2027 MD-PhD Tandem Abstract Abstract Submission Guidelines

We are pleased to introduce a new abstract submission format, MD-PhD Tandem Abstracts, designed to recognize and encourage collaboration between clinical and technical experts.

The MD-PhD Tandem format provides an opportunity for a clinician and a collaborating technical expert to submit an abstract as dual first authors and jointly present their work. The goal is to bring together clinical relevance and technical innovation, allowing both perspectives to be presented with the accuracy, depth, and confidence they deserve.

Tandem Abstract Requirements

• The abstract must have two first authors: one clinical expert and one technical expert.
• Submitters must select the MD-PhD Tandem Abstract option during abstract submission.
• Tandem Abstracts follow the same submission format and review criteria as conventional abstracts.
• Accepted Tandem Abstracts may be assigned to either an oral or poster presentation at the discretion of the Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC).
• For an oral presentation, the first two authors will present jointly, with five (5) minutes allotted to each speaker.
• For a poster presentation, the first two authors will present their work jointly at the poster station.

Suggested Abstract Format

We recommend including the following sections, although we also note that there are often good reasons to deviate from this format. In each section, answer the question listed below (do not repeat the actual question in the body of your abstract).

• INTRODUCTION: “Why was this study/research performed? What unsolved problem are you addressing?”
• METHODS: “How did you study this problem?”
• RESULTS: “Report the data, analyses, and/or outcomes.”
• DISCUSSION: “How do you interpret the results?”
• CONCLUSION: “What is the relevance to clinical practice or future research?”
• REFERENCES: References should use the suggested style below.

Figures

• Up to five (5) figures should be uploaded as part of the abstract, along with a caption for each figure.
• Additionally, one Preview Figure should be uploaded, with no captions.

Word Limits

The following word limits will apply:

• Title: 125 characters
• Synopsis: 100 words (combined 4 sections)
• Impact: 40 words
• Body of the Abstract: 750 words (references not included)
• Preview Figure: One figure, no caption, legible at the width of a mobile smartphone
• Figures: Up to five (5) per abstract
• Figure Captions: 500 characters per caption

Additional Submission Items

• Optional institutional/consortium logo image
• Grant funding, code, data, and supporting links must be included in the Acknowledgements only and will not be shared with reviewers.

References

Cite each source in numerical order using superscript Arabic numerals.

At the end of the abstract, list references numerically in the order in which they were cited in the text.

Abstract Review Criteria

MD-PhD Tandem Abstracts will be reviewed using the same criteria as conventional abstracts, including:

• Adherence to the Abstract Guidelines: Abstracts must follow the submission requirements stated above.
• Duplication of Content: Multiple submissions of the same or nearly the same abstract are grounds for rejection of all submitted abstracts.
• Prior Publication: Content should differ substantially from any publication with a publication date (or early view) prior to the abstract deadline.
• Quality: Results should be substantive and not just implied. Where appropriate:
  • Comprehensive statistical analysis should be applied.
  • Images and spectra should be of the highest quality.
• Impact: The method or data in the abstract should aim to advance or change the field in significant ways. Incremental changes are less likely to be accepted for presentation.

The MD-PhD Tandem Abstract provides an opportunity for clinical and technical collaborators to showcase their work together and demonstrate how their combined expertise can advance MR research and clinical practice.