Call for Trainee Abstracts

  • Trainees and research staff have the option to submit an abstract for an oral and/or poster presentation at the conference. Only one abstract submission per individual is permitted. All MS Canada-funded trainees are required to submit an abstract.  

  • Abstracts submitted for an oral presentation will be reviewed and considered for a platform talk. A limited number of abstracts will be accepted for a platform talk based on scientific merit and alignment with the scientific program (see criteria below). All other submitted abstracts will be presented as posters.

  • Currently, abstract submission is only open for trainees and research staff. 

    • Trainees are students or fellows that are completing an Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, MD, Postdoctoral or Clinical Fellowship program at an Institution. Ideally, their research is within the field of MS or other related neurodegenerative diseases.  

    • Research staff are personnel employed by an Institution to support the design, conduct, or management of research projects. This may include research technicians, managers, assistants, coordinators, administrators, associates, and related roles.  

  • For scientific abstract description (max. 250 words), include background, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

  • For lay abstract description (max. 250 words), include a brief introduction, objectives, key results, and relevance and potential impact for people affected by MS.

  • Detailed oral and poster presentation guidelines will be provided following abstract acceptance.

  • Advance Treatment and Care 

  • Enhance Well-Being 

  • Prevent MS 

  • Understand and Halt Disease Progression 

For more information on themes, click HERE.

  • Call for Abstracts Opens: June 2026 

  • Call for Abstracts Closes: August 17, 2026 *For consideration of platform talk  

  • Notification of Abstracts: October 2026 

*Abstract submission for poster presentations will be open until the registration deadline – October 23, 2026. 

*All abstracts will be made available on the conference website and app by November 2026. 

Abstract submissions are done during conference registration.
For any questions concerning abstract submissions, please contact conference@mscanada.ca.

  • Presenting Author Name & Affiliation 

  • Academic Supervisor 

  • List of Co-Authors 

  • Scientific Abstract Title 

  • Lay Abstract Title 

  • Scientific Abstract Description (maximum 250 words) 

  • Lay Abstract Description (maximum 250 words) 

*The inclusion of a lay title and abstract is intended to improve accessibility and comprehension for non-scientific audiences attending the poster sessions, including donors and individuals affected by MS.

For guidance on how to write a lay abstract description, see Writing for a Non-Scientific Audience. 

Scientific abstracts will be reviewed using the following criteria for selection of trainee platform talks. 

  • Originality and Innovation 

    • Does the abstract contain significant new findings or present new approaches? Is the research novel and interesting? Does it apply current knowledge in a new way and/or to a new environment or question?  

  • Scientific Merit / Quality  

    • Does the research involve robust research methods and study design? Are the questions and objectives clear and relevant? Are the conclusions supported by the described approach? Are the statements and analyses logically consistent? 

  • Relevance to MS and Impact 

    • Will the research advance the field in terms of cultivating new knowledge, addressing gaps, and/or improving quality of life of people affected by MS?