Dear all
The abstract call for the next ISIUM conference has been opened:
Call for abstracts: ISIUM conference 2026 – Kathmandu, Nepal
Invitation to submit an abstract
The International Society to Improve the Use of Medicines (ISIUM) is holding its third International Conference at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal on 19–21 November 2026. The title of the Conference is: Improving Use of Medicines in a Changing World.
You are invited to take an active part in the Conference by submitting an abstract for a poster, or an oral presentation.
What is an abstract?
An abstract is a short statement that gives the reader a good, but concise, understanding of your work (see abstract template below). Your work could be a research study, delivery of a service, development and implementation of a program or policy, or a resource. It may be a description of a case study or personal experience that explains why rational use of medicines is important.
An abstract is an opportunity to make your work known, inform practice or education, and to establish connections with others in our field of interest. It should tell readers what you are going to present and interest them in learning more about your work — they may decide to attend your presentation, visit your poster or contact you based on it.
Types of presentation
Presenters can select to make an oral, or poster presentation. Select your preferred method. If you select an oral presentation, it is a good idea to also agree to present a poster of the same work.
Conference themes
The Conference will address a wide range of themes including:
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Digital technology for improving use of medicines:
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Methodologies to investigate quality use of medicines
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Implementation of policies to improve the use of medicines
Publication of abstracts
The abstracts that are accepted for the Conference will be published in the conference program book and as a journal supplement in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice.
Copyright
By submitting an abstract you are:
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agreeing to the abstract, with the names and affiliations of authors, being published in the conference program book and journal supplement,
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declaring that the work is your own or that of the group of authors named on the abstract, and
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asserting that you have permission from all co-authors to present this work
Review and acceptance process
All abstracts received by the indicated deadline will be evaluated by the International Program Committee. Acceptance, together with technical details for presentation (oral, or poster), will be communicated to the submitting author.
Summary of important dates in 2025–2026
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November 1, 2025: Call for abstracts. Submissions open.
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March 2, 2026: Deadline for receipt of abstracts.
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April 6, 2026: Presenters informed of abstract acceptance.
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April 30, 2026: Scholarships for best abstracts announced, presenters informed.
Abstract template
Title: Keep it short and simple, but informative.
Authors: Include name, affiliation and brief biographical details of presenter and name(s) and affiliations of any other authors.
Background: Why is this work important?
Purpose: What did you set out to achieve?
Methods/description of process or experience: What was done, by whom, how and where? What measurements were taken (if any) and how were the data managed?
Results: What did you find or achieve? What was the outcome?
Conclusion: What can we learn from your work? What else do we need to know in the future?
Conflict of interest: Conflicts of interests can span a number of areas. Please include a declaration of financial conflicts of interest (e.g. ‘I have no conflicts of interest’ or ‘I declare the following conflicts of interest’). Please see the Annexure below for potential financial conflicts of interest.
Do not include illustrations, photographs or tables nor references in the abstract; save them for your presentation at the conference. Your abstract must be no longer than 300 words (abstract text only), with a fair balance between the different sections, and it must be submitted online by 2 March 2026 at the following link:
https://unisasurveys.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cJbv4hxgdPqITTU
Presentation type: Oral/Poster
Annexure: Conference Presenters and Financial Conflicts of Interest (COIs)
Conference presenters may encounter various types of financial conflicts of interest (COIs). These conflicts—whether intentional or not—can influence the objectivity of a presentation and must be transparently disclosed to uphold the integrity of the information shared.
Financial Conflicts of Interest
Financial COIs occur when a presenter has monetary ties to a commercial entity (pharmaceutical industry, tobacco industry and weapons industry in particular) relevant to their presentation. Examples include:
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Research funding: Receiving support from a company whose products or services are discussed.
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Honoraria and speaking fees: Being compensated by a company featured in the presentation.
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Stock or equity ownership: Holding shares or financial stakes in a related company.
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Consulting arrangements: Providing paid consulting services to an interested party.
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Patents and royalties: Owning intellectual property or earning royalties from products mentioned.
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Gifts and perks: Accepting gifts, travel, or other incentives from sponsors or vendors.
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Industry employment: Working for a company whose offerings are covered in the presentation.
Disclosure of all potential conflicts is essential to maintain trust, transparency, and credibility in academic and professional settings.
For more information, see the ISIUM 2026 Conference event page.
Prof. F Suleman
Research Professor: School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences
Director: World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Evidence-Based Practice
Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000. South Africa
(tel) +27 31 2607358 (sec)/+27 31 260 7941 (direct)
(fax) +27 31 260 7906/7792
(email) sulemanf@ukzn.ac.za