CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
From research to quality improvement, share your work that is advancing health and making a difference in communities across Northwestern Ontario.
November 21, 2025 by 11:59 PM
Submit
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
February 6, 2026 9:00 AM –1:30 PM Italian Cultural Centre
This was a great event! The event was informative, engaging, and had a wonderful mix of students, researchers and health professionals!
–2025 Showcase attendee
What’s an Abstract?
An abstract is a short summary of a project, often used to summarize a research study, program evaluation, or quality improvement initiative. Abstracts typically highlight the following main points: the background and purpose of the project, how the project was done, the main findings, and why the results matter.
Want to see a sample abstract? An example abstract is provided on page 10 for your reference. Additionally, you can find more abstracts from our previous Showcase of Health Research programs here.
Sample Abstract
Welcome a Range of Project Types
Broad Scope of Health Projects Welcome: Valuable findings can come from a wide range of projects. We welcome abstracts related to health in the Northwestern Ontario Region, from both academic and community-based contexts.
Examples of Eligible Projects
• Research studies
• Program evaluations
• Quality improvement initiatives
Academic and Practice-Based Contributions Valued: Whether your project is scholarly or practice-based, we value contributions that support improved health in our communities through research, evaluation, or quality improvement.
Who Should Submit? If you’re involved in a health-related project in Northwestern Ontario, we encourage you to share your work. Presenting your findings can help inform practice and contribute to building healthier communities across the region.
Submission Process
Step 1 –Review Submission Guidelines: Before starting your abstract, please review this Call for Abstracts Submission Guidelines carefully. Knowing the requirements upfront helps ensure your abstract meets all criteria and prevents delays.
Step 2 –Complete Your Abstract: Submit your abstract via SJCG’s REDCap portal. We recommend finishing in one sitting, but you can save and return later by clicking "Save & Return Later". Make sure to submit before the deadline.
Step 3 –Review Your Abstract Submission Application: Check all entered information before final submission. Your details will be used in the conference program and author directory for the 2026 Showcase of Health Research and shared with attendees.
Step 4 –Submit Your Abstract: Only complete submissions will be accepted. Incomplete abstracts won’t be reviewed, so please double-check before submitting.
Begin Abstract Submission
Podium Versus Poster Presentation
Podium Presentation: A podium presentation is an oral presentation about the project. Each presenter will have up to 15 minutes to deliver their talk, followed by a 5minute Q&A session with the audience. Podium presentations are to be supported by visual aids, such as PowerPoint slides.
Poster Presentation: A poster presentation provides a visual summary of the project, displayed on paper. Presenters are required to be available during designated poster sessions to engage with attendees, answer questions, and discuss their work in detail. Poster boards and mounting clips will be provided to support the displays.
• CAHR Learner Award: Eligible poster presenters also have the opportunity to enter the CAHR Learner Award.
About the CAHR Learner Award
Win $250 with the CAHR Learner Award
CAHR Learner Award Overview: A $250 prize awarded by chequeto the top student poster at the Showcase of Health Research.
Eligibility: Presenters must have been students during the project, enrolled at a post-secondary institution in Northwestern Ontario, and supervised by a CAHR member.
Submission: Email your poster to sjcg.cahr@tbh.net by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 for preliminary review to determine the finalists.
Judging Process: Finalists will be marked on poster boards at the event. Judges will speak with the finalists during designated poster sessions, and the winner will be announced near the event’s end.
2025 Winner Spotlight: Congrats again to Claudia Czechowski, Project Coordinator at EPID@WorkInstitute, last year's CAHR Learner Award winner!
Abstract Guidelines
Word Limit: Abstracts must not exceed 250 words.
Required Headings: All abstracts must include the following pre-populated section headings:
• BACKGROUND
• OBJECTIVE
• METHOD
• RESULT
• CONCLUSION
Want to see a sample abstract? An example abstract is provided on page 10 for your reference. Additionally, you can find more abstracts from our previous Showcase of Health Research programs here.
Sample
Abstract
New to Writing Abstracts?
We’re here to help!
Sample Abstract: An example abstract is provided on page 10 for your reference. Additionally, you can find more abstracts from our previous Showcase of Health Research programs here.
Sample Abstract
If you would like any additional support with preparing your submission, please don't hesitate to reach out:
Shayna Cummings Research Coordinator, Centre for Applied Health Research at St. Joseph's Care Group
sjcg.cahr@tbh.net 807-343-2431 ext. 2107
New to Writing Abstracts?
Sample Abstract
Associations Between Psychotic Behaviors and Dependence in Activities of Daily Living M Tran, M Bédard, S Dubois, Lakehead University and McMaster University
BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment resulting from Alzheimer disease (AD) is associated with dependence in activities of daily living (ADL).
OBJECTIVE: The presence of psychotic behaviors (delusions/hallucinations) may further increase this dependence but their contribution remains to be fully elucidated.
METHOD: We analyzed data from 558 individuals with AD referred to a memory clinic. Information on ADL (basic and instrumental), psychotic behaviors, depression symptoms, and cognitive impairment were collected with standardized instruments.
RESULT: The frequency of psychotic behaviors was correlated with dependence in ADL (r = 0.44, p = .001). The independent contribution of psychotic behaviors, after consideration for cognitive impairment and depression symptoms, was assessed with hierarchical regression models (basic and instrumental). Twenty-eight percent of basic ADL variance was explained by cognitive impairment and depression symptoms; psychotic behaviors (b = -0.13, p = .001) accounted for an additional nine percent of the variance. Cognitive impairment and depression symptoms explained 35% of instrumental ADL variance; psychotic behaviors (b = 0.22, p = .001) accounted for an additional seven percent.
CONCLUSION: Psychotic behaviors are associated with dependence in ADL after controlling for cognitive impairment and depression symptoms. Future research should confirm causal linkages between psychotic behaviors and dependence in ADL. This may have implications regarding interventions to maintain independent living in people with AD.
Application & Project Status
Application Status: Corresponding authors will be notified of their submission status, whether accepted, conditionally accepted, or declined, by early December 2025 via email. All abstracts undergo a thorough review by the Showcase of Health Research Abstract Reviewing Committee to ensure quality and relevance.
• Corresponding Author: The corresponding author is the main contact for all communications about the abstract submission. They receive updates on the submission status and are responsible for sharing this information with co-authors. Usually, the presenting author is recommended to serve as the corresponding author.
Project Status: Priority is given to completed projects; however, abstracts with preliminary or incomplete results may be considered for conditional acceptance. Full acceptance will be granted once an updated abstract including final results and conclusions is submitted.
Conditional Acceptance Requirements: If your abstract is conditionally accepted, you must submit the updated version with final findings and conclusions by Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM to be included in the 2026 Showcase of Health Research.
Questions?
Shayna Cummings Research Coordinator, Centre for Applied Health Research at St. Joseph's Care Group
sjcg.cahr@tbh.net 807-343-2431 ext. 2107
SHOWCASE
OF HEALTH RESEARCH
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
From research to quality improvement, share your work that is advancing health and making a difference in communities across Northwestern Ontario.
November 21, 2025 by 11:59 PM SUBMISSION
Submit
SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT
February 6, 2026 9:00 AM –1:30 PM Italian Cultural Centre
This was a great event! The event was informative, engaging, and had a wonderful mix of students, researchers and health professionals!
–2025 Showcase attendee