Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Abstract

  1. Stay Within the Character Limit
    Your abstract—including the title, body, keywords, acknowledgments, and any table—must not exceed 3,300 keystrokes. Keep in mind that hard returns count as two keystrokes.
  2. Structure Your Abstract for Maximum Impact
    A strong abstract tells a clear story from start to finish:
    1. Objective: Open with the specific purpose of your study
    2. Methods: Briefly describe your experimental design, materials, and procedures
    3. Results: Highlight your most significant findings and relevant statistical analyses
    4. Conclusion: Close with the implications of your results and what they mean for the field
  3. Share Something New
    Abstracts must present original, unpublished data. Previously published work is not eligible for submission.
  4. Back Up Your Findings with Solid Statistics
    Where applicable, include appropriate statistical methods and significance levels (P-values) to support your results.
  5. Write with Clarity and Precision
    Use complete sentences, proper grammar, and plain language. Avoid jargon, define any abbreviations on first use, and use them sparingly throughout.
  6. Craft an Informative Title
    Your title should accurately reflect your research and spark curiosity—just remember it counts toward your 3,300-keystroke limit.
  7. Give Credit Where It’s Due
    List all contributing authors along with their institutional affiliations. Note that the first author will serve as the corresponding author and is expected to attend the IETS 2027 Annual Conference.
  8. Choose Your Section Preferences Carefully
    Select the most relevant first and second section preferences for your research to ensure it reaches the right reviewers and is placed appropriately in the program.

NEW THIS YEAR:

  1. Proofread—Then Proofread Again
    Review your abstract carefully for errors, clarity, and compliance with all guidelines before hitting submit. A fresh set of eyes never hurts, so consider asking a colleague to take a look, too.
  2. Submit Early!
    Don't wait until the deadline on July 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT! Submitting ahead of time gives you room to troubleshoot any technical issues and make last-minute refinements.