Call for Abstracts

The United South African Neonatal Association (USANA) invites the submission of abstracts for presentation at the 7^th Biennial USANA Conference 2026.

Scope

Abstracts should reflect original research, case reports, or case series that contribute meaningfully to the advancement of neonatal and perinatal health.

Submission Integrity and Compliance

All submissions must adhere strictly to the prescribed word limit, structure, and formatting requirements. Non-compliant abstracts may be excluded from scientific review.
All research must have been conducted in accordance with applicable ethical and regulatory standards.
Submitting authors are responsible for ensuring that all listed authors have approved the submission, the abstract is accurate and free of typographical or grammatical errors, at the time of submission.

Scientific Review and Notification

All eligible abstracts will undergo independent scientific review by the USANA 2026 Scientific Committee.
Abstracts will be assessed against predefined objective criteria, which includes methodological quality, originality, relevance to neonatal and perinatal health, and scientific merit.
While authors may indicate a preferred presentation format (oral or poster), the Scientific Committee reserves the right to determine the final allocation based on scientific review and programme considerations.
The corresponding author will be notified of the outcome via email.
The decision of the Scientific Committee will be final.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

All submissions must be made online via the website; submissions sent by email will not be considered.
The Committee reserves the right to reassign a submission as an oral or poster abstract, regardless of the preference indicated during submission.
Presenting authors of accepted submissions are responsible for registration fees, travel, and accommodation. Sponsorship is not provided by the Organising Committee; presenters are encouraged to seek their own if required.

Abstract Submission Format and Word Count

Abstract word count: Maximum 350 words (excluding title and author information).
Title length: Maximum 25 words, written in sentence case.
Font and spacing: Arial, size 11, single line spacing.
Language: British English spelling conventions.
Style: Abstract body must be in paragraph format using sentence case. Abstracts submitted in ALL CAPS will not be considered for review.

Numerical data and units:

Report all measurements using standard SI (metric) units with a space between number and unit (e.g. 12 mg, 35 °C).
A leading zero must precede decimal points (e.g., 0.01, not .01).
Abbreviations: Define at first mention and use consistently thereafter.
Figures and references: Do not include graphs, images, tables, or references.

Abstract Structure

Research Abstracts

Abstracts must be structured under the following headings:
Title: Concise and descriptive reflecting the content of the research (maximum 25 words).
Introduction and Background: Briefly outline the research context and rationale.
Objectives: Clearly state the specific research aim(s), question(s), or hypotheses.
Methods: Summarise the study design, setting, participants, interventions, and analytical approach as applicable.
Results: Present key findings aligned with the stated objectives, including relevant statistical outcomes. If final results are not yet available at the time of abstract submission, preliminary findings must be clearly identified as such. Final results must be available at the time of presentation.
Conclusion: Provide a clear and critical interpretation of the findings, outlining their significance and implications for clinical practice, policy, or future research.

Case Report and Case Series Abstracts

Case Report and Case Series abstracts must comply with all submission guidelines above. However structure the abstract using the following headings:
Background
Case Presentation (for a single case report)
Methods (for a case series, including number of cases and inclusion criteria)
Discussion
Conclusion

Abstract Submission Deadline

Presenters Responsibilities

The submitting author is considered the presenting author and will serve as the corresponding author.
At least one author of each accepted abstract must register and present at the conference. Abstracts will be included in the final programme only once registration has been confirmed.
In case of emergency, an alternative presenter may be nominated.
Accepted submissions will only be included in the programme once full registration and payment have been completed by 31 July 2026.