Call for Abstracts

The Australian POTS Foundation invites abstract submissions for poster presentations and Nursing and Allied Health Prize session submissions at Converge 2026, our biannual conference dedicated to improving care, awareness, and research for people living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and other complex invisible illnesses.

We welcome submissions from clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals, nurses, students, and community organisations working across clinical care, service delivery, research, advocacy, and community engagement.

Abstract submissions close: 16th February 2026

Send all abstracts to: research@potsfoundation.org.au.

Use the subject heading: Converge Abstract_(your surname) using the template below.

ABSTRACT TEMPLATE

Poster Presentation Categories

Abstracts are invited in the following areas (including, but not limited to):

  • POTS and autonomic disorders (clinical care, diagnosis, management, service models)

  • Comorbid and overlapping conditions (ME/CFS, Ehlers–Danlos syndromes, migraine, mast cell activation disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, chronic pain syndromes, mental health)

  • Consumer perspectives, lived experience, co-design and community-led research

  • Long COVID and post-viral conditions

  • Paediatric and adolescent health in chronic illness

  • Chronic illness in adults

  • Health equity, access to care, digital health and telehealth innovations

  • Multidisciplinary and integrated models of care

  • Quality improvement, workforce innovations and service redesign

  • Pre clinical science

Posters may present early or emerging data, case studies, audits, program evaluations, consumer-led projects, or novel clinical insights. Nominate your category in the abstract submission form with prizes to be won for the highest scoring poster in each category!

Nursing & Allied Health Prize Session - Oral Presentations

We are also seeking abstracts for our inaugural Nursing & Allied Health Prize Session, showcasing outstanding oral presentations from clinical teams or individuals delivering high-quality, innovative services to people living with complex and invisible illnesses.

Submissions may highlight:

  • Advanced or innovative clinical practice

  • New or effective models of care

  • Community or multidisciplinary programs that improve outcomes

  • Quality improvement initiatives

  • Patient education, rehabilitation or self-management programs

  • Integrated care approaches across disciplines

  • Nursing or allied health leadership in chronic illness care

Selected presenters, chosen from the three highest scoring abstract submissions in this category, will be invited to deliver a 10-minute oral presentation during the Prize Session, followed by audience questions. A prize will be awarded to the highest scoring presentation.

Abstract Structure

Please submit your abstract (max 300 words) including:

  1. Title

  2. Authors & affiliations

  3. Background / Introduction

  4. Methods / Approach

  5. Results / Findings

  6. Conclusion / Implications

If submitting to the Nursing and Allied Health Prize session, please advise in your abstract submission if you would like to present your abstract as a poster if it is not selected for oral presentation.

Key Dates

  • Abstract submissions open: 18 December 2025

  • Abstract submissions close: 16 February 2026

  • Notification of acceptance: 2 March 2026

  • Send all abstracts to: research@potsfoundation.org.au. Use the subject heading: Converge Abstract_(your surname)

Submission Guidelines

All abstracts must be submitted via email in the template provided to research@potsfoundation.org.au by Monday 16  February 2026 at 5pm ACDT.

  • At least one author must register and attend the conference.

  • Nursing & Allied Health Prize Session submissions should demonstrate clear clinical impact, innovation, or improved outcomes.

  • All award winners will be announced at the conference dinner.

We Welcome Your Contribution

Converge 2026 provides a unique national platform for clinicians, researchers, and consumers to share knowledge, build connections, and strengthen care for the chronic illness community. We look forward to receiving your submissions and showcasing the incredible work happening across Australia and beyond.

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