Abstract Submission

Call for Abstracts!

The NIHR Innovation Observatory is inviting abstract submissions for the annual Futures, Foresight & Horizon Scanning Conference, taking place on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 2025 at The Catalyst, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Conference Themes

This year’s conference is shaped by the central theme of Equity, Ethics and Inclusivity — a call to action for more responsible, transparent, and equitable approaches to shaping the future of health and care. As we face rapid technological advancements, shifting societal needs, and increasingly complex health challenges, we must ensure that innovation works for everyone, not just the few. Across all discussions and sessions, we will be exploring how equity, ethics, and inclusivity is embedded into foresight, research, and decision-making practices from the outset. Through this lens, we

will explore the following key sub-themes:

• Advancing Horizon Scanning, Foresight & Futures Methodologies – Exploring cutting-edge methodologies in horizon scanning, foresight & futures.
• ·Emerging Disruptors – A deep dive into new and transformative trends, such as AI-driven health solutions, digital transformation, and sector-wide

challenges

• Insight to Implementation – Bridging the gap between horizon scanning, foresight, futures thinking, and real-world adoption of technology and innovation.

Types of submissions

• Submissions will be accepted for any of the three conference sub-themes and in the following formats (further details in the annex):
• Presentation (maximum 15 minutes including Q&A) – abstract
• Lightning talk (maximum 5 minutes no Q&A) – abstract
• ·Poster – abstract
• Workshop (approx. 90 minutes) – submit a workshop outline

You will be asked to indicate a preference for presentation, lightning talk, or poster; however, the final decision on the type of presentation offered is made by our scientific committee. Please indicate which theme(s) your submission aligns with.

Deadline for submissions – 23:59 (BST), Friday 19^th September 2025

We encourage people to submit submissions a soon as possible. We have limited slots available and once we have received a sufficient amount, and the programme is full, we may close the submission earlier.

General information

Notification of acceptance for selected abstracts will be by 30th September.

All successful submissions including presenters, workshop facilitators and posters are required to register and attend the conference. The organisers reserve the right to withdraw submissions if presenters have not registered.

Please note that all correspondence about your submission will be by email so please make sure you have provided an address that is current and that you access regularly. Any questions please email: Katie@beaconhouse-events.co.uk.

Your abstract will be assessed by our scientific committee during the reviewing process, which will take place after the abstract deadline or when submissions close (whichever is earliest).

Guidelines for abstracts (presentations and lightning talks)

The abstract must be a maximum of 400 words (excluding title)

Your abstract should be structured in the following sub-headings:

• Background, research question/unmet need, methods, results, discussion, brief statement of practical application/impact.
• Any works in progress/interim results must be noted as such.
• You can draft your abstract in Word (or equivalent) and copy and paste into the abstract submission box. 
• You will be asked to select which conference theme your abstract is exploring and three key words that describe your abstract – this is to help the organisers place accepted oral presentations and posters into themes and groupings.
• Once your abstract is submitted, you will be given the option to edit it up to the deadline 23:59 (BST), Friday 19^th September 2025. Afterwards, no amendments can be made.
• After submitting your form there will be a link to print or download a PDF of your submission.

Additional guidelines for workshop submissions

• Your workshop should have clearly stated objectives for the session.
• You should include the level of interaction with participants and the target audience, a structured plan appropriate for the length of your workshop, and the skills attendees will leave with at the end of your session. Word count: max 600 words.
• If your workshop plan is accepted, you will be asked to provide a full list of presenters/facilitators prior to the event.

Additional guidelines for posters

• Posters must be in PORTRAIT format. Size: A0 PORTRAIT - Posters exceeding these dimensions will not be accepted.
• Posters must be printed before arriving at the event.
• All text must be in English.
• Posterboards and attachments will be provided.