Link to Abstract Template

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 1, 2026 

SUBMIT ABSTRACTS ELECTRONICALLY TO:  NTDConf2026@bcm.edu

For any questions or concerns, please contact Xue.Gu@bcm.edu

**Please note this new submission procedure

We strongly encourage all participants at this meeting to share their relevant research or clinical expertise encapsulated in an abstract.  The abstracts accepted for platform and poster presentations will be selected by a committee of experts in the areas of neurosurgery, clinical genetics, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, pediatrics, epidemiology, teratology, and developmental biology. As always, priority will be given to research of the highest caliber delineating mechanisms of normal and abnormal neural tube morphogenesis, those describing new genomic patterns of inheritance, and papers providing new insights into old problems.  

Abstract acceptance notification: May 1, 2026

As always, we encourage you to submit your best work for consideration in any area related to malformations and morphogenesis with an emphasis on mechanisms leading to a better understanding of the spectrum of NTDs and their proper management. In addition to general topics, there will be several sessions dedicated to the following focus areas:

  • Hydrocephalus-Clinical and Experimental Models 

  • Gene-Environmental Interactions and Risk for NTDs

  • Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida (SB) Repair-New Innovations and Large Animal Models

  • Epidemiology of NTDs: Health Disparities and Global Hotspots

  • Maternal Nutrition, One Carbon Metabolism and NTDs

Although abstracts in the above focus areas will be given priority for presentation, abstracts which report research on any aspect of malformations and morphogenesis will be considered. This year, the abstracts will be published along with a few selected papers in Birth Defects Research in an issue dedicated to NTDs. You will have the opportunity to opt out of having your abstract published if so desired. 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES – SAME AS LAST YEAR

**Abstracts submission electronically only by using this link:  NTDConf2026@bcm.edu

Please follow the style guidelines of the abstract format listed below, and adhere to the following specifications:

  • Each person should submit 1 abstract (only)

  • Page size: 8.5” x 11” (US Letter)

  • Number of pages: one (1)

  • Margins: Top – 1”; Bottom – 2”; Left – 1.25”; Right – 1”

  • Text Alignment: Left

  • Typeface: Arial

  • Type size: 12 Point

  • Abstract Title: All caps and centered on the page

  • Authors: Underline the name of the presenting author

  • Institution:  Italics

  • Trainees only: indicate if you are a pre or postdoctoral student, fellow, or resident

  • File name must be “LastName_NTDAbstract”

PLEASE NOTE – Abstracts that are submitted without correct formatting or file name will be returned for correction and resubmission.  Please check that you have turned off track changes.  Do not reduce font or margin size to allow abstract to fit.

POSTERS: the poster board stands are 4’ X 8’.