Call for abstracts

Students from all University of Waterloo programs, as well as postdoctoral scholars, are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations related to public health. Abstracts can focus on research or practice, interpreted broadly, thus, allowing students with experience working within public health related areas, in Canada or globally, to highlight their career or a past projects. Both graduate and undergraduate students are invited to submit an abstract about their work, an area of professional expertise, or practicum experiences in a public health related setting.  

Research students: Those who focus on thesis research, using primary or secondary data and any method or stage of research, are required to include: methods, findings, and implications of a completed or ongoing research project.

Professional students: If you are describing public health work, feel free to share aspects of your career in public health or health science. This can include describing a completed practicum/project and the skills acquired. For example, you can focus on practical or methodological issues that you have encountered in your studies or work in public health.

Abstract submissions are due by January 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST. Submit your abstract.

Abstract criteria

  • 2500 characters maximum
  • Preferred format: oral or poster
  • References are not required
  • Do not include charts, or tables
  • Feel free to be creative with how you will convey your topic

Topics

  • Research: Describe an original research project (i.e., problem statement, the purpose of project, your methods, and results or hypothesized results). End with a conclusion.
  • Public Health Career: Share aspects of your career or your area of expertise in public health
  • Project Summary: Describe a completed practicum or special project and the skills required

Additional abstract submission details

  • All oral presenters are required to be in-person this year.
  • Posters may be printed and displayed OR will be uploaded to our website.
  • We are currently investigating possibilities for subsidizing printing costs.

Awards

Graduate and postdoctoral

Best overall oral presentation: 1st - $50.00, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20

Best overall poster: 1st - $50.00, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20

Graduate and postdoctoral awards are sponsored by the School of Public Health Sciences Graduate Student Association (SPHS GSA).

Undergraduate

Best overall poster: 1st - $50.00, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20 

Undergraduate thesis students are not required to submit an abstract.