Call for abstracts 2026

We are inviting individuals or groups working in the field of paediatric, teenage and young adult cancer to submit abstracts for presentation (oral and/or poster) at the CCLG Annual Conference, which takes place on 16 Mar-17 Mar 2026.

Key dates

Abstract Submission Opens 6 August 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline 29 October 2025
Abstract Notification December 2025 

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work to the cancer professional community and to also be considered for a Research Award.

We welcome abstracts covering all aspects of paediatric, teenage and young adult cancer. Abstracts can report on basic, translational and clinical science research as well as:

  • Disease-orientated, treatment and care (including psychosocial and nursing), epidemiology, supportive care, late effects etc.
  • Treatment and care interventions, service development initiatives, educational and quality improvement projects, staff development work, etc
  • Patient and public involvement/engagement
  • Innovative and novel breakthroughs to advance knowledge in the field

The 2026 Awards are:

  • Early-Career Investigator Award
    Recognising upcoming talent within childhood cancer research in scientific or clinical areas
  • Multiprofessional Award
    Recognising outstanding contribution to the world of cancer care from different disciplines
  • Transforming Care Award
    Recognising quality and excellence in research, service evaluation or audit within nursing, allied health, supportive care and shared care disciplines leading to improvements in care or patient experience
  • Innovation & Change Award
    Recognising novel research or clinical practice that will break through boundaries and drive forward change
  • Basic Experimental & Translational Science Award
    Recognising best ideas from discovery research to patient benefit
  • Patient Involvement & Engagement Award
    Recognising significant contribution to involving patients and their families in the development and delivery of research
  • TYA Award (Lisa Thaxter Prize)
    Recognising best research in teenage and young adult cancers
  • Best Poster Presentation Prize
    Recognising excellence in clarity and communication of research

All accepted abstracts will be entered into the Best Poster Prize category if a poster is provided for display at the meeting. To enter a specific Research Award, please select the relevant category when submitting.

The Research Award winners will receive:

  • Certificate of achievement
  • Opportunity to present your work as an oral presentation at the conference
  • £200 prize

Criteria

All abstracts will be scored based on the following criteria:

  • Objective/Background
  • Method
  • Results
  • Conclusion, impact and relevance

To ensure your abstract is well-written and at its best, please review our support guide on Writing an Abstract for Conference Submission.

Eligibility

  • Applicants do not need to be CCLG members
  • Applicants must be able to attend the CCLG conference (16-17 March 2026 in Manchester) and will be expected to register at the prevailing conference fee once notification of acceptance for oral or poster presentation has been given
  • If submitting for poster presentation, applicants must be able to provide their work in printed poster format (specifications to be provided) for display during the Annual Conference.
  • Applicants to the Research Awards must be able to provide an oral presentation in person if they win the Award.
  • The applicant must be the first or last author and presenting author of the submitted abstract
  • Only new or previously unpublished work or material will be eligible for the research awards

Please note: if your abstract is accepted, it is expected that you register for the conference at your own expense (early bird discounts will be available).

Early-Career Investigator Award

To enter this Award, applicants must be an early-career researcher who received their PhD qualification (or equivalent training) within the last 10 years. The prize is intended to encourage and recognise research excellence in early career researchers.

Evaluation

  • Each abstract will undergo a review process by the judging panel
  • Acceptance will be based on the achieved abstract scores and final decision will be made by a review panel consisting of the CCLG organising committee as well as external research review panels
  • The successful candidates will be notified in December if their abstract has been accepted for presentation
  • The CCLG Research Awards will be presented at the Annual Conference.
  • No correspondence on the judges’ decision can be initiated by the author(s)

Submission process

Format

  • Use the template provided for your abstract
  • Use the standard headings shown on the template to construct your abstract
  • Type your abstract in English using Word
  • Maximum 500 words – does not include title, author list or references
  • Include a title, author list and affiliations
  • Your abstract should fit within the template.
  • You can enter more than one abstract
  • Submission of an abstract acknowledges your acceptance for the abstract to be published in any official conference publications eg. conference app, member website
  • The presenting author is required to ensure that all co-authors are aware of the content of the abstract and agree to its submission before submitting the abstract

Online submission

The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 29 October 2025 at 11am. 

Abstracts should be submitted online via FlexiGrant and we will acknowledge receipt of your application. You will need to create an online account on FlexiGrant and follow the instructions. Drafts can be saved on the system until you complete the submission.

Please make sure your submission is showing as completed on our online system by the deadline as we cannot accept any draft applications.

Submit your abstract online