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AIDS 2024

Abstract submission

Late-breaker abstract submission closed on 2 May 2024.

Members of the AIDS 2024 Track Committee will make the final selection of late-breaker abstracts. Notifications of acceptance or rejection of abstracts will be sent to the submitting author by the end of June 2024. It is the submitting author’s responsibility to inform all co-authors of the status of the abstract.

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Regular abstract submission is now closed. Notifications of acceptance or rejection have been sent to all submitting authors

Abstracts submitted to AIDS 2024 will go through a blind, peer-reviewed process carried out by an international review panel. The AIDS 2024 Organizing Committee will make the final selection of abstracts.

The highest-scoring abstracts will be selected for oral presentation in a session. or as a paper poster to be displayed on site. The majority of abstracts selected will be paper posters to be displayed in person at the conference.

Important dates

15 November 2023
Online abstract submission opens.

23 January 2024, 23:59 Central European Time
Abstract submission closes. Abstracts, as well as amendments to submitted abstracts, will not be accepted after this date (except for late breakers).

8 April 2024
Late-breaker abstract submission opens.

2 May 2024
Late-breaker abstract submission closes.

Scientific tracks

AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, welcomes the submission of abstracts for original contributions to the field in the following scientific tracks:

Track A: Basic and translational science

Track A will focus on key scientific advances relevant to HIV transmission, pathogenesis, viral control and persistence. In keeping with the AIDS 2024 theme, Put people first!, sessions will be designed with an emphasis on ageing with HIV, viral persistence in paediatric and young adult populations, and the role of biological sex on the host response to infection. Other highlights will include: advances in combining small molecules and immunotherapeutic agents to achieve viral control without ART; insights into the molecular interaction of the virus and target cells; the nature of the HIV reservoir and mechanisms of persistence; advances in using broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) for treatment, prevention and cure; innovations in long-acting molecules and the prevention of HIV transmission; and reducing the impact of HIV-related co-infections and co-morbidities. Recent findings will be linked to clinical research (Track B), where appropriate, and reflect the perspectives of people living with HIV.

Category

Description

A1

HIV virology

Studies on HIV virology, including viral origins; evolution and diversity; HIV biology; virus-cell interaction; transcription and latency; viral fitness; and persistence and resistance

A2

HIV pathogenesis

Studies on HIV transmission and dissemination; systemic immune activation and inflammation; CD4+ T cell depletion and reconstitution and immune ageing; microbiomes and microbial translocation and correlates of HIV susceptibility; and progression versus control (biomarkers and genetics)

A3

Host immune responses

Studies on innate immunity; humoral immunity and cellular immunity; role of age and biological sex; mucosal immunity; and immune mechanisms of natural control, post-treatment control or post-intervention control

A4

Understanding and targeting persistent HIV reservoirs

Studies on HIV reservoirs and latency; host cellular factors and viral mechanisms of HIV/SIV persistence and latency; identification, characterization and quantification of HIV/SIV reservoirs and rebounding virus; strategies to reduce and/or eliminate viral reservoirs; and strategies to control virologic rebound

A5

Novel treatment and prevention strategies, vaccines and immunotherapies

Studies with preclinical and clinical results from combination strategies to achieve ARV-free control of HIV-1 viremia; gene therapy; immunotherapy (including broadly neutralizing antibodies) and ARVs; and small molecules and immunomodulating agents (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics); new approaches to prevent HIV acquisition or treat HIV; advances in vaccine development; T cell vaccines; novel vectors; adjuvants; and strategies

A6

HIV-associated viruses, co-infections and co-morbidities

Studies with novel insights into the pathophysiology of HIV-1 co-morbidities, in particular in ageing populations; identification of potential therapeutic targets and strategies; and impact of common co-infections (including tuberculosis and viral hepatitis) on HIV persistence and inflammation

A7

SARS-CoV-2 virology, pathogenesis, and host immune responses, vaccines and immunotherapies

Studies related to SARS-Cov2, including immune responses, pathogenesis and vaccines

Track B: Clinical science

Track B will focus on research developments in the clinical care of people living with HIV, with emphasis on novel agents and classes, the pipeline and potential of long-acting extended delivery technologies, evolving two-drug regimens, and clinical research on underserved populations. Person-centred care and the fourth “95” – quality of life – will be highlighted, along with options for integration. Early lessons from the introduction of first-generation injectables for treatment and prevention will be shared, informing future research to expand options and choice. Focus will also be placed on HIV care throughout the lifespan, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older age. Attention will be paid to the intersection of HIV and ageing, including approaches for treatment of HIV, management of co-morbid medical conditions, cognitive impairment, frailty and mental health conditions.

Category

Description

B1

Course of HIV disease

Studies including acute and early infection; impact of co-factors on disease progression; and morbidity, mortality and life expectancy in clinical research; and impact of late presentation on clinical and other outcomes

B2

Diagnostic and monitoring tools

Studies with novel insights on assays of immune responses and approaches to assess viral load and ARV resistance/tropism; HIV testing (including self-testing, retesting and point-of-care diagnostics); HIV diagnosis in paediatric and adolescent populations; HIV diagnosis in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis; viral load and CD4 monitoring; adherence testing; co-infection and co-morbidity diagnostics; simplified and point-of-care safety monitoring (e.g., renal function for people on PrEP and ART); biomarkers for predicting morbidity and mortality; and biomarkers to predict adherence challenges and risk of viral rebound

B3

Co-infections (including opportunistic infections)

Studies on tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections, viral hepatitis and STIs, including HPV; and HIV prevention and screening strategies

B4

Co-morbidities and clinical complications of HIV and antiretroviral therapy

Studies of all aspects of co-morbidities and complications of ART, including complications of immune reconstitution, neurologic disorders, mental health, malignancies (HIV- and non-HIV-related), cardiovascular disease, bone disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic health (including weight) and other non-communicable diseases and adverse drug reactions; screening (e.g., diabetes) and utility and applicability of primary and secondary prevention strategies; and optimal cohort design to detect HIV and ART impact on co-morbidity risk

B5

HIV and ageing

Studies on clinical issues related to ageing with HIV, including polypharmacy; frailty (including screening and evidence-based interventions); drug-drug interactions (DDI); social implications; planning long-term care; and the law related to assisted death

B6

Antiretroviral therapies and clinical issues in adults

Studies on ART in acute, first- and second-line therapies; ART in highly treatment-experienced people; regimen simplification and switching; co-formulations of ART and other drugs;  pharmacokinetics / pharmacodynamics / pharmacogenomics and therapeutic drug monitoring; drug interactions; long-acting agents and other drug delivery systems (e.g., injectables, implants, dual therapies, microneedle patches); adherence and sex-specific (including cisgender and trans) issues of ART efficacy; adverse reactions and complications; pregnancy (clinical management issues and pharmacokinetics) and contraception; and cost effectiveness of different agents/strategies

B7

Antiretroviral therapies and clinical issues in adolescents and young adults 

Studies on clinical issues for adolescents and young adults living with vertically or horizontally acquired HIV; issues that affect treatment, including adherence, self-disclosure and behavioural health outcomes; mental health and neurocognition; transition of adolescents into adult care; and comprehensive care, including STI treatment and prevention among adolescents and young adults

B8

Antiretroviral therapies and clinical issues in neonates, infants and children

Studies on clinical issues for neonates, infants and children, including pharmacokinetics / pharmacodynamics / pharmacogenomics and therapeutic drug monitoring; drug formulations; clinical trials; ARV management strategies; cure strategies; adherence; opportunistic infections; TB/HIV co-infection (including treatment and prevention); HIV complications and co-morbidities; HIV-associated co-infections and malignancies in paediatric populations; children exposed to HIV who did not acquire HIV; prevention of vertical HIV transmission; and diagnosis in early infants

B9

Clinical issues specific to key populations

Studies on clinical, legal, social and mental health issues in gay men and other men who have sex with men, racially minoritized communities, sex workers, trans people, people who use drugs, and people in prisons and other closed settings

B10

Other strategies and therapies

Studies on cure interventions; management of analytic treatment interruptions; and nutrition

B11

ART resistance

Studies on all aspects of resistance to ART, including the role of proviral DNA sequencing and next-generation sequencing; the predicted impact of long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis on transmitted resistance globally; and implications for access to baseline resistance testing

B12

COVID-19, conflict and climate

Studies that include the treatment and prevention of pandemics (including COVID-19 and influenza); and the impact of conflict and the climate crisis on HIV testing, prevention and care services, including novel models of care and initiatives to mitigate harm

Track C: Epidemiology and prevention science

Continued expansion of the HIV prevention toolkit, with new formulations and modalities of PrEP delivery, new HIV testing platforms and updated testing algorithms, have contributed to a very different picture of HIV from only a decade ago. Additional advances, including in bNAbs, are on the horizon and will be a major focus of AIDS 2024. But challenges remain. Many countries have seen an increase in the incidence of bacterial and viral STIs, with limited diagnostics and symptomatic management remaining suboptimal. New HIV testing options, especially easy-to-use and affordable point-of-care tests, are urgently needed and will be challenged by the use of long-acting antivirals for prevention. Track C will present advances in our understanding of the changing epidemiology of HIV and the prevention tools that are available, along with assessments of where and why HIV incidence remains too high to achieve global targets.

Category

Description

C1

Epidemiology of HIV

Studies on the natural history, morbidity patterns and survival of HIV, including all aspects of epidemiology of HIV in specific population groups; factors associated with acquisition, infectivity and transmission of HIV, including the role of syndemics and the impact of environmental and political factors; patterns of clinical events, including AIDS events, and non-AIDS communicable and non-communicable diseases; and describing HIV transmission through molecular epidemiology

C2

Surveillance: Measuring the HIV epidemic

Studies on the different approaches to surveillance; measuring and monitoring the impact of HIV, including surveillance among key populations; measuring HIV incidence through population-based surveys; measuring the impact of prevention, treatment and/or policy interventions; surveillance of drug resistance; and describing transmission with geographical information systems

C3

Modelling the HIV epidemic

Studies on modelling the HIV epidemic, including models to describe the impact of prevention strategies; modelling the role of social and sexual networks; modelling the impact of syndemics; modelling future healthcare needs and the ability of different service models to meet these needs; and behavioural studies

C4

HIV prevention research

Updates on new antiretroviral drugs, long-acting and on-demand formulations and multi-purpose products used for prevention of HIV; studies on HIV prevention, such as PrEP use and scale up; PEP; voluntary medical male circumcision; sexuality; gender and prevention technologies; combination prevention strategies; innovative behavioural interventions; structural HIV prevention interventions; measuring and enhancing retention and adherence in HIV prevention programmes; and new vaccines in the pipeline and/or prioritization of these

C5

Integration of HIV services with other services, including sexual and reproductive health 

Studies on integration of services for HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health and/or hepatitis B/C; optimizing services to provide both PrEP and other STI prevention tools; co-formulation of products for HIV prevention and contraceptive care; point-of-care testing for HIV and other STIs; and development and evaluation of integrated care systems for the management of HIV and other communicable and non-communicable diseases

C6

Population-specific interventions for HIV prevention

Identifying populations not currently reached by prevention programmes; studies on HIV prevention interventions for specific populations, including those targeted at and/or developed by key populations; access to harm reduction interventions; optimizing vertical transmission prevention programmes; studies on PrEP for specific populations, including data on the use of these agents in pregnant and lactating populations, as well as those using hormone therapy; studies that seek inclusion of previously excluded populations in programmes and trials; and efforts to accelerate access to HIV prevention for pregnant and lactating people, adolescents, people who use drugs, and other populations often excluded from programmes

C7

HIV testing

Studies on HIV testing, including demand creation; facility-based, community-based, peer-led testing strategies; HIV testing to support prevention; HIV testing to support case finding, re-engagement and/or integration with other services; testing with virtual and/or digital support; HIV self-testing; and HIV testing algorithms

C8

Cascades of HIV care and treatment

Studies among key population groups (including paediatrics) on strategies to improve HIV linkage to both prevention and treatment, ART initiation, retention in care (first year on ART and beyond) and re-engagement; and population-level studies to monitor health-related quality of life and interventions to optimize this 

C9

Monitoring the spread, impact and prevention of new or resurgent pathogens

Studies on all aspects of the epidemiology of new pathogens (e.g., mpox), including among people living with HIV; and effects of new pathogens on HIV epidemiology and prevention, testing and prevention

C10

Monitoring and population-level interventions for non-HIV outcomes

Improving the physical and mental health of people living with HIV; monitoring a range of co-morbidities, including those related to physical and mental health; monitoring progression towards optimal health-related quality of life; and use of surveillance data to monitor non-HIV co-morbidities

C11

Methodology to support epidemiological studies

How to measure incidence; how to detect and monitor recent HIV acquisitions; how to monitor the various stages of the cascade at national and local levels; what new tools and methodological approaches can be used to inform epidemiological studies, including new approaches to data collection and/or new types of data; and how can new technologies be used to enhance care without increasing inequalities

Track D: Social and behavioural sciences

Track D will focus on factors that affect HIV transmission, access to prevention and treatment, and the reduction of health disparities. Research in this area advances our understanding of HIV vulnerability and protective factors, HIV testing and self-care behaviour, HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and the behavioural and social dynamics associated with HIV prevention and treatment. For example, long-acting extended delivery (LAED) antiretrovirals for HIV prevention and treatment are slowly being rolled out in many countries. However, interventions aimed at the social and behavioural barriers to engaging with and adhering to HIV treatment and prevention services (such as stigma, discrimination, disclosure, medical mistrust and healthcare access) must first be deployed to fulfil expectations of LAED products as a game changer in the HIV response. Other social and behavioural factors, such as gender roles and norms, poverty, gender identity, sexual orientation and the availability of healthcare services, can significantly influence HIV vulnerability, intervention impact and outcomes for people living with HIV. Track D focus areas will also include: structural interventions for HIV prevention and treatment; advances in measuring and supporting adherence and retention; and factors that promote or impede the translation of social, behavioural and structural evidence into practice at all levels. Post-pandemic mental health crises, particularly for young people, will also be considered as an area that affects the HIV response.

Category

Description

D1

Social science theories, concepts and methods

Studies that showcase work focused on advancing and reflecting upon social science theories, methods and the social production of knowledge in the HIV field

D2

Social and behavioural aspects and approaches to HIV and living with HIV

Studies that include addressing the present experience of people living with HIV on populations vulnerable in specific contexts; community mobilization and demand creation; harm reduction; intersectional identities; interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination; and the U=U paradigm

D3

Social, political, legal and behavioural determinants of health in different contexts

Studies that highlight new perspectives on social/structural drivers and contexts that are both external and endogenous/internal to affected communities, including policies and laws

D4

Social science, community and HIV prevention 

Studies that address HIV research, integrating science and ensuring broad community participation and engagement

D5

Key populations and other vulnerable populations: Behavioural, social and cultural issues and contexts 

Studies that focus on key populations and other vulnerable populations in specific geographic and cultural contexts, including the way in which prevention technologies become owned by users through transformation of prescribed practices, legal and political barriers to care; and the role of criminalization

D6

Sexuality, gender, relationships and sexual cultures

Studies that address adolescence, sexuality and relationships; gender issues and gendered relationships; gender-transformative approaches; and sexual concurrency and sexual networks

D7

Sexualities and sexual cultures: Meanings, identities, norms and communities

Studies that identify new social/structural interventions that are needed in response to emerging social contexts and sexual cultures (e.g., increasing migration, the economic crisis and increasing poverty)

Track E: Implementation science, economics, systems and synergies

Track E will include the latest science on approaches to achieving equity across the HIV care continuum. This will include research into: multi-level integrated strategies, such as individual-level behavioural incentives and organizational-level business incentives for biomedical intervention adoption in healthcare settings; local epidemiologically driven community-led advocacy approaches to addressing policy barriers in HIV, TB and STI service delivery; mHealth and other digital modalities that are integrated within clinical services, including peer-based strategies, social media tools, machine learning and other artificial intelligence; and systems integration approaches that facilitate continuity of care across disease processes and service delivery contexts while maximizing quality in service delivery and outcomes. The track will emphasize implementation research that reports on adoption, costs, reach and sustainability outcomes, as well as research that reports on service-related outcomes, including efficiency, equity, effectiveness, person-centredness and quality.

Category

Description

E1

Implementation science and scale up of HIV testing

Studies that include implementation science of HIV testing; HIV status-neutral approaches, differentiated HIV testing services; innovations in e-health; and telehealth and other digital innovations to support HIV testing, including studies that address stigma as a barrier to implementation of HIV testing products and service models

E2

Implementation science and scale up of prevention

Studies on the who, what, when, where and why of the prevention toolbox that seek to identify the critical success factors for programme implementation, including acceptability, ease of delivery, cost, vulnerable population and background incidence; supporting HIV prevention effective use and adherence (including oral and injectable PrEP); prevention of TB and implementation of treatment for latent TB infection; innovations in e-health; and telehealth and other digital innovations to support HIV prevention services, including studies that address stigma as a barrier to implementation of prevention tools and service models

E3

Implementation science and scale up of treatment

Studies on the implementation and scale up of HIV treatment, including optimal strategies for delivery of long-acting ART technologies; care of older people living with HIV; differentiated service delivery across the cascade; strategies to increase retention and re-engagement in HIV services; innovations in e-health; telehealth and other digital innovations to support HIV treatment; access to models of integrated services; enhancing U=U communication; and implementation of viral load monitoring, including studies that address stigma as a barrier to implementation of treatment modalities and service models

E4

Global and national financing, economic evaluation and sustainability

Studies that include national analyses and international assistance; analyses, frameworks and mechanisms for HIV, hepatitis and STI programmes and services and transitional financing; financing HIV within UHC frameworks; payment by results and other performance-based mechanisms; approaches to achieving sustainability, including sustainable financing for civil society; HIV, hepatitis and STI testing and drug access; and approaches and evidence from cross-sectoral programming and financing

E5

Costing, cost effectiveness and affordability

Studies on costing of HIV, hepatitis and STI services; assessments of cost effectiveness (provider and community perspectives); economic evaluation and affordability assessments; and incentives

E6

Health systems, health systems strengthening and partnerships

Studies that include approaches to supporting resilient health systems, community participation in systems for health, and getting policies into practice; task sharing; public-private partnerships; supporting effective linkages between maternal child health and HIV services; making health systems work for adolescents; services for underserved populations; and effective delivery of long-term chronic care

E7

HIV and development synergies

Studies that focus on combination programming on social drivers of HIV and delivering gender-transformative programmes and tackling sexual and gender-based violence; and studies that showcase new evidence and programmatic lessons on social protection

E8

Integration of HIV services with other health and support services

Studies that move from disease-centric to person-centric and share good practice models of horizontal integration of communicable, non-communicable, mental health (including drug and alcohol treatment and harm-reduction models), TB services and social support services

E9

Innovations in data collection, monitoring and evaluation

Studies that include innovations in behavioural data collection and use; innovative approaches to track individuals; innovative uses of data to strengthen systems and programmes; approaches to evaluation of large-scale programmes; approaches to evaluation of combination prevention programmes for monitoring and reporting in the SDG agenda; community-led monitoring; using big data in the HIV response and approaches to using data to improve programming

Track F: Political science, laws, ethics, policies and human rights

Track F will address the structural factors that impede or enable access to HIV services, with specific emphasis on key populations disproportionately affected by HIV. Mpox and COVID-19 have shown how persistent inequalities and the politicization of health impact health outcomes. Research presented will foster discussions on the intersections between politics, governance, law, policy and human rights, and ways to more effectively address human rights and gender-related barriers through enabling legal environments and changes in law enforcement practice. We will also consider the negative impact of ongoing conflicts and climate disasters on health system resilience, exacerbating human rights barriers that reduce access to HIV services.

 

Category

Description

F1

Political and legal factors affecting people living with, vulnerable to and affected by HIV

Studies on laws and policies on reproduction and rights to bodily autonomy and integrity (including coerced sterilization and abortion); HIV transmission, exposure and non-disclosure; living with HIV and travelling, employment, work and residency permits; impact on access to HIV testing, prevention, treatment, care and support; regulating access to drugs and medical devices (including intellectual property and trade, competition law and price regulation); and challenging criminalization/penal provisions relating to gender, gender identity and sexual diversity 

F2

Political drivers and policy contexts of HIV

Studies that include political drivers; governance; fragile states; antiretroviral procurement and supply chain management; political violence and armed conflict; migration; humanitarian crises; sexual- and/or gender-based inequalities and violence; access to education; criminalization, incarceration and living in closed settings; law enforcement; availability and access to harm reduction services; financial incentives, micro-finance and other economic approaches; safe housing and social protection; accountability; and effective models of NGO structure, community systems strengthening (including community-led monitoring), funding, partnership, strategy and community participation

F3

Human rights and responses to HIV

Studies that include the human rights of people living with HIV and key populations; human rights frameworks, rights-based approaches to HIV, gender equity and diversity; sexual and reproductive health and rights; children’s rights; stigma and discrimination; impact of the grouping and label of “key populations”; racism; homophobia and transphobia; legal advocacy tools and strategies; human rights programming (including access to justice and  legal literacy for communities); and criminalization 

F4

Ethics and HIV

Studies on aspects of ethics and standards in research (including clinical trials and inclusion considerations), clinical services, prevention programmes, public health policy and programmes (including allocation of resources)

F5

Policy development, implementation and analysis

Studies on policies regarding HIV services and programmes; enabling environments for human rights-based responses; addressing social and economic determinants of vulnerability; addressing HIV in the workplace and educational institutions; relating to treatment diagnostics access (including intellectual property); assessing policy effectiveness; monitoring and evaluation of policies and their impact; policies supporting increasing demand, uptake and retention; integration of HIV with other health services; accountability within the HIV response; and implications of universal health coverage

F6

The role of politics, human rights and law in pandemic preparedness

Studies that include COVID-19 politics, human rights, ethics or policy and the impact of COVID-19 on HIV vulnerability and HIV care 

F7

Politics and geopolitics

Studies on how elections, internal politics, and global and regional geopolitics affect policies and dynamics of the HIV pandemic, including through conflicts, migration, abrupt changes in domestic policies, false news and biased information, with a focus on the impact on refugees, migrants asylum seekers and people who are internally displaced

Each scientific track is divided into track categories. All abstract authors are asked to choose one scientific track and one track category during the submission process.

By submitting an abstract to the conference, you agree to adhere to the conference embargo policy. The policy specifies that while authors may publish the fact that their abstract has been selected for inclusion in the conference programme, they may NOT share data from the abstract in any form (including print, broadcast or online publication, media release or conference presentation) before its official presentation at AIDS 2024.

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Call for abstracts

We encourage work that introduces new ideas, concepts and research and deepens understanding in the field, as well as analyses of both successes and failures. Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your abstract:

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  • Abstracts can be submitted only online via the conference account on our website. Submissions by fax, post or email will not be considered.

  • All abstracts must be written in English.

  • It is the author’s responsibility to submit an abstract with the correct wording. Any errors in spelling, grammar or scientific fact in the abstract text will be reproduced exactly as typed by the author. Abstract titles will be subject to a spellcheck if the abstract is selected for presentation.

Late-breaker abstracts

A small number of late-breaker abstracts will be accepted for oral or poster presentation at the conference.

The late-breaker abstract submission will be open from 8 April to 2 May 2024. Late-breaker submissions must introduce data of unquestioned significance that meet a high threshold of scientific merit.

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During abstract submission, authors will have to justify why their abstract should be considered as a late breaker. The same submission rules apply for late-breaker abstracts as for regular abstracts, but each presenting author may present only one late-breaker abstract at the conference.

The percentage of abstracts selected as late breakers will depend on the number of submissions, but selection will be far more rigorous than for regular abstracts.

Questions

  • For technical questions regarding the abstract submission system, please contact the Abstracts team at abstracts@aids2024.org.

  • For general questions regarding abstracts, please see the FAQ.

Policies for abstract submission

Copyright policy

Abstracts must not include libellous or defamatory content. Material presented in abstracts must not violate any copyright laws. If figures, graphics and/or images have been taken from sources not copyrighted by the author, it is the author’s sole responsibility to secure the rights from the copyright holder in writing to reproduce those figures, graphics and/or images for both worldwide print and web publication. The author must bear all reproduction costs charged by the copyright holder.

Language

As the official AIDS 2024 language is English, all abstracts must be in English. If English is not your native language, please arrange for a native English speaker to review your abstract before submission. Please use the UNAIDS terminology guidelines and People First terminology when drafting and submitting your abstract. Please ensure that you DO NOT use stigmatizing language. DO use: people or person living with HIV; person or people with COVID-19; person or people with TB; healthcare seekers or clients. DO NOT label people as: HIV-infected; infected; cases; carriers; victims; patients.

Resubmission policy

An abstract that has been previously published or presented at a national, regional or international meeting can be submitted to AIDS 2024 only if there are new methods, findings, updated information or other valid reasons for resubmitting.

If preliminary or partial data have been published or presented previously, the submitting author will be required to provide details of the publication or presentation, along with a justification of why the abstract merits being considered for AIDS 2024. The AIDS 2024 Organizing Committee will consider this information when making final decisions.

If the author neglects to provide these required details and justification or if evidence of previous publication or presentation is found, the abstract will be rejected.

Plagiarism

IAS – the International AIDS Society – regards plagiarism as serious professional misconduct. All abstracts are screened for plagiarism and, when identified, the abstract and any other abstracts submitted by the same author are rejected. In addition, the submitting author’s account and scholarship application (if one has been submitted) will be cancelled.

Ethical research declaration

The conference supports only research that has been conducted according to the protocol approved by the institutional or local committee on ethics in human investigation. Where no such committee exists, the research should have been conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association. If you answer “no” or “not applicable”, you will be required to provide a written explanation for your answer. The AIDS 2024 Organizing Committee may enquire further into ethical aspects when evaluating abstracts.

Conference embargo policy

As is the case with most scientific and medical conferences, abstracts from AIDS 2024 are released to delegates and media under a strict embargo policy. The conference embargo policy can be found here. All conference delegates, presenters and media agree to respect this policy.

Abstract submission process

Conference account

Authors must create a conference account to submit an abstract. More than one abstract can be submitted through a conference account. After an abstract has been created, modifications can be made until 23 January 2024, 23:59 Central European Time.

Choosing a track category

The track category is the general heading under which the abstract will be reviewed and later published in the conference materials if accepted. During the submission process, you will be asked to select one track category for your abstract. Choose the track category that best describes the subject of the abstract.

Abstract structure

The conference offers two options for abstract submission:

Option 1

This is suitable for research conducted in all disciplines. Abstracts submitted under Option 1 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Indicate the purpose and objective of the research, the hypothesis that was tested, or a description of the problem being analysed or evaluated.
  • Methods: Describe the study period, setting and location, study design, study population, data collection and methods of analysis used.
  • Results: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the study. Please disaggregate data by age and gender where possible and summarize any specific results.
  • Conclusions: Explain the significance of your study’s findings and/or outcomes for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

The following review criteria will be used in scoring abstracts submitted under Option 1:

  1. Is there a clear background and justified objective?
  2. Is the methodology and/or study design appropriate for the objectives?
  3. Are the results important and clearly presented?
  4. Are the conclusions supported by the results?
  5. Is the study original and does it contribute to the field?

Option 2

This is suitable for lessons learnt through programme, project or policy implementation or management. Abstracts submitted under Option 2 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Summarize the purpose, scope and objectives of the programme, project or policy.
  • Description: Describe the programme, project or policy period, setting and location, the structure, key population (if applicable) and activities and interventions undertaken in support of the programme, project or policy.
  • Lessons learnt: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy. Include an analysis or evaluation of lessons learnt and best practices. Please summarize any specific results that support your lessons learnt and best practices.
  • Conclusions/next steps: Explain the significance of the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

The following review criteria will apply to abstracts submitted under Option 2:

  1. Is there a clear background and justified objective?
  2. Are the programme, project or policy design and implementation appropriate for the objectives?
  3. Are the lessons learnt or best practices important, supported by the findings and clearly presented?
  4. Are the conclusions/next steps supported by the results and are they feasible?
  5. Is the work reported original and does it contribute to the field? 

Disaggregation by sex and other demographic data in abstracts 

Authors are encouraged to provide a breakdown of data by gender identity and/or assigned sex at birth and other demographics, such as age, geographic region, racial/ethnic identity and/or other relevant demographic characteristics in submitted abstracts, when appropriate. Your abstract should include the number and percentage of men and women who participated in your research or project (and additional breakdown by gender, age and/or ethnicity, if appropriate). Results should be disaggregated by sex/gender and other relevant demographics. Analyses of any gender-based differences or any other differences between sub-populations should be provided in the Results or Lessons learnt sections, if relevant.

Meaningful engagement of people living with HIV in research 

The IAS actively encourages the submission of research that meaningfully engages and involves people living with HIV, fostering collaboration through co-authorship and presenting author roles, in alignment with the principles outlined in the UNAIDS Global Advocacy Policy Brief on the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA).

Font

Use a standard font, such as Arial, when formatting the text. This helps prevent special characters from getting lost when copying the text to the online abstract submission form. Ensure that you check the final abstract with the system’s preview function before submission, and edit or replace if necessary.

Word limits

The abstract is limited to 350 words. Titles are limited to 30 words.

A maximum of two tables and/or graphs or images can be included. A graph or image (in JPG, GIF or PNG, ideally 600dpi) counts as 50 words and a table counts as five words per row (50 words maximum).

Common reasons for abstract rejection:

  • Abstract poorly written
  • Not enough new information
  • Clear objective and/or hypothesis missing
  • Methods (either quantitative or qualitative) inadequate and/or insufficient to support conclusions
  • Summary of essential results inadequate and/or missing
  • Study conclusions not supported by the data
  • Linkage between different parts of the abstract not comprehensible
  • Duplicate or overlap with another abstract
  • Study too preliminary or insufficient to draw conclusions
  • Study originality lacking

Recommendations:

  • Abstracts should disclose primary findings and avoid, whenever possible, promissory statements, such as “experiments are in progress” or “results/lessons learnt will be discussed”.
  • If English is not your native language, arrange for a native English speaker to review your abstract before submission.

Submission confirmation

After submission of the abstract, a confirmation email will be sent to the abstract submitter. To receive confirmation, please ensure that your email provider does not mark emails from aids2024@abstractserver.com as spam. 

Support programmes

IAS established the Abstract Mentor Programme (AMP) at AIDS 2004, the 15th International AIDS Conference. For two decades, the AMP has lifted the chances of abstracts mentees, particularly from resource-limited settings, being accepted for presentation. Building on this, the IAS remains determined to assist less-experienced and early-career researchers in improving their abstract submissions through innovative mentorship and learning initiatives. We invite you to join the IAS Mentorship Programme, register for the upcoming JIAS interactive workshops, and keep an eye on the launch of the IAS+ learning platform.

Scholarships

Abstract presenters interested in applying for a scholarship must submit their application by 23 January 2024. Please visit the Scholarship page for more information.

Abstract review and selection process

Abstract review

All submitted abstracts will go through a blind peer-review process carried out by international reviewers. At least three reviewers will review each abstract.

Abstract selection

A small number of abstracts will be selected for oral presentation in a session. The majority of abstracts selected will be paper posters to be displayed on site at the conference. 

Notification of acceptance or rejection to the corresponding author

Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the submitting (corresponding) author by early-April. Please note that only the corresponding author will receive an email concerning the abstract; this author is responsible for informing all co-authors of the status of the abstract. The presenting author, whose abstract has been accepted, will receive instructions for the presentation of their abstract.

Rule of two

Each presenting author may present a maximum of two abstracts at the conference. The number of submissions is, however, not limited. If an author has more than two abstracts accepted for presentation, a co-author must be named as the presenting author for one or more abstracts.

Each presenting author may also present one late-breaker abstract at the conference.

Publication of accepted abstracts

The submission of an abstract constitutes the author(s)’ consent for publication. If the abstract is accepted, the author(s) agree that the abstract is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence. The licence allows third parties to share the published work (copy, distribute, transmit) and to adapt it for any purposes, on condition that AIDS 2024 and authors are given credit and that in the event of reuse or distribution, the terms of this licence are made clear. Authors retain the copyright of their abstract, with first publication rights granted to the IAS.

Accepted abstracts may, therefore, be published on IAS websites and in such publications as the AIDS 2024 online conference programme and other conference materials, the IAS abstract archive and the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS).

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Co-submission

Abstract submitters

IAS has approved several conferences for abstract co-submission leading up to AIDS 2024. This means that you will be able to submit your abstract to the selected conferences, listed below, and to AIDS 2024 without breaking our embargo policy. Co-submission does not apply to AIDS 2024 late-breaker abstracts. Conference organizers have until 31 March 2024 to request co-submission. This list will be updated accordingly as further conferences are approved.

The approved co-submission conferences so far are:

Conference or workshop organizers

If you are inviting authors to present abstracts at your conference or workshop in the run up to AIDS 2024, you may wish to consider applying for abstract co-submission with AIDS 2024. Co-submission means that selected abstracts may be presented at your event and at AIDS 2024 without breaking the embargo policy even though your event will take place before the conference.

To apply for co-submission of abstracts with AIDS 2024, your event should meet the following conditions:

  • The event must be closed.
    • Delegates will attend the event on an invite-only or paid-registration basis (that is, sessions are not open to the general public).
    • Media representatives are not invited or they must agree to comply with the AIDS 2024 embargo policy.
    • Any sessions involving co-submitted abstracts that will be recorded must comply with the AIDS 2024 embargo policy.
  • A final list of abstracts presented at the event must be shared with the IAS before the event.
  • Authors must submit their abstract using the AIDS 2024 submission system if they wish to be considered for inclusion in AIDS 2024.

In addition, although not mandatory, for events that meet the conditions, it is highly recommended that organizers apply for AIDS 2024 Affiliated Independent Event status.

If you wish to apply for co-submission, please contact us at abstracts@aids2024.org. The deadline to apply for co-submission is 31 March 2024.

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FAQs

What is an abstract?

For AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, an abstract is a standalone statement that briefly explains the essential information of a study, research project, policy or programme.

Where can I read more about the scientific tracks?

Detailed descriptions of the scope and objectives of each scientific track, as defined by the AIDS 2024 Organizing Committee, can be found on the abstract submission page.

When is the submission deadline for abstracts?

The deadline for submission of abstracts is 23 January 2024, 23:59 Central European Time.

My project is ongoing and there are no results yet. Should I submit an abstract?

Abstracts are intended to present scientific studies, research, programmes and policies, highlighting the methods and/or description and results and/or recommendations. If you are describing a study that is still in the planning stage, it would not be suitable for submission unless the methods that you use are, for example, of particular scientific interest. However, if your study is ongoing and you have preliminary data that seems relevant or significant, please submit an abstract.

What is a late-breaker abstract?

Late-breaker submissions must introduce data of unquestioned significance. Data analysed after the regular submission deadline (23 January 2024) should not be sent in for late breakers if the data do not meet an extremely high standard of scientific merit. The percentage of abstracts selected as late breakers will depend on the number of submissions made, but selection will certainly be more rigorous than for regular abstracts. A small number of late-breaker abstracts will be accepted for presentation orally or as posters at the conference.

During their abstract submission, authors will have to declare the reason why their abstract is a late breaker. The same submission rules apply for late-breaker abstracts as for regular abstracts, but each presenting author may present only one late-breaker abstract at the conference. Late-breaker abstract submission will be open from 8 April to 2 May 2024.

What is the required structure for an abstract?

An abstract consists of a title, author list and abstract text no longer than 350 words. It can also include tables or graphs and/or images. Literature references should not be included.

AIDS 2024 offers two options for abstract submission:

Option 1

This is suitable for research conducted in all disciplines. Abstracts submitted under Option 1 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Indicate the purpose and objective of the research, the hypothesis that was tested or a description of the problem being analysed or evaluated.
  • Methods: Describe the study period, setting and location, study design, study population, data collection and methods of analysis used.
  • Results: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the study. Please disaggregate data by age and gender where possible and summarize any specific results.
  • Conclusions: Explain the significance of the findings and/or outcomes of your study for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

Option 2

This is suitable for lessons learnt through programme, project or policy implementation or management. Abstracts submitted under Option 2 should contain concise statements of:

  • Background: Summarize the purpose, scope and objectives of the programme, project or policy.
  • Description: Describe the programme, project or policy period, setting and location, structure, key population (if applicable) and activities and interventions undertaken in support of the programme, project or policy.
  • Lessons learnt: Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy. Include an analysis or evaluation of lessons learnt and best practices. Please summarize any specific results that support your lessons learnt and best practices.
  • Conclusions/next steps: Explain the significance of the findings and/or outcomes of the programme, project or policy for HIV prevention, treatment, care and/or support and future implications of the results.

How do I submit an abstract?

Before submitting an abstract, you will be asked to create a conference account. One or several abstracts can be submitted through this account.

To submit abstracts, please log in to your conference account and click on the “Abstract submission” box on the conference account overview page. Then click on the red button, “Submit an abstract”. In the abstract submission system:

  1. Select the track, category and country of research. Enter your abstract title and text.
  2. Enter the presenting author and co-authors (individually).
  3. Preview your abstract and check format and correctness.
  4. Submit your abstract.

After an abstract has been created, modifications can be made at any time until the submission deadline. After submission, the abstract submitter will receive a confirmation email with an abstract reference number. Please refer to this reference number in all conference correspondence.

Once submitted, can I still modify my abstract?

After an abstract has been submitted via the conference account, modifications can be made until the submission deadline, 23 January 2024. After making your modifications, you need to resubmit your abstract. No modifications will be accepted after 23 January 2024.

How should I write the title of my abstract?

A good abstract title is short, specific, representative and informative. It helps the reviewers categorize your abstract and, if accepted, it may help conference delegates find your presentation. The title should summarize your abstract without going into excessive details. Describe the topic clearly, including, for example, the population, country and issue of the research. Titles are limited to 30 words.

Can I include a table, graph or image in my abstract?

It is permitted but not mandatory to include tables, graphs and/or images in the abstract. A maximum of two tables, graphs or images in total can be included. A graph or image (in JPG, GIF or PNG, ideally 600dpi) counts as 50 words, and a table counts as five words per row (50 words maximum). As a reminder, the abstract text body is limited to 350 words.

Please create your table or upload your graph or image following the instructions in the abstract submission system. Place the table, graph or image into your abstract text and save the changes. Review the abstract preview page to ensure that your table, graph and/or image displays properly.

How many co-authors can I include?

There is no limit to the number of co-authors per abstract, although we strongly recommend the use of a study group name for abstracts with a high number of co-authors. A person can be listed as a co-author if they meet ALL the following criteria:

  1. They made substantial contributions to concept and design, acquisition of data or analysis and interpretation of data.
  2. They drafted the abstract or revised it for intellectual content.
  3. They approved the final version to be submitted.

Do I need to disclose information about any conflict of interest in my abstract?

If the abstract is accepted, the presenting authors are asked to disclose all financial and personal relationships between themselves and others that might be perceived as biasing their work. IAS asks that all presenting authors disclose any conflict of interest at the time of presentation for the benefit of conference delegates. The purpose of this is to guarantee that all potential conflicts of interest are recognized and that mechanisms to resolve them before the conference are implemented.

Material presented in abstracts should not violate any copyright laws. If figures, graphics and/or images have been taken from sources not copyrighted by the author, it is the author’s sole responsibility to secure the rights from the copyright holder in writing to reproduce those figures, graphics and/or images for both worldwide print and web publication. The author must bear all reproduction costs charged by the copyright holder.

Can I submit an abstract of a paper that is currently in review in a scientific journal (i.e., not yet accepted)?

Yes, you may submit an abstract of a paper that is currently in review in a scientific journal as long as the paper is not published before its presentation at the conference as this would go against the AIDS 2024 embargo policy.

Who selects the abstracts and decides how they will be presented?

All submitted abstracts will go through a blind peer-review process by international reviewers. At least three reviewers will review each abstract. The AIDS 2024 Organizing Committee makes the final selection of abstracts to be included in the conference programme.

A small number of abstracts will be selected for oral presentation in a session or as a paper poster to be displayed on site. The majority of abstracts selected for the conference will be selected as on-demand virtual e-posters displayed on the conference platform.

How can I increase the chances of my abstract being accepted?

The methodology or study design presented in your abstract should be appropriate to address the purpose and objectives. Results or lessons learnt should be clearly presented and support the conclusions. In addition, the findings should contribute to the advancement of knowledge and development in the field.

If English is not your native language, we strongly recommend that you arrange for a native English speaker working in your field to review your abstract before submission.

Please use the UNAIDS terminology guidelines and People First terminology when drafting and submitting your abstract. Please ensure that you DO NOT use stigmatizing language. DO use: people or person living with HIV; person or people with COVID-19; person or people with TB; healthcare seekers or clients. DO NOT label people as: HIV-infected; infected; cases; carriers; victims; patients.

You may check the common reasons for abstract rejection in the abstract submission guidelines found further up on this page.

You may also review examples of abstracts from previous conferences.

The IAS remains determined to assist less-experienced and early-career researchers in improving their abstract submissions through innovative mentorship and learning initiatives. We invite you to join the IAS Mentorship Programme, register for the upcoming JIAS interactive workshops, and keep an eye on the launch of the IAS+ learning platform.

When will I be notified if my abstract submission has been successful?

Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the submitting (corresponding) author by early-April.

I need a certificate that shows that my abstract was accepted for the conference. Who do I contact?

To obtain a certificate for abstracts accepted, please contact abstracts@aids2024.org.

Who has the copyright for my abstract after submission?

The submission of the abstract constitutes the authors’ consent to publish. If the abstract is accepted, the authors agree that their abstract can be published under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence. The licence allows third parties to share the published work (copy, distribute, transmit) and adapt it for any purposes, on condition that AIDS 2024 and the authors are given credit and that in the event of reuse or distribution, the terms of this licence are made clear. Authors retain the copyright of their abstracts, with first publication rights granted to IAS.

Will there be an abstract book for AIDS 2024?

An electronic abstract book will be available free of charge on the conference website.

Where will my abstract be published?

Accepted abstracts will be published on IAS websites and in such publications as the AIDS 2024 online programme and other conference materials and the IAS abstract archive. Oral abstracts will be published in the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS).

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The IAS promotes the use of non-stigmatizing, people-first language. The translations are all automated in the interest of making our content as widely accessible as possible. Regretfully, they may not always adhere to the people-first language of the original version.