Whether you’re just beginning a new project or already well underway, we invite you to submit an abstract. No matter where you are in the research or creative process, you’re welcome to share your work. Both graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to participate, and we warmly welcome projects from all academic disciplines.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Thinking Matters allows students and faculty to share their work with each other, their colleagues, and the general public.  Research and creative submissions are encouraged.

Examples:

  • Research (completed or in progress)
  • Theory papers/posters
  • Analysis of archived/public domain information
  • Literature survey summaries

NOTE:

All research involving human subjects conducted by any employee or agent of USM (faculty, staff, students, external, etc.) must receive IRB review and approval prior to implementation.

The IACUC also serves as a resource for investigators, faculty, research staff, and students in planning and conducting animal research pursuant to the highest scientific and humane standards. If you are considering using animals in any activity at the University, please contact the IACUC for guidance.

For more information, visit the Office of Research Inegrity and Outreach website (click on the Research Compliance tab in the menu)

at the link below:

Office of Research Integrity and Outreach

Format

Please choose ONE presentation format:  

  • Poster (48 inches wide x 36 inches high)
  • Oral (15 – 20 minutes)
  • Podcast (see podcast page for instructions)

If you are participating in multiple presentations

  • You may only serve as the primary author for one abstract
  • Groups must submit one shared abstract that acknowledges each presenter in the group

How to write your abstract

Think of your abstract as a concise map of your project. To meet the symposium requirements, ensure your draft includes these key elements:

  • Define Your Goal: Clearly state your research question or creative objective.
    • Explain Your Method: Briefly describe the approach or methodology you used.
    • Share Results: Summarize your preliminary findings and their overall impact.
    • Collaborate: Work closely with your faculty mentor for required feedback and approval.
    • Stay Within Limits: Keep your final draft under the 300 – 400 word limit (including spaces).

What is the abstract process?

  1. Once your abstract is submitted, you and your mentor will receive an email with a link to your submitted abstract. 
  2. The abstract can be edited until the deadline of March 16th, 2026 at 8:00am.
  3. After March 16th, 2026, a reviewer will be assigned to your abstract.
  4. Once the initial review is completed, you will receive an email notification regarding the status of your abstract. Your submission will fall into one of the following three categories:
    • Accepted: Your abstract meets all professional standards and requires no further changes. It is ready for the official symposium program.
    • Accepted with Minor Edits: Your project is approved for presentation, but small adjustments are needed (such as correcting typos, clarifying a specific sentence, or adjusting formatting) before it is finalized.
    • Revise and Resubmit: Your abstract requires more significant changes to meet the symposium’s standards. This usually involves clarifying your methodology or results. Once you address the reviewer’s specific feedback in your Google Doc, your abstract will be re-evaluated for final approval.
  5. Review of comments/suggestions and final edits.

Human Subject Research Submission