Annual UCSF Health Equity and Anti-Racism Research Symposium

Call for Abstracts: Submit your Abstract via the e-Abstract Form

We are now accepting abstracts for the UCSF Health Equity and Anti-Racism Research (HEAR) Symposium which will be held October 2023 (date to be announced by July 2023) in San Francisco, California. The HEAR Symposium was formerly named the Health Disparities Research Symposium for fourteen years. In 2022, the organizers changed the name to refocus on research and action to advance health equity and anti-racism.

The symposium aims to build community among health equity-focused researchers across disciplines and develop connections and collaborations across units, schools, and campus sites across UCSF and the wider community. The symposium includes a keynote speaker, up to 8-10 plenary abstract presentations, and interactive poster sessions.

We encourage submissions that focus on health equity and anti-racism research. Examples include work that addresses structural and social determinants of health; interventions for health equity; and community and other stakeholder-engaged research. We will also consider submissions that report on health and healthcare disparities.

Abstract Submission Eligibility Requirements

  • Abstracts can be submitted for work that has been presented elsewhere or submitted to a journal for publication, but not for work that has already been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • We encourage first authors at all levels from students to full professors. The first author will be the presenter if selected for a plenary presentation.
  • Each person can be first author on only one submission.
  • Faculty and trainees from other Bay Area health care and research institutions are eligible to submit abstracts.

Abstract Submission Guidelines:

Structured abstracts are required and must conform to the following organization.

Non-conforming abstracts will not be reviewed.

  1. All required components of the abstract including the title and all authors must fit on 1-page and must be in 11-point font.
  2. The body of the abstract (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions) must not exceed 400 words.
  3. Up to 2 figures, graphs or tables are permitted as along as it fits on the 1-page limit with all other required components of the abstract.
  4. Please submit abstracts as PDF files. Save the PDF file name by: First Author Last name and first initial-Name of Abstract (e.g., Rivera A.-Abstract2023.pdf).
  5. Required components of the abstract:
    1. Title. No all caps, quotes, underlining or bolding.
    2. Authors. Please list all authors by last name and initials and academic/professional affiliation. Please indicate the academic/professional title of first author.   
    3. Background. Describe the context and importance of the study and specify the purpose or goal of the study.  
    4. Methods. Include a description of the methods used including setting, population, sampling techniques, measures, and analytical procedures.
    5. Results. A summary of results presented in sufficient detail to support the conclusions. Up to 2 tables, graphs or figures are permitted as long as the entire abstract is on one page.
    6. Conclusions. State the implications of the findings for clinical practice, research, education, or policy. We strongly discourage abstracts that have not yet produced results. Statements such as "The results will be discussed" or "Other data will be presented” are not acceptable.

Abstract Review and Selection Process

  1. All submissions will undergo peer review by a committee of established researchers focused on health equity or anti-racism work and/or prior year presenters.
  2. Ratings will be based on the overall quality of the abstract, the balance and theme of the program, and the following criteria:
    • Importance to advancing health equity and anti-racism research;
    • Methods used are appropriate for the question posed;
    • Results that affect practice, teaching or policy and/or advance knowledge

*The Office of Diversity and Outreach reserves the right to highlight and/or post selected accepted abstracts on its website.*

Submit Your Abstract

Abstract submissions must be submitted via the e-Abstract Form. We do not accept other formats such as emails or letters.

Submit your Abstract via the e-Abstract Form.

Submission Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023

For questions, please contact HEAR - Diversity and Outreach

You will be notified by mid-September 2023 regarding the status of the abstract for the symposium.

Accessibility Information

UCSF is committed to making its facilities, activities and events accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For accommodations, please contact HEAR - Diversity and Outreach.