SYNC Abstracts
Call for Late-Breaking Abstracts
SYNC 2026 invites you to move Forward in SYNChronicity—a collective momentum toward ending the epidemics through bold innovation, strategic implementation, and unified action. This year’s conference will center on driving meaningful dialogue and developing strategies that accelerate progress across HIV, HCV, STIs, harm reduction, and LGBTQ health.
SYNC 2026 announces a call for late-breaking abstracts to spotlight recent developments, emerging data, and groundbreaking research—including submissions from federally cut programs featured in our newly added track, Federal Research.
SYNC is uniquely positioned to deliver multi-disciplinary, intersectional content across diverse provider types and settings. The SYNC 2026 theme, Forward in SYNChronicity, emphasizes progress through collaboration, visibility, and innovation. We recognize the challenges many organizations face and aim to make SYNC a place where critical work continues to inform, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
New Federal Research Track Added
Has your organization’s research been stalled, halted, or defunded due to federal budget decisions?
SYNC 2026 is launching a new dedicated track for Federal Research to spotlight organizations and research initiatives impacted by recent federal funding cuts. We recognize the critical work that continues often without acknowledgement or resources, and we’re creating space to elevate these endeavors. This highlighted track will feature presentations from programs that have lost or have had cuts to federal support and will provide a venue for kindling new partnerships and strategies to continue critical work.
Topics/Disciplines
- HIV Prevention
- HIV Treatment
- Hepatitis C
- STIs
- Harm Reduction
- LGBTQ Health
- Health Equity/Justice
Categories/Types
- Capacity Building
- Technology and AI
- Education/Training
- Health Service Research
- Community Engagement
- Health Advocacy/Policy
Formats
Sessions will be presented in the following formats:
- 20-Minute Presentation (as part of a concurrent track session with other abstract authors, in person)
- Poster Presentation (in person)
20-Minute Presentation
A 20-minute oral presentation as part of a concurrent track session that describes a research project, program, best practices, innovative tool, and/or approach to a topic. Individual submissions will be grouped with others that reflect a common topic/theme. Presenters submitting for this type of session may include slide presentations, brief videos, group exercises, and/or focused discussions on a topic. Creative formats outside of traditional lecture/Q&A patterns are encouraged.
Presenter Maximum: One (1)
Poster Presentation
Posters offer a succinct view of program and practices, policy issues, or research analysis. Posters will be available for viewing throughout the conference, if possible. Presenters should be with their posters during their scheduled viewings. Specific guidelines for printing the poster will be provided upon acceptance.
Presenter Maximum: Two (2)
For questions regarding your abstract, please contact us at [email protected].
Late-Breaking Abstract Timeline
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: November 14, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: December 5, 2025
- Author Commitment Deadline: December 19, 2025
SYNC Scholarships
SYNC 2026 will offer a limited number of research scholarships covering registration to support those whose work has been impacted by federal funding cuts. Please contact Michele McDermott ([email protected]) for additional information.