Abstract Submission

Late breaker abstracts are welcome at IUSTI 2026. They are expected to contain results of exceptional value that will significantly change current practice. There should be good reasons why the results could not have been presented in time for the regular abstract cut off date: for example closing date for trial recruitment is after standard date. Late breaker abstract submissions will be subject to the same level of peer review as standard abstracts but with rejection likely where these criteria are not met.

We cannot guarantee that Late Breaker abstracts will be published in the Congress proceedings but will make every effort to do so. We have reserved specific oral presentation time for selected Late Breaker abstracts. Please note that the late breaker abstracts are not eligible for the awards.

Late Breaker Submission Opens: Monday 6 July 2026 

Late Breaker Submission Closes: Tuesday 11 August 2026

Late Breaker Notification: early September 2026
 

Late breaker guidelines

• All abstracts - for oral as well as poster presentation - must be submitted and presented in English.
• The length of the abstract must be max 300 words.
• Abstracts should contain new information, original data and not have been presented before.
• Specify all abbreviations in full when they are first mentioned, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Use the abbreviation thereafter.
• Check your abstract thoroughly for spelling and grammar.
• Do not include references.
• Abstract must be structured in one of the following two formats:
  • Scientific Research Format (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion)
  • Programme and Implementation Evaluation Format (Background, Description, Findings, Conclusion)
• The authors are responsible for the content and the language quality of the full abstract.
• An automatically generated confirmation will be sent to your e-mail address. If you do not receive it within an hour, first please check your spam folder and then contact us at iusti2026@guarant.cz.
• All presenters are required to register for the Congress by 19 July 2026. Any presenter who is not registered by this date will automatically be withdrawn, and their abstract will be removed from the programme.
• Abstracts must be submitted electronically through the abstract submission portal.
• Abstracts and any amendments to submitted abstracts will not be accepted after the submission deadline.
• Late Breaker Abstracts must not have been published in a peer reviewed journal prior to 5 May 2026
• If changes to your submitted abstract are necessary, there is the possibility to edit your abstract any time before the abstract submission deadline. Please do not submit your abstract more than once.
• The presenting author of a selected abstract commits himself/herself to attend the IUSTI World Congress 2026 in Prague and present the abstract in the session at the time decided by the Scientific Committee. One of the co-authors can take over if needed.

If you have any questions regarding abstract submission, please contact us at iusti2026@guarant.cz.

Abstract Submission Form

Standard Abstracts and presentation arrangements

All standard abstracts have been reviewed and decisions communicated.

Scholarship outcomes from IUSTI World (including the Elwyn Hopkin awards) were communicated on 9 July 2026.

Presenting authors must register by 19 July 2026 as we need to finalise presentation order and the abstract booklet for publication.

Abstracts will be programmed to appear in either themed oral presentation session (‘Free Papers’ on the programme), short 'poster pitch' presentations or displayed as a combination of standard posters on boards (1-day only) and as e-posters (6 e-poster stations available).

Posters will also be viewable on the congress app.

All accepted abstracts will be published as a supplement in the journal Sexual Health on the first day of the Congress, 17 October 2026.

Full guidance about technical preparation, format and templates will be sent to presenting authors by mid-August 2026.

IUSTI 2026 World Meeting Scholarships and Awards

A range of awards will be presented at the IUSTI 2026 World Congress to recognize outstanding scientific contributions. Some awards will be restricted by geographic region or career stage, while others will provide financial support to attend the 2026 World Congress. Awards are primarily based on the quality of the submitted abstract, with some also considering excellence in presentation during the congress. Please answer the following eligibility questions to be considered for these awards. The Congress Scholarship Committee reserves the right to request additional documentation for verification. All decisions of the Scholarship Committee Chair are final.

The Christopher Fairley Prize for Excellence in Sexual Health Research – Sponsored by Sexual Health (an official journal of IUSTI)

Awarded to an early-career researcher for outstanding original research in sexual health, including STIs, HIV, reproductive health, or health promotion. Open to individuals who have top-ranked abstracts accepted at the Congress. Prize includes USD $500 and a certificate presented during the closing ceremony. Winner selected by an independent panel based on the strength of the abstract. More details about Sexual Health can be found here.

Elwyn Hopkin Scholarship

The Elwyn Hopkin Scholarship was established in memory of Elwyn E Hopkin to support the participation of outstanding early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries attending the International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections World Congresses. The scholarship is awarded to a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow who is attending the Congress in person, has submitted a highly ranked abstract, and has been selected to deliver an oral presentation. In 2026 the value will be £1000. In keeping with IUSTI’s commitment to equity, capacity building, and scientific excellence, preference may be given to first-time Congress attendees and to applicants with limited access to alternative sources of travel support.