Call for Abstracts

We are accepting presentation and poster submissions for the 2026 PNW Sleep and Circadian Network Meeting. This year’s theme, Timing is Everything: Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Health Across Development, emphasizes the importance of understanding sleep and circadian rhythms through the lens of biological timing, developmental stages, and the dynamic interplay between physiological, behavioral, and environmental factors that shape sleep health across the lifespan.

Submissions that align with the theme are appreciated, but not required.

Important Deadlines

Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
Deadline for abstract submissions at 11:59 P.M. PST

Early February 2026:
Acceptance notifications for abstracts are sent

Friday, March 27th, 2026:
Deadline to withdraw an abstract

Friday, April 3rd, 2026:
Deadline to submit poster PDF for poster award

Presentation Types

Poster Presentation

Presenting authors are required to be physically present at their posters during their assigned time slot to answer questions. Please note that the Steering Committee will not select any abstracts submitted for poster presentation to be presented orally.

Oral Presentation

Each session will feature 3 to 4 presentations, followed by Q&A at the end. Presenters will have 15-20 minutes to present their work. Proposals not selected for oral presentation will be offered a poster session slot.

Presentation and Poster Topics

We welcome contributions from all areas of sleep and circadian research, including projects at any stage of development. We are particularly interested in submissions related to:

  • Fundamental research on the mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms, ranging from animal models to humans, as well as translational research aimed at understanding diseases and discovering treatments.

  • Research focusing on the application of sleep and circadian science in clinical settings.

  • Building research networks and enhancing collaborative capabilities

  • Conducting community-engaged sleep and circadian studies

  • Investigating connections between employment, shift work, sleep, and circadian rhythms

  • Engaging clinicians, patients, stakeholders, and industry leaders in research efforts

Network Meeting Awards

We are excited to showcase cutting-edge research, practice, and interventions in sleep and circadian science through our annual awards. All awards are based on abstract submissions and recognize outstanding contributions, foster engagement within the Network, and celebrate innovation in research, practice, and interventions in our field. To be considered, indicate your interest in the abstract submission form during the submission process.

First-Time Attendee Award

  • Open to first-time attendees of the PNW Sleep and Circadian Network Meeting.

  • Encourages participation in the Network by welcoming new contributors to the field.

  • Selection is random/raffle-based among eligible attendees.

Dr. John Sy, 2024 Poster Award Recipient

Poster Award

The Poster Award celebrates excellence in research and presentation at the Network Meeting. Judging will be based on your submitted abstract, the final poster, and your presentation at the meeting. A panel of judges from the Network will evaluate posters using the following criteria:

Posters will be assessed on:

  • Background and Objectives:
    Posters should provide a clear and concise context for the study, including relevant background information, theoretical framework, and well-defined research goals.

  • Methods and Analysis:
    The research design, data collection methods, and analysis should be transparent, rigorous, and appropriate to address the stated objectives.

  • Significance and Innovation:
    Emphasis will be placed on the potential impact of the findings, the identification of future research directions, and the use of innovative approaches.

  • Relevance:
    The research should advance knowledge in the field with clear connections to real-world applications or implications.

  • Visual Clarity:
    Posters must be well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to follow, with an effective balance of text, figures, and graphics.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

This award honors outstanding poster or presentation submissions at the PNW Sleep and Circadian Network Meeting that advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles in sleep and circadian sciences. Submissions should demonstrate excellence in incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion, or addressing social injustices. Examples include:

  • Research on healthcare disparities in sleep and circadian health among marginalized communities.

  • Community-engaged work advancing health equity or reducing barriers to care.

  • Studies examining structural inequities (e.g., racism, socioeconomic disadvantage) and their impact on sleep and circadian rhythms.

  • Efforts promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, education, clinical practice, or mentorship.

  • Innovative approaches to improving access to sleep health interventions for underserved populations.

To be considered for this award, please explain how your work aligns with JEDI principles on the abstract submission form.