Privacy Policy. The submitting author will be asked to confirm this upon submission of the abstract.
Registration
Registration is not required before submitting an abstract.
Presenting authors of accepted late-breaker abstracts must register for the 8th Global Forum and submit all required agreements and documents by 22 February 2027, including payment of registration fees. If a presenting author has not registered, paid the registration fee, and/or submitted required documentation by 22 February 2027, the Organizers reserve the right to remove the abstract and presentation from the program and abstract publications.
Participant Support
Presenting authors submitting a shell abstract may indicate their need for support for travel and registration expenses to attend and present the abstract by indicating their need in the designated field on the abstract submission form. Participant support is limited and not guaranteed, and priority will be given to participants from low- and middle-income countries. Where possible, participants are encouraged to seek other sources of sponsorship for their travel and attendance.
Authors who submit only a full late-breaker abstract are not eligible to request travel and registration support.
The Organizers will announce when further information about participant support becomes available.
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