The AACI Cinical Research Innovation (CRI) Steering Committee is currently soliciting abstracts for the 18th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, June 23-25, 2026, in Rosemont, IL. The theme of this year's meeting is “Shaping the Future of Clinical Research Innovation.”
The purpose of the abstracts is to inform attendees about challenges and solutions implemented at AACI cancer centers, showcasing advancements across key areas in clinical research and operational excellence.
Three abstracts will be selected for oral presentation at the meeting. Up to two authors of each winning abstract will receive a complimentary meeting registration or a refund for a previously paid meeting registration fee. While AACI encourages collaboration with external organizations, only employees of AACI member cancer centers are eligible for complimentary meeting registration. All accepted abstract authors will have the opportunity to submit a poster, which will be on display during the poster session for attendees to view and will be featured on the AACI website.
Poster requirements and information on the meeting poster session are forthcoming.
January 5, 2026
Abstract requirements available
February 2, 2026
Online submission tool opens
March 2, 2026 | 5:00 pm Pacific time
Deadline to submit abstracts
April 10, 2026
Abstracts selected for oral presentation; notifications sent to submitting authors
May 11, 2026 | 5:00 pm Pacific time
Deadline to submit an electronic copy of your poster to [email protected]
Please note: all dates are subject to change.
The abstract's first author must be from an AACI cancer center. Members from more than one center or organization may collaborate. For all authors, please list full first and last names. If the first author and co-author(s) are from different institutions or organizations, please indicate each investigator's institution using a superscript number, as in the example below:
Rachel Jones1, Jill Smith2, Brandon Lee3
1Cancer Center A, 2Cancer Center B, 3Cancer Center C
You must use the AACI CRI abstract template to draft your submission. The abstract word limit is 500 words, not including the abstract title, author and institution names, and abstract template section titles. The abstract template is available in Word or PDF format. AACI is providing access to its institutional style guide to help authors standardize the format of all abstracts to simplify their review.
Authors will submit abstracts to a specific category. Please select the category that is the best fit for your abstract:
Note: If a reviewer believes your abstract is better suited for a different category, they may edit this selection.
You may include one graphic element (photo, illustration, table, or graph, no larger than 4"x6") as an attachment. Please make sure to upload your graphic element as a JPEG file.
All submitted abstracts must be ready for publication. Authors are encouraged to submit completed abstracts in Word format, using the online submission tool when it becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Why should I submit an abstract?
An abstract tells a story about how your center has addressed a clinical trials operational problem. Since many AACI cancer centers face similar obstacles, sharing your story helps promote practices leading to better efficiency and quality at other AACI cancer centers.
Who can submit an abstract?
Only AACI members are able to submit an abstract. However, AACI members may collaborate with other centers or external organizations to submit an abstract if they wish.
What should I include in my abstract?
You must use the provided CRI abstract template and describe the following:
Your abstract should include specific details that can provide a roadmap for other cancer centers to replicate your success.
Do I have to use the AACI CRI abstract template?
It is highly recommended authors use the abstract template, as the template requires the same information that will be collected in the online submission tool.
May I submit an abstract presented at a past meeting?
Yes. However, if the abstract was submitted for a prior CRI annual meeting, the abstract must be significantly updated from the initial submission. Changes may include project expansion, new or updated results, and/or completion of next steps.
Can I submit an abstract with research that is in progress/interim analysis?
Yes, as with all abstracts, a description of data analysis helps to support your conclusions. However, if you are providing an abstract where the data analysis is not available but other findings can support your solutions and/or lessons learned, the committee is interested in reviewing those abstracts as well.
How do I submit my abstract?
Beginning in February, authors will be able to enter information online using AACI's submission tool.
Can I make changes to a submitted abstract?
No. Abstracts will be submitted for review in the format they are received, so please make sure that your abstract is a final version when you submit it to AACI.
Are examples of other CRI meeting abstracts available for review?
Yes. You may view abstracts and posters from the 17th Annual AACI CRI Meeting on the 2025 CRI Abstracts and Posters page.
How are abstracts scored and selected for presentation?
Abstracts are evaluated in two rounds. In the first round, they are evaluated by at least two reviewers from various AACI task force and working groups using a peer-review process. The top 20 scored abstracts are then evaluated in round two by the AACI CRI Steering Committee. The three top-scoring abstracts are chosen for oral presentation that address an issue that provides relevant solutions that can be shared or adapted by other AACI cancer centers.
When will applicants be notified of their review outcome?
Abstract authors will be notified in April 2026.
Please refer to the AACI Style Guide for punctuation and formatting guidance when preparing your abstract.