A call for abstracts invites researchers, academics and specialists to submit a concise proposal for a conference, journal issue or edited collection. The abstract usually outlines the research question, method, main argument or findings and significance. Organisers assess these proposals to select relevant and original contributions.
This blog post explains the typical format of a call for abstracts and distinguishes it from a call for papers. It provides a step-by-step abstract template, a complete example and practical guidance on submission requirements, next steps and professional proofreading.
Table of contents
Key takeaways
- A call for abstracts requests a short summary of proposed or completed research
- Submission guidelines specify the theme, word limit, format and deadline
- An effective abstract presents the context, research gap, aim, method, findings and significance
- A call for papers usually requests a complete manuscript
- Authors may also need to provide keywords, a biography and affiliation details
- Organisers may accept, reject or request revisions to an abstract
- Professional proofreading improves clarity, accuracy, structure and compliance
What is a call for abstracts?
A call for abstracts invites researchers, postgraduate students and other specialists to submit a summary of proposed research. Conference organisers, journal editors or academic institutions issue call for abstracts. A call for abstracts usually includes:
- The event or publication theme
- Relevant research topics
- Abstract length and format
- Submission instructions
- The submission deadline
- Review criteria
- Key dates
Organisers assess each abstract and select proposals for conference presentations, posters, papers or publication. So researchers should follow the stated requirements and explain the purpose, methods and significance of their work clearly.
What is the format of a call for abstracts?
A call for abstracts sets out the topic, eligibility rules, submission requirements, review process and key dates for a conference or publication.
Title and purpose
The title identifies the conference, journal issue, edited collection or research event. The opening section then explains its purpose, scope and academic context.
Theme and topics
The call for abstracts defines the main theme and lists relevant subjects or research questions. This section helps potential contributors assess the relevance of their work.
Eligible contributors
The organisers specify who may submit an abstract, such as:
- Academic researchers
- Postgraduate students
- Independent scholars
- Practitioners
- Industry specialists
- Members of particular institutions or associations
Presentation or publication formats
The call for abstracts identifies the available formats. These may include:
- Individual papers
- Panel proposals
- Poster presentations
- Workshops
- Round-table discussions
- Journal articles
- Book chapters
Each format may have separate requirements.
Abstract requirements
This section states the required length, structure and content. A call for abstracts may ask contributors to include:
- The research question or objective
- The academic context
- The methodology
- The main argument or expected findings
- The significance of the research
- Keywords
Author information
Organisers may request the contributor’s name, institutional affiliation, contact details and short biography. Some review processes require anonymous abstracts, so the instructions may prohibit identifying information in the abstract file.
Style and formatting
The call specifies rules for file format, font, spacing, referencing style and language. It may also provide a template.
Submission process
This section explains how to submit the abstract. Common methods include an online submission system, email or a conference platform.
Review and selection
The organisers describe the assessment process and selection criteria. Common criteria include relevance, originality, clarity, methodological rigour and contribution to the field.
Key dates
A call for abstracts normally provides:
- The submission deadline
- The notification date
- The deadline for revisions or full papers
- The conference or publication date
Contact details
The final section provides an email address or website for questions and further information.
Call for abstracts — example
Call for abstracts
International Conference on Digital Learning in Higher Education
15–16 June 2027
University of Bristol, UK
The conference committee invites researchers, educators, postgraduate students and education professionals to submit abstracts for the International Conference on Digital Learning in Higher Education.
Conference theme: The conference will examine how digital technologies affect teaching, assessment and student engagement in higher education.
Suggested topics include:
- Artificial intelligence in teaching and assessment
- Digital access and inclusion
- Online and hybrid learning
- Academic integrity
- Student engagement
- Digital literacy
- Educational technology policy
Submission requirements
Each abstract must:
- Contain no more than 300 words
- State the research question or objective
- Explain the methodology
- Summarise the main findings or expected contribution
- Include three to five keywords
- Follow UK English conventions
Contributors must also provide a biography of no more than 100 words.
Review process: The conference committee will assess each abstract on its relevance, originality, clarity and academic rigour.
Key dates
- Abstract submission deadline — 31 January 2027
- Notification of acceptance — 15 March 2027
- Conference registration deadline — 30 April 2027
- Conference dates — 15–16 June 2027
Submission process: Submit the abstract and biography as a Word document to conference@university.example. Use ‘Digital Learning Conference Abstract’ as the email subject line.
Contact: For further information, contact the conference committee at conference@university.example.
Call for abstracts vs call for papers
A call for abstracts requests a short proposal, while a call for papers requests a complete academic paper or manuscript. In short, the key difference takes place at the submission stage. A call for abstracts seeks a proposal for assessment, while a call for papers seeks the complete work. However, some organisations use ‘call for papers’ as a general term even when they initially request only an abstract, so contributors should always check the submission requirements.
Call for abstracts
A call for abstracts usually asks for a summary of 150–500 words. The abstract outlines:
- The research question or objective
- The methodology
- The main argument or expected findings
- The significance of the research
Organisers often use a call for abstracts to select conference presentations, posters, panels or contributions to an edited collection. After acceptance, they may request a full paper.
Call for papers
A call for papers usually asks for a complete article or conference paper. The organisers or editors provide requirements for:
- Word count
- Structure
- Referencing style
- Submission format
- Peer review
- Publication or presentation
A call for papers therefore requires a more developed piece of research and a greater time commitment.
| Feature | Call for abstracts | Call for papers |
| Submission | Short research summary | Complete paper |
| Typical length | 150–500 words | 3,000–8,000 words |
| Research stage | Proposed or completed research | Developed or completed research |
| Main purpose | Select presentations or future contributions | Select papers for presentation or publication |
| Review | Relevance, clarity and originality | Argument, evidence, methodology and originality |
How to successfully respond to a call for abstracts
A successful response to a call for abstracts should present the research problem, aim, method, findings and significance in a clear sequence.
1. Establish the context
Write one or two sentences that identify the broader topic and its importance.
Template: [Topic] has become an important issue in [field or context] because [reason].
Example: Generative artificial intelligence has become an important issue in higher education because it challenges established approaches to assessment and academic integrity.
2. Identify the research gap
Explain what current scholarship has overlooked, misunderstood or left unresolved.
Template: Existing research has examined [established focus]. However, few studies have addressed [specific gap].
Example: Existing research has examined institutional policies and staff responses to artificial intelligence. However, few studies have addressed how students interpret acceptable use across different assessment tasks.
3. State the aim or research question
Define the exact purpose of the paper.
Template: This paper examines [specific subject] to determine [research aim].
Alternatively: This paper asks how [research question].
Example: This paper examines student perceptions of generative artificial intelligence to determine how assessment design affects decisions about its use.
4. Describe the material and method
State what the research analyses and how the analysis proceeds.
Template: The study analyses [texts, data, cases or sources] through [method, theory or analytical approach].
Add the scope if necessary: The analysis focuses on [period, location, population or sample].
Example: The study analyses questionnaire responses from 320 undergraduate students and interviews with 24 participants at three UK universities. It uses thematic analysis and compares responses across written assignments, online examinations and group projects.
5. Present the main argument or findings
State the central claim or principal result. Avoid vague promises such as ‘The paper will discuss.’
Template for completed research: The analysis shows that [main finding]. It demonstrates that [secondary finding or interpretation].
Template for research in progress: The paper argues that [central claim] and proposes that [main implication].
Example: The analysis shows that students distinguish between artificial intelligence as a source of editorial support and artificial intelligence as a substitute for original work. It also demonstrates that unclear assessment instructions create substantial differences in students’ interpretations of acceptable practice.
6. Explain the significance
Show how the research contributes to the field or changes current understanding.
Template: These findings extend current research on [topic] and offer a new account of [specific contribution].
Example: These findings extend current research on academic integrity and show that assessment-specific guidance may reduce uncertainty about generative artificial intelligence. The study offers a framework for clearer university policies and assessment instructions.
7. Add keywords
Select three to five precise terms that reflect the topic, method, period and location.
Template: Keywords: [main topic]; [method]; [location]; [period]; [key concept]
Example: Keywords: generative artificial intelligence; higher education; academic integrity; assessment design; student perceptions
Complete call for abstracts template
[Topic] has become an important issue in [field or context] because [reason]. Existing research has examined [established focus]. However, few studies have addressed [specific gap]. This paper examines [subject] to determine [aim]. It analyses [material or data] through [method or theoretical approach], with a focus on [scope]. The analysis shows that [main finding]. It also demonstrates that [secondary finding]. These findings extend current research on [topic] and offer a new account of [contribution].
Keywords: [keyword 1]; [keyword 2]; [keyword 3]; [keyword 4]
Before submission, compare every element against the call for abstracts, especially the theme, word limit, format, anonymisation rules and required author details.
Example abstract
Generative artificial intelligence has become an important issue in higher education because it challenges established approaches to assessment and academic integrity. Existing research has examined institutional policies and staff responses to artificial intelligence. However, few studies have addressed how students interpret acceptable use across different assessment tasks.
This paper examines student perceptions of generative artificial intelligence to determine how assessment design affects decisions about its use. The study analyses questionnaire responses from 320 undergraduate students and interviews with 24 participants at three UK universities. It uses thematic analysis and compares responses across written assignments, online examinations and group projects.
The analysis shows that students distinguish between artificial intelligence as a source of editorial support and artificial intelligence as a substitute for original work. It also demonstrates that unclear assessment instructions create substantial differences in students’ interpretations of acceptable practice.
These findings extend current research on academic integrity and show that assessment-specific guidance may reduce uncertainty about generative artificial intelligence. The study offers a framework for clearer university policies and assessment instructions.
Keywords: generative artificial intelligence; higher education; academic integrity; assessment design; student perceptions
Next steps
After submission to a call for abstracts, organisers review the proposal and communicate their decision and any further requirements.
1. Confirm receipt
Check for an automatic confirmation email or submission reference. Contact the organisers if no confirmation arrives.
2. Await the decision
The review committee may:
- Accept the abstract
- Request revisions
- Place it on a reserve list
- Reject it
3. Respond to the decision
If the organisers accept the abstract, confirm participation by the stated deadline. If they request revisions, address each comment and resubmit the abstract.
4. Register for the event
Complete the registration process, pay any fees and apply for funding or travel support if necessary.
5. Prepare the contribution
Develop the abstract into the required format, such as:
- Conference paper
- Presentation
- Poster
- Journal article
- Book chapter
Keep the content consistent with the accepted abstract.
6. Confirm practical arrangements
Check the presentation length, file format, venue, online platform and equipment requirements.
7. Submit further materials
Provide the final paper, slides, biography, consent forms or copyright documents by the relevant deadlines.
How can proofreading services help prepare an abstract for submission?
Professional proofreading prepares an abstract for submission through clear presentation, concise language, consistent structure and compliance with the call for abstracts.
Clear presentation
A proofreader corrects grammar, punctuation, spelling and awkward syntax. These corrections help reviewers understand the research question, method, findings and significance without distraction.
Concise communication
Abstracts often have strict word limits. A proofreader removes repetition, unnecessary background information and vague wording while preserving the central argument.
Accurate language
A proofreader checks terminology, abbreviations, names and factual details for consistency. They can also identify unclear claims or possible contradictions for the author’s review.
Compliance with requirements
A proofreader compares the abstract with the call for abstracts and checks the word limit, keywords, language conventions, formatting and anonymisation requirements.
Professional impression
A polished abstract demonstrates care and academic rigour. Consistent style and precise language allow reviewers to focus on the quality and relevance of the research.
For professional proofreading before submission, book proofreading for texts under 10,000 words to improve clarity, accuracy and presentation.
Conclusion
A successful response to a call for abstracts requires a relevant topic, a clear research aim, an appropriate method and a concise statement of the findings or argument. Careful checks against the submission guidelines and professional proofreading can strengthen the final presentation.
Contact me if you are an academic author looking for editing or indexing services. I am an experienced editor offering a free sample edit and an early bird discount.
