CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - OPEN 7th July 2026

KEY DATES

Call for Abstracts Open  - 7th July 2026

Call for Abstracts Close - 1st November 2026

Notification of Abstract Presentation Type - 23rd November 2026

Deadline for Abstracts to Register - 14th February 2027

The essence of Maternal, Child and Family Health is to support children, families and communities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

As the needs of children and families continue to evolve, so too must our approaches to care. Social, technological, environmental and cultural changes are reshaping the way services are designed, delivered and experienced. To remain responsive and effective, we must continually reflect on our practice, embrace innovation and work collaboratively to improve outcomes.

The 2027 conference theme, "Transforming Child and Family Health in a Changing World", invites delegates to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Maternal, Child and Family Health.

We invite clinicians, researchers, educators, students, policymakers and service leaders to submit abstracts that showcase innovative practice, emerging evidence and new ways of working that improve outcomes for children, families and communities.

We encourage all submissions to demonstrate consideration of the following principles, where relevant:

• Consumer voice and leadership

• Co-design and partnership

• Lived experience

• Equity, inclusion and belonging

• Cultural responsiveness and safety

• Family-centred and strengths-based practice

This is your opportunity to share what is happening in your service, organisation or community; to challenge existing thinking; to inspire others; and to contribute to advancing Maternal, Child and Family Health practice.

The 2027 conference provides a platform for translating research into practice, fostering collaboration and celebrating innovation across the sector.

Please review the conference themes, submission guidelines and key dates below before submitting your abstract.

Abstract submissions are now open and will close on 1 November 2026

Theme/Key Content Areas

Theme 1: Digital Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and Health Literacy

Subthemes may include:

• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Digital health and virtual care
• Health literacy and consumer information
• Impact of social media on vaccination rates/vaccine hesitancy
• Parenting and family support in a digital world
• Ethical, safe and equitable responsible use of technology

Theme 2: Diverse Families, Caregivers and Lived Experience

Subthemes may include:

• Diverse families, cultures and caregiving arrangements
• Equity, inclusion and belonging
• Neurodiversity, disability and developmental diversity
• Building trust and engagement with families 
• Family-centred and community-led approaches

Theme 3: Workforce Capability, Education and Practice in a Changing Public Health Environment

Subthemes may include:

• Workforce development and capacity building
• Education and training for contemporary practice 
• Innovative approaches to workforce development
• Capacity building in low-resource settings
• Workforce wellbeing and sustainability
• Leadership, supervision and professional development

Theme 4: Evidence-Based Practice, Early Intervention and Child Wellbeing

Subthemes may include:

• Evidence-based Informed practice and service improvement
• Early intervention and developmental support
• Screening, assessment and early identification
• Infant, child and family well-being
• Immunisations, vaccine confidence and innovative approaches to promoting public health messages
• Emerging public health challenges and future directions
• Prevention and public health priorities 

Abstract Presentation Guidelines

• All submitted abstracts should relate to the conference theme and key content areas (above)
• Abstracts should be written in plain English
• Acronyms should be written in full on first use
• Abstracts for presentation at the conference must not exceed 300 words and should be structured: (Aim/Purpose, Background/Context, Methods/Approach, Findings, Discussion/Conclusions)
• Abstract titles should be no longer than 15 words
• Oral presentations must not exceed allocated time in the program
• Poster presentations must be presented as A0 paper size in portrait format.

Presentations may be supported by a laptop computer but must be available on USB drive. Presenters using either the on-site laptop or their own laptop must check in with the on-site audio visual technicians prior to presenting to ensure that there are no technical problems. More detailed instructions and an audio/visual checklist will be made available to presenters once abstracts have been accepted.

Countdown to the Event