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Abstract Submission Guidelines

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Key Dates

• Abstract Submission Opens: 30th September 2025

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 28th November 2025

• Notification of Review Outcome: 30th January 2026

• Deadline for accepted presenters to register to confirm attendance: 20th February 2026

 

Themes

We welcome abstracts which relate to one of the following conference themes, as well as other topical areas in research management. Learn more about what you can cover (but not limited to!) under the following conference themes by clicking each one below:

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1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

2. Governance and Ethics, including Trusted Research and RRI (Responsible Research Innovation)

3. Strategic Thinking, Change Management, Adaptation and Efficiency

4. Research Impact

5. Interdisciplinary Innovation:  From Funding to Delivery

6. Post-Award Management

7. Research Culture

8. Professional Development of Research Management Professionals

9. Research Excellence Framework (REF)

10. ​Other

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Full list of themes and descriptions can be found in the abstract guidelines document.

Or you may have your own ideas! We welcome submissions that address specific areas not covered by the range of conference themes. Whether it explores a new theme or other aspects of the pre-defined themes, we want to hear from you.

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Presentation Type

We’re excited to welcome abstract submissions for the upcoming conference. Please note that programme space is limited, especially for medium and long-format sessions.

To increase your chances of acceptance, we strongly encourage submitters to propose short presentations. These allow ARMA to showcase a wider range of voices and topics within the available schedule.

Although we welcome all types of submissions, shorter-format abstracts are more likely to be included in the programme due to limited availability for longer sessions.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us build a dynamic and inclusive event!

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An abstract can be submitted for presentation at the Conference in several formats. The formats that will be considered include:

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Interactive Workshop - Short​​

Timing: Short workshops should be 30 minutes in duration. 

Description: Interactive workshops are spaces where delegates can learn from each other. The format should focus on providing some introductory information to the topic, with the majority of each session dedicated to peer learning. Session types might include group discussions, group exercises, table teams (turning interactive exercises into a competition within the session), campfire sessions (where a facilitator introduces a topic and drives the discussion but the content is developed through discussion), or other approaches to peer learning.*

Number of presenters: Min1 - Max 3

* The session should not only be for gathering information, e.g. to develop or evaluate learning materials or approaches.​​

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Presentation (Short / Medium)

Description: Presentations may be grouped in a short or medium session and will include time for discussion and questions.

Short Presentation

Timing: Short presentations are concise talks lasting 15 minutes.

Number of presenters: Min1 - Max 2

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Medium Presentation

Timing: Medium presentations are concise talks lasting 30 minutes

Number of presenters: Min1 - Max 3

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Panel Discussion

Timing: Panel discussions should be 60-75 minutes in duration.

Description: Panel discussions are designed to provide different points of view on a particular topic. They should include up to four participants, each of which should be given time to present their views. Time should be available for session attendees to discuss the issues in detail. As per the ARMA2026 EDI commitment, panel discussions should feature a cross-section of individuals.

Suggestions for panel discussions must include details of the full panel, and the breadth of perspectives being explored. We will not be matching individuals to create panels.

Number of presenters: Min 2 - Max 4

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Poster

Timing: N/A

Description: If selected, you will be asked to produce a poster for display at the conference. You will be required to also create a short accompanying video presentation and link to this on your poster from a QR code.

Your poster and video will be on display in our On-Demand content library for delegates to view at any time after the conference.

Number of presenters: Min 1 - Max 2

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Other

Timing: This session should be no more than 75 minutes in duration.

Description: Please ensure you include a description of your format during the submission process.

Presentations may be grouped depending on duration and/or similar subject matter.

Number of presenters: Min 2 - Max 4​​​​

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Set up

ARMA 2026 will feature two rooms arranged in cabaret style, with the remaining six rooms set up theatre style. When submitting your abstract, please take these room configurations into account, as the level of interactivity may need to be adapted accordingly.

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If your session requires a cabaret-style setup to support a highly interactive format, you must clearly outline this need in your submission. Priority for cabaret rooms will be given to sessions that demonstrate a strong case for interactivity.

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To support engagement in both room formats, we encourage the use of tools such as Mentimeter, Slido, and the event app.

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Although we welcome submissions presented in the format above, other types of presentations will be considered by the Conference Working Group.

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At the review stage, the Conference Working Group may invite presenters to change the suggested presentation type to create a more cohesive conference programme. For example, a presenter suggesting an interactive workshop might be invited to be part of a panel discussion instead. Presenters will be given time to decide if they would like to accept this invitation.

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The Submission Process

During the submission process you will be asked to submit your abstract for your proposed poster/parallel sessions under one of the nine themes. 

The abstract submission and review process for ARMA’s annual conference 2026 will be through an online abstract submission system. A detailed overview of the abstract submission requirements can be found in the abstract guidelines document.

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Overview of abstract portal actions:

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                   Register & Create Account

                   First time users must register on the online abstract submission system​

                           

                   Enter title & presentation type

                   Title -Max 15 words. Creative titles encouraged.

                   Type- indicate whether your session will be a panel discussion, short/medium presentation, interactive                            workshop (short/long) or other​

 

                   Choose a theme

                   Select one of 9 themes (or other) for your poster or session.

                   Select set up – cabaret/theatre/either.​​​

 

                   Presenter/co-presenter details.

                   Contact info, biography (max 100 words) and high-res headshot.​​​

 

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                   Abstract submission

                   Max 200 words. Describe goals, background and delegate benefits.​

                         

 

                   Additional Information

                   Key words, target audience, set up, presentation focus etc.​

 

                         

                    Review and submit

                    Review your full abstract draft information and then submit.

 

 Additional Information

• Conflict of interest: Abstract submitters will be required to declare any conflicts of interest. This information is requested solely for transparency purposes during the abstract review process. Declaring a conflict of interest does not automatically disqualify an abstract from consideration. All submissions will be assessed fairly and on their academic and professional merit. The aim is to ensure an open and unbiased review process while maintaining integrity and trust.

We particularly welcome submissions from presenters/speakers/panels with diverse viewpoints and opinions.

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Commitment to EDI in your submission

The Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) is committed to being an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation that treats members, employees and directors with dignity and respect (ARMA EDI Policy). We are dedicated to equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion and identity.

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We are committed to equality, not only because it is the right thing to do but because we understand the innovative solutions we seek are only possible in diverse environments. We require conference submissions to take equality, diversity and inclusion into account by:

1. Presenting information in diverse formats for those with accessibility issues, including those at different career stages and levels of experience with the topic

2. Asking for and using input from diverse populations

3. Looking at personal behaviour and biases

4. Encouraging new ideas and fresh perspectives

5. Paying attention to representation in your materials

6. Creating a culture of inclusion

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For example, panel sessions should feature a cross-section of individuals. Presentations and handouts should be in a format that is legible to a diverse audience (consider using the PowerPoint Accessibility Checker). Interactive sessions should be clearly advertised as such for neurodiverse colleagues.

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Please note: Abstracts that do not provide sufficient detail on how the presentation, panel, or workshop will be inclusive will not be considered for the conference programme.

 

Adapted from: Six Steps to Creating Inclusive Training

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Parallel session presenter entitlements

If your parallel session abstract is selected, you will be entitled to a reduced conference ticket to attend the whole three-day conference, including all pre- and post- conference sessions, and all social activities. Presenters are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

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Abstracts will not be selected if they appear to directly promote any products or services or are of a commercial nature.

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Upon acceptance of your abstract, you will be provided with a registration link granting access to the reduced speaker rate (50% discount). We kindly ask that you refrain from registering until you have received this notification.

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Terms and conditions

• The abstract submitted is in English.

• A presenter can submit multiple abstracts, providing each submission is unique.

• The review panel reserves the right to ask presenters to change presentation type to create a more cohesive conference programme.

• Submission grants ARMA the right to publish the text of the abstract along with the names and affiliations, posters, PowerPoint presentations, videos and/or additional documents as requested on the conference website.

• In publishing any conference related content, ARMA shall acknowledge and attribute the co-authors of such content.

• The presenting author confirms that all co-presenters have provided their consent to be listed and participate in the presentation.

• If accepted for a presentation, the presenting author will register and pay the appropriate fee to attend the meeting and give the presentation.

• Agree to the ARMA EDI guidelines

 

Review Criteria

Abstracts are reviewed by a set of ARMA members, who will be allocated a series of submissions to review and assess. Download the abstract submission guidelines for details on review criteria.

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Parallel Session

If selected, you will deliver your very own session on days 2 or 3 of the conference in Harrogate. The parallel sessions will be scheduled to ensure a balanced programme. Please note, speakers are unable to select their session date/time.

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What will you need to do if your abstract is selected?

Preparation will vary depending on the presentation type selected, further details will be provided to abstract submitters following their acceptance into the programme. 

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Anyone can submit an abstract; whether an ARMA member or non-member. Think of your abstract like a sales tool or elevator pitch. It is a brief summary of the content you will produce and an opportunity to demonstrate what you can bring to conference. It provides information for delegates to help them choose which content to view. Importantly, it is also the way the review panel decides which content is included in the programme and which isn’t. You can submit an abstract for a Poster & Poster Presentation or Parallel Session. Or do both!

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Tell Your Colleagues! Do you have colleagues who are doing interesting work in research management, or from the wider research ecosystem that would be of interest to the research management community, and would make great speakers? Please share the Call for Abstract submissions and encourage them to submit an abstract for consideration.

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Poster / Poster Presentation Prize

The ‘best posters’ voted for by delegates and the co-chairs of Conference Working Group respectively will each receive a certificate and one complimentary full conference ticket for ARMA 2027. Where there are multiple presenters for the winning poster, it is for the submitter/main poster presenter to determine how the prize is shared. 

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For queries or more information:

If you have any questions, please do get in touch. You can contact the Conference team using the following email addresses: 

ARMA Conference team (conference programme and call for abstracts): conference@arma.ac.uk

Abstract submission system and conference Registration: armaconference@abbeyuk.com