Abstract Submission FAQs & Guidelines
Abstract Submission is Open
The National Itch Summit welcomes abstract submissions presenting original, translational, clinical, and scientific research related to chronic itch (pruritus). This document outlines key dates, submission guidelines, frequently asked questions, and abstract requirements.
Important Dates
The dates below are designed to allow sufficient time for peer review and program development in advance of the November meeting.
- Abstract Submission Opens: Monday, February 2, 2026
- Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- Abstract Acceptance Notifications: Rolling; to be reviewed based on the order in which they are received
- Final Poster Upload Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there an abstract submission fee?
No. There is no fee to submit an abstract to the National Itch Summit.
Is the National Itch Summit a CME-accredited meeting?
No. The National Itch Summit is not a CME-accredited program.
What types of abstracts are eligible for submission?
Abstracts addressing basic science, translational research, clinical studies, epidemiology, therapeutics, outcomes research, or other itch-related topics are welcome.
Are encore or previously presented abstracts allowed? Yes. Encore and adapted presentations are permitted. The submitting author must disclose where and when the data were previously presented or published. Encore abstracts will be eligible for electronic poster display only and will not be considered for oral presentation.
Is industry-sponsored research allowed?
Yes. Industry-sponsored research is permitted.
Is a trial-in-progress abstract allowed?
Yes. Trial-in-progress abstracts may be submitted.
Is there a word limit?
Yes. Abstracts are limited to 500 words, excluding title, authors, affiliations, keywords, references, acknowledgments, and disclosures.
Are figures or tables allowed?
One (1) figure, table, or chart may be included.
Who owns the copyright to the abstract?
Authors retain full copyright to their submitted and accepted abstracts.
Must the primary author attend the meeting in person?
If accepted for oral presentation, the primary author (or substitute author listed on the abstract) must attend the meeting in person to present.
Where will accepted abstracts be published?
All accepted abstracts will be published on the National Itch Foundation website and in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID); however, encore abstracts will not be included in the JID publication.
Who is eligible for the Young Investigator Award?
Abstract submitters who are under 40 years of age at the time of submission may indicate eligibility for the Young Investigator Award during the abstract submission process. Indicating eligibility is optional and does not affect abstract review or acceptance.
Can abstracts be edited after submission?
Yes. Abstracts may be edited up until the submission deadline to correct a typo or incorrect data. Limited updates may be permitted after acceptance at the discretion of the Scientific Committee.
No. There is no fee to submit an abstract to the National Itch Summit.
Is the National Itch Summit a CME-accredited meeting?
No. The National Itch Summit is not a CME-accredited program.
What types of abstracts are eligible for submission?
Abstracts addressing basic science, translational research, clinical studies, epidemiology, therapeutics, outcomes research, or other itch-related topics are welcome.
Are encore or previously presented abstracts allowed? Yes. Encore and adapted presentations are permitted. The submitting author must disclose where and when the data were previously presented or published. Encore abstracts will be eligible for electronic poster display only and will not be considered for oral presentation.
Is industry-sponsored research allowed?
Yes. Industry-sponsored research is permitted.
Is a trial-in-progress abstract allowed?
Yes. Trial-in-progress abstracts may be submitted.
Is there a word limit?
Yes. Abstracts are limited to 500 words, excluding title, authors, affiliations, keywords, references, acknowledgments, and disclosures.
Are figures or tables allowed?
One (1) figure, table, or chart may be included.
Who owns the copyright to the abstract?
Authors retain full copyright to their submitted and accepted abstracts.
Must the primary author attend the meeting in person?
If accepted for oral presentation, the primary author (or substitute author listed on the abstract) must attend the meeting in person to present.
Where will accepted abstracts be published?
All accepted abstracts will be published on the National Itch Foundation website and in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID); however, encore abstracts will not be included in the JID publication.
Who is eligible for the Young Investigator Award?
Abstract submitters who are under 40 years of age at the time of submission may indicate eligibility for the Young Investigator Award during the abstract submission process. Indicating eligibility is optional and does not affect abstract review or acceptance.
Can abstracts be edited after submission?
Yes. Abstracts may be edited up until the submission deadline to correct a typo or incorrect data. Limited updates may be permitted after acceptance at the discretion of the Scientific Committee.
Presentation Formats (Posters & Oral Presentations)
Accepted abstracts will be designated for electronic poster presentation, with select submissions undergoing further review for oral presentation. Detailed presentation guidelines will be communicated to authors upon acceptance.
Poster Presentations
Poster Presentations
- Posters will be presented electronically on site. Printed posters will not be required or accepted.
- Accepted poster authors will be asked to submit a high-resolution electronic poster file (format and specifications to be provided upon acceptance).
- Electronic posters will be accessible to meeting attendees on site during the conference as well as on the National Itch Foundation website.
- Oral presentations will be delivered in person during the National Itch Summit.
- Presentations must be submitted in PowerPoint (PPT) format
- Authors may also submit a PDF version of their presentation for inclusion on the Summit website.
- Oral presentations will not be posted publicly prior to the Summit. Only the accepted abstract will be available in advance.
- The scientific program agenda, including speakers and sessions, will be updated on the Summit website as oral presentations are confirmed.
Abstract Guidelines
- Abstracts must present scientific data, clinical observations, or research methodology relevant to itch.
- Abstracts must follow the requirements outlined below.
Formatting Requirements
Please prepare your abstract according to the requirements below. Abstracts that do not follow these requirements may be returned for revision.
Please prepare your abstract according to the requirements below. Abstracts that do not follow these requirements may be returned for revision.
- Include the abstract title, full author information (first and last name; middle initial if available), and author affiliations (institution, city, state, USA).
- Use double spacing throughout.
- Word limit: 500 words (word count does not include title, authors, affiliations, keywords, references, acknowledgments, or disclosures).
- One (1) figure, table, or chart may be included.
- Abstracts must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
- Title of Abstract
(Bold; sentence case) - Authors
First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name¹; First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name²; First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name³; etc. - Affiliations
¹Institution Name, City, State/Province, Country; ²Institution Name, City, State/Province, Country; ³Institution Name, City, State/Province, Country; etc. - Acknowledgments ƅ Funding Sources (if applicable)
List funding sources, acknowledgments, and other support. - Encore Disclosure (if applicable)
Research first presented/published at/in: “Conference or journal name, date, venue.” - Medical Writing / Editorial Assistance (if applicable)
Medical writing or editorial assistance was provided by: “Name of individual or group.”