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2026 MHSRS Call for Abstracts Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 18 February 2026

What are the TENTATIVE dates for the 2026 MHSRS?

The TENTATIVE dates of the 2026 MHSRS are 3 Aug to 6 Aug.

We will release additional information as it becomes available.

There is no central funding for the MHSRS. All attendee and presenter organizations are responsible for covering meeting costs to include travel, hotel, and registration.

When does 2026 MHSRS registration open?
This specific information is not yet available but anticipate meeting registration to open in late June/early July.
I want to apply to be an exhibitor at the 2026 MHSRS. Who do I contact?
Click here on Event Support
When does the 2026 MHSRS call for Abstracts open and close?
The Call for Abstracts closes on 31 Mar 2026 at midnight EST. Abstracts will not be accepted after the deadline. Please budget your time appropriately and plan for any computer glitches.
How has the MHSRS health.mil website changed since the 2025 meeting?
The mhsrs.health.mil website serves as the portal to submit abstracts and award nominations. After the 2025 meeting, the mhsrs.health.mil website transitioned to a new platform because of security vulnerabilities. Because of the platform change, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible if you run into any access, abstract loading or password issues. Click Contact Us on the home page, click on Choose Contact, then choose Tech Support in the dropdown menu or just click here on Tech Support
What changes can I expect when I go into the website for the first time?
You will be asked to complete a profile page. This is a one-time ask.
What changes can I expect to the abstract submission form?
The form is the same as that of 2025. The main change is when you are asked to submit the Conflict of Interest (COI) form. After filling out the submission form, SAVE the abstract. The abstract will then appear in a list at the top of the page. To submit the abstract, click on the line listing the abstract, scroll to the bottom of the page and click SUBMIT. Before the system allows you to submit, you will be required to upload a pdf version of the completed COI form.
Is a Conflict of Interest (COI) form needed for abstract submission?
Yes. The submitted COI is uploaded as a pdf. This is needed for Continuing Education purposes and is a mandatory part of the abstract submission process. You will not be able to submit your abstract unless a COI has been uploaded.
Is there a difference in “Submitter” versus “Presenter”?
Yes. All permissions related to the ability to access and edit the abstract are tied to the submitter’s email. This is not an issue if the abstract submitter is the same as the abstract presenter. This may be an issue if someone other than the presenter (e.g., administrative assistant) submits the abstract for the presenter. Only the submitter has the ability to edit the abstract.
I am submitting an abstract for someone else. I am not the abstract presenter. Should I upload a COI with my information?
No. The COI should be for the abstract presenter.
Can I edit the abstract after it is saved?
Yes. The submitter can make edits to the saved abstract.
Can I edit the abstract after it is submitted?
No. However, after the notification letters are released in the May-June timeframe, the submitter will be able to access the system to make minor edits.
CHANGE for 2026. The submission process is a 2-step process.
Step 1. Enter your abstract information and click save.
Step 2. When the abstract is ready, click submit. The system will ask you to submit your COI in this second step. You will not be able to complete submission until a COI for the abstract presenter is uploaded.
I have filled out the abstract submission form and saved the abstract. Is that considered “submitted”?
No. After you save your abstract, you must go in separately to submit it. Follow the directions on the submission form. If the abstract is not submitted, it will not be reviewed for presentation. You will receive an email notification when your abstract is submitted. In addition, to verify submission, go to your home page. It lists your abstract entries. Look in the Submitted? column for that abstract. If it says “Yes,” your abstract is submitted.
What are the character limits for abstract submission?
  • Abstract Title: Limit of 130 characters (includes spacing)
  • Abstract Length: Limit of 2,500 characters (includes spacing)
  • Abstract Disclaimer: Limit of 700 characters (includes spacing)
  • Learning Objectives: Each learning objective has a limit of 250 characters (includes spacing).
  • Three are required. These should answer the question: What do you expect the attendee to be able to do at the end of the session? Each learning objective should start with an action verb (e.g., Describe, Analyze, Discuss, etc.).
Can I embed a table or a video in my abstract?
No. The system cannot accommodate this. Abstracts must be submitted in plain text without any rich text formatting or fonts. No embedded tables, pictures or videos will be accepted.
Is there a correct format for Abstract Titles?
Yes.
The time it takes to reformat titles to the correct format has delayed the release of presentation times and dates to presenters by up to one month. Take the time to format your title correctly.
  • This is CORRECT: Evaluation of the Detection and Efficacy of Elimination after Decontamination
  • This is INCORRECT: Evaluation of the detection and efficacy of elimination after decontamination.
  • This is INCORRECT: Evaluation Of The Detection And Efficacy Of Elimination After Decontamination
Is filling in the Abstract Disclaimer box on the Abstract Submission form mandatory?
No. Filling in this box is optional. Some organizations require an organizational disclaimer on materials released to outside organizations. Leave this blank if this does not apply to your organization.
When will I know if my abstract has been accepted for presentation?
Acceptance letters will be released in the June timeframe. Notification letters as to the abstract status (accepted, not accepted) are sent to the submitter only.
Can I manually submit a 2026 MHSRS abstract?
No. Abstracts will be accepted online only through the MHSRS health.mil website. The only exception is for non-U.S. collaborators (i.e., investigators from allied nations) who cannot access the MHSRS website because of firewall restrictions. If you are in this category click Contact Us on the home page, click on Choose Contact, then choose Program Support in the dropdown menu or just click here Program Support
What responsibilities do I have, as an abstract submitter/presenter, related to obtaining permission from my organization to submit an abstract?
The submitter is responsible for getting any required permissions/clearance from their organization to submit the abstract. This includes all abstracts, posters, and slide presentations. See the abstract submission form for more specific information. Check with your local Public Affairs Office to determine what clearances pertain to your organization.

The MHSRS is not responsible for ensuring appropriate organizational clearances are obtained for the material submitted and/or presented. This is the responsibility of the abstract submitter/presenter.

If the research data has been published or accepted for publication or if it has been presented/accepted at another conference or scientific meeting, is it eligible for submission for presentation at the 2026 MHSRS?
Abstracts submitted to the MHSRS should represent original, unpublished work (not on-line, not in print). Abstracts can be submitted to MHSRS as well as to professional scientific society meetings. However, if the abstract is submitted to MHSRS and other military-related/DoW meetings and accepted, the submitter needs to decide which meeting to present at. Abstracts presented at other military-related, or DoW meetings, are ineligible for presentation at the MHSRS, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • INELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION - Abstracts representing work in published articles (on-line or print).
  • INELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION – The abstract data has been presented or is planned for presentation at another DoW meeting.
  • ELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION - Abstracts representing work that has been submitted for publication, but not yet accepted.
  • ELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION - Abstracts representing work that has been accepted for publication, but not yet in print as of the date when the 2026 MHSRS Call for Abstracts closes.
  • ELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION – The abstract data has been presented at a professional meeting – such as Society of Toxicology or American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Can I resubmit a 2025 abstract for 2026 MHSRS consideration?
No. You cannot submit the identical abstract for consideration. However, you can submit a revised abstract incorporating new research data.