We invite you and your colleagues to present at the upcoming 47th Annual International Association for Human Caring (IAHC) conference.  The conference will be held in-person June 11 – 13, 2026 in Norway.  In addition to the in-person conference, selected presentations will be recorded and available in a virtual conference format following the live conference. 

IAHC is the world’s leading forum for interdisciplinary, caring science. 

We are currently accepting abstracts for podium, workshop and poster presentations that focus on human caring science in the areas of aesthetics, research, theory, and evidence-based practice/best practices. Additionally, this year we have a call for submissions for a special Emerging Caring Theory PechaKucha session. See additional information below.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Abstract Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025

2026 Conference Theme: Bringing the Heritage of Caring Science Theories into the Future: Application and Development

Dates: June 11 - 13, 2026

Location: Nord University, Bodo, Norway

Important: At least one presenter for each abstract will be required to register for and attend the conference. We hope multiple presenters will travel to Norway but please note, each presenter attending will need to register and pay for the conference.

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To submit an abstract, click on the Abstract Submissions Link HERE

Presentation Formats:

Presentation formats provide an opportunity to address caring-based research, practice, education and/or aesthetic topics. All 2026 presentations will be in-person. Authors may submit multiple abstracts.

Topics reflecting the conference theme are preferred. Research studies submitted for presentation must be complete at the time of abstract submission with evidence of IRB approval/exemption. However, posters may reflect research in progress. IRB approval is not explicitly required for program evaluation or quality improvement studies.

Special Call: Emerging Theory PechaKucha

Inviting submissions for presentations of emerging caring theories. The presentation format will utilize a PechaKucha style with short presentations (7 minutes) followed by a presenter panel for question and answers.

Abstract submissions should highlight novel caring theory development and application.

Posters: Reflect a single topic. Research in progress may be submitted with evidence of IRB approval.

Podium: Consist of a single paper, 30 minutes (including questions)

Workshop: Include interactive activities. The presentation time is 60 minutes (including questions).

Note, limited workshop submissions will be accepted to support the conference format.

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General Information:

Abstract Title: Please limit the title to 15 words.

Abstract: Abstracts are limited to 300 words. Note: If abstract is a completed, or still in progress research project, please indicate in the abstract that IRB approval has been given, and by which institution.

Indicate which presentation format you would like your abstract to be considered for:

• Emerging Theory PechaKucha
• Poster
• Paper
• Podium

Indicate the category you wish the abstract to be considered for:

• Research
• Education
• Practice
• Aesthetic

IMPORTANT: Please include full author list at time of abstract submission. Changes in author list will not be accepted following abstract submission. All listed authors or presenters are required to complete and return the "Education Disclosure Form" (see attachment at the top of this announcement). even if you are not all attending. Please put your submission ID number (that you will receive in your submission confirmation email) on the form and name your Word or PDF document "EDF_ABSTRACT NUMBER_LAST NAME_FIRST NAME (EXAMPLE - "EDF_Abstract 21_Leone_Danielle"). Return this properly named file via email, WITH THE SUBMISSION ID NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE to abstracts@humancaring.org no later than one week after your submit your abstract The primary author is responsible for submitted forms for all listed authors together in ONE email. Your abstract submission is not complete and will not be accepted for review until these forms are submitted.

Registration for conference is required to present. The registration link will be available by October 10, 2025. You will be notified. 

IRB approval is required for all human subject research abstracts and IRB approval, and institution name must be included in the abstract text to avoid automatic disqualification.

Abstracts will be judged on the following criteria:

1. New information
2. Valuable contribution to present knowledge
3. Topic is relevant to conference theme
4. Topic is applicable to Caring/Caring Science
5. Aims and expected outcomes are described appropriately
6. Design methods and analysis described appropriately (research presentations)
7. Theory, interventions, methods, project or practices described appropriately (non-research)

Abstract Review Timeline:

Portal Open for Abstracts: September 25 – November 30, 2025

Abstract Review Process: December 2025

Acceptance Letter Notification: January 15, 2025