Call for abstracts

AIFS invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to submit abstracts for presentations that explore the dynamic nature of family structures and relationships, and how they interact with the institutions and systems that support them.

We welcome submissions that share innovative research, data driven insights, and evidence-based solutions to improve outcomes for families in all their diversity.

The conference program will feature a variety of formats including keynote presentations, panel sessions and symposia designed to generate thought-provoking conversations across sectors and disciplines.

Key dates

Conference streams

Abstracts should align with one of the below streams:

• Child and Family Wellbeing – wellbeing and functioning of families and their members, including children and young people
• Child and Family Safety – violence and maltreatment experienced by, or within families, including the experiences of children and young people
• Families and Society – family dynamics and the changing relations between families and social institutions.
• Gambling Harm – how gambling harm impacts individuals and their families.

Within these streams, we welcome submissions that focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and other priority cohorts.

To learn more about these streams, visit AIFS research themes.

Submission details

Abstracts should clearly outline objectives, methods, key findings, and implications for policy and/or practice. 

• Title – Word limit, 12
• Abstract – Word limit, 250
• Presenter bios – Word limit, 100

We will also be accepting video and audio format submissions as an alternative to a written response.

Submissions should indicate authors’ or presenters’ preferred presentation format: oral presentation, symposium, or lightening talks/ignite session.

Presenting authors must register in full by June 30 and attend the conference to present if accepted. 

Submissions options

Oral presentations

20 minutes in length, including Q&A. 

Lightning talk

A short rapid-fire (5 minute) presentation to share an innovative or thought-provoking idea, or highlight research.

Submit your abstract – oral presentation or lightning talk

Symposium

Team up with 2 to 3 others for a symposium. A symposium comprises a series of presentations organised around a common theme, and is 60 minutes in length including Q&A. We encourage symposiums in which presenters represent different perspectives, such as from policymakers, practitioners, and academics.

Each symposium requires a primary organiser who will serve as the single point of contact in the submission process. If you are submitting a symposium abstract you will need:

• a symposium overview (word limit: 400)
• an abstract for each author – download the Symposium Abstract Submission Template and upload it into the portal.

Submit your abstract – symposium

Ethical and inclusive research

AIFS is committed to ethical and inclusive research. We strongly support a ‘nothing about us without us’ approach, particularly on topics affecting marginalised people and communities, encouraging submissions that show meaningful consultation or involve people with lived experience. 

For work related to First Nations communities, a First Nations author must be included to ensure authentic representation and respect. 

If applicable, in your application you will have the option to briefly explain how your submission reflects this approach (50 word limit).