Abstracts form a key part of the RCEM Annual Conference, with top submissions being invited to present either an oral presentation or a poster. The conference will be a hybrid event. All oral presentations and posters will be presented on site at the ICC, Birmingham. All successful abstract presenters will need to register to attend in person and will be eligible for a 20% discounted rate to attend.
We’re thrilled to announce that late-breaking abstract submissions are now open for RCEM’s Annual Conference 2026, taking place at ICC Birmingham from 28 – 30 April.
Submission Details
Can I submit more than one abstract?
Yes, you may submit as many abstracts as you like, however please discuss submission with any co-authors to avoid repeat submission of the same abstract.
Can I mark a submission to be considered for oral presentation or poster only?
No, all submissions are marked together as a group. The top scoring abstracts will be awarded an oral presentation, with the next group offered a poster.
How do you decide who is awarded an oral presentation or poster?
All submissions will be marked anonymously by two judges. The average score of the two marks is then taken, and submissions ranked from the highest to lowest score. The top scoring abstracts will be awarded an oral presentation with the next top scoring submissions invited to display their work as a poster.
Can I submit an abstract by post or email? No, all Late-breaking abstracts must be submitted via our online system by clicking this link.
Do you have to be a certain grade to submit an abstract?
No, we welcome submissions from anyone regardless of what stage they’re at in their career.
Do you have to be a member of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine to submit an abstract?
No, anyone can submit an abstract regardless of whether they’re a College member.
Can I make changes to my abstract if it is successful?
No, once the submission window has closed and abstracts have been marked, we are unable to accept any changes to your abstract.
Can I add additional authors?
You can add co-authors at the time of submission, or as an amendment at any time before the submission window closes on 12:00 (midday) GMT on Tuesday 27 January by using the personal amendment link which will be included in your submission confirmation email.
Can I withdraw a submission?
Yes, you can withdraw your abstract at any time before the submission window closes at 12:00 (midday) GMT on Tuesday 27 January. To do this, please follow the personal amendment link in your submission confirmation email and then click ‘remove’ next to the abstract you wish to withdraw.
If you wish to withdraw your submission once marking has taken place, please respond to your notification email to let us know you no longer wish to present your work.
If my abstract is accepted, do I have to pay to attend the conference?
Yes, if your abstract is accepted and you wish to present you work, you will have to register and pay to attend the conference. However, a 20% discount on standard fees is available for abstract presenters. RCEM is unable to reimburse travel expenses and accommodation.
Will I receive individual feedback on my abstract?
Unfortunately, we receive too many abstracts to provide individual feedback for each submission.
If I’m invited to display a poster, will I have a specific time to present it?
Posters will be displayed at the ICC for the duration of the conference, however you will not be given a specific time to present. We would encourage you to stand near to your poster during break times in case other delegates have questions about your work.
I’ve been offered an oral presentation, will my abstract be automatically included in the EMJ?
All Late-breaking abstracts offered an oral presentation will automatically be submitted to the EMJ for publication. These include Lightning papers and Moderated papers. If you do not want your abstract to be put forward for publication, you will have the opportunity to opt out during the submission process.
I am unsure whether I can attend the conference, do I need to be registered to present?
At least one of the authors of the abstract needs to be registered and attend the conference in order to present your oral presentation or display your poster, however it does not need to be the main author. If it is not the main author attending, please ensure you inform the RCEM events team by responding to your notification email.
I cannot attend the full conference, can I still present my work?
As long as one of the authors is registered for at least one day of the conference then work will be able to be presented. Please note that for oral presentations you will need to be registered for the day which your presentation is scheduled to take place.
Can my colleague present my work instead if I am successful?
For oral presentations, only the main or co-authors can present the work. For posters, if you are unable to attend you can nominate any colleague to bring and hang the poster on your behalf.
My work is currently unpublished, but I’m planning to publish it before the conference takes place, can I still present?
Late-breaking abstracts must not have been published or presented elsewhere and submissions must present original, ground-breaking research of major scientific significance, supported by robust and complete data.
Will I receive a certificate for presenting my work?
Yes, certificates will be sent by email to all authors, including co-authors, listed on the submission form within 10 working days of the end of the conference.
Where can I go if I have further questions?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further please email the RCEM events team on events@rcem.ac.uk or call 020 3931 0700.
