CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Abstract submissions are open and will now close at midnight on Friday, September 25, 2026.

As Illinois' statewide professional organization representing neurologists and neuroscience professionals, ISNS is committed to advancing neurological education, promoting scientific discovery, fostering collaboration, and advocating for patients and the neurological community. The Society welcomes submissions highlighting innovative research, educational initiatives, quality improvement, advocacy, and unique clinical observations that advance the practice of neurology.

One of the primary missions of the Illinois State Neurological Society is to recognize and promote the scholarly achievements of future neurologists. Accordingly, the three highest-scoring trainee abstracts will be selected to be one of three ISNS Distinguished Trainee Abstract Award Winners by the ISNS Education Committee. Each Award Winner will be given the opportunity to present their abstract during a 10-minute oral presentation during the Annual Meeting.

Eligible trainees include:

  • Medical students

  • Residents

  • Fellows

  • Prospective trainees

*Attending physicians are warmly encouraged to submit abstracts and case reports for poster presentation and scientific discussion. To preserve the Society's longstanding commitment to fostering trainee scholarship, attending physician abstracts are not eligible for selection in the trainee oral presentation competition or associated awards.

PLEASE READ THE FULL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES BEFORE SUBMITTING

We are accepting research abstracts relating to basic, translational, and clinical neurological sciences of high relevance to the field of neurological care. Abstracts are permitted to have been presented at previous meetings in any format, however, the abstracts cannot have yet been published in accompanying full manuscript form. Each abstract submitted should have a faculty mentor or supervisor attached to the project and named as an author.

We are also accepting case reports of high quality, clinical interest, and scientific impact. Case reports should also have a faculty mentor or supervisor attached to the project and named as an author. Case reports submitted can have been presented, but not previously published in manuscript form.

KEY DATES

  • Submissions Open: August 6, 2026

  • Submissions Due: September 25, 2026

  • Notifications: October 5, 2026

  • Conference Date: November 7, 2026

ABSTRACT PREPARATION
The Illinois State Neurological Society welcomes the submission of high-quality scientific abstracts and clinical case reports that contribute to the advancement of neurological care, research, education, advocacy, and quality improvement. Abstracts should present original work that is scientifically rigorous, educationally valuable, and relevant to neurologists and neuroscience professionals.

  • Abstracts must be submitted in PDF format.

  • The maximum length is 350 words, excluding:

    • Title

    • Author names

    • Institutional affiliations

    • Tables

    • Figures

    • Figure legends

    • References (if included)

    • Disclosures

  • Do NOT include author names or institutional affiliations within the body of the abstract to facilitate blinded review.

  • Tables, figures, and graphs should be submitted as separate high-resolution PDF files and clearly labeled.

The SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACT should be organized using the following headings:
• Introduction: Briefly describe the background, rationale, and objectives of the study.
• Methods: Clearly describe the study design, patient population, interventions (when applicable), outcome measures, and statistical analyses performed.
• Results: Present the principal findings in a logical sequence. Include relevant statistical results when appropriate.
• Conclusion: Summarize the major findings, clinical significance, and potential implications for future research or patient care.

CASE REPORTS should have the following sections:
• Introduction: State why the case is clinically relevant or educationally important.
• Case description/summary: Describe the patient's presentation, pertinent medical history, physical examination findings, diagnostic evaluation, hospital course, treatment, follow-up, and final diagnosis when available.
• Discussion: Discuss the significance of the case in the context of existing literature, including diagnostic challenges, management considerations, and clinical lessons learned.
• Conclusion: Highlight the primary educational message and its implications for neurological practice.

Faculty Mentor Requirement

For submissions from medical students, residents, fellows, and prospective trainees, a faculty mentor or attending physician should be listed as a co-author whenever appropriate.

  • Faculty mentorship is encouraged to ensure scientific quality and provide guidance throughout project development.

  • Attending physicians submitting their own work do not require a faculty sponsor.

SUBMISSION OF PREVIOUSLY PRESENTED WORK
We will include in our review all abstracts that may have been previously presented in oral or poster format, however abstracts with accompanying manuscript that has already been published in peer-reviewed journals will not be considered.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Each abstract should be submitted in PDF form to ISNSabstracts@gmail.com. Only one abstract should be submitted per email. In the subject line of the email, please write: 2026 ISNS Abstract Submission.

Include the author's name, academic title/training level, institution, faculty mentor (for trainees, if applicable), and disclosures in the email. All figures and tables should be submitted as separate PDF files, as necessary.

NOTIFICATION OF ABSTRACT ACCEPTANCE
The Illinois State Neurological Society Education Committee will notify first authors of abstract decisions by Monday, October 5, 2026.

Authors will be notified whether their submission has been accepted for:

  • Poster Presentation

  • ISNS Distinguished Trainee Abstract Awards Competition (eligible trainees only)

  • Not accepted for presentation

Acceptance notifications will also include:

  • Poster presentation guidelines

  • Meeting logistics

  • Disclosure requirements

  • Presentation instructions

  • Registration information

All accepted first authors must confirm participation by the deadline provided in the acceptance email.‍ ‍‍ ‍

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT

QUESTIONS

‍Questions regarding abstract preparation, submission, or the Annual Meeting may be directed to:

Sarah Song, MD
Illinois State Neurological Society
Email: sarah_song@rush.edu

‍For meeting registration and additional information, please click the button below.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION