The Health Equity Research Symposium showcases innovative research, interventions and policies aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare for all populations. This session provides a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and community advocates to present their work and engage in meaningful discussions about health equity. It seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to develop strategies to improve health outcomes for underserved and marginalized communities.
Poster Session Abstract Submissions open August 18 - September 15
The Health Equity Research Symposium – Poster Session at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine provides a platform for students and investigators to share research and receive feedback from peers and faculty. Held as part of the annual symposium, this year’s event will include the Fall Lyceum keynote address by Leslie Walker, MD, a nationally recognized expert in Adolescent Health. Each presenter may submit one abstract. Please see below for full submission guidelines.
Key Themes
Social Determinants of Health
Posters will explore how factors such as income, education, environment and social support influence health outcomes and contribute to disparities.
Access to Care
Presentations will address geographical, financial and systemic barriers to healthcare access and propose solutions to improve accessibility.
Cultural Competence
Research on the importance of culturally sensitive care and its impact on patient outcomes will be featured, along with strategies to enhance cultural competence among healthcare providers.
Community-Based Interventions
Posters will explore successful community-driven initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities and improving public health.
Policy and Advocacy
Discussions on the role of policy in shaping health equity, including recent legislative efforts and advocacy work.
Innovative Research and Technologies
New research findings and technological advancements that contribute to health equity will be showcased.
Submission Information
Eligibility
- Research staff
- Faculty
- Clinical residents and fellows
- Postdoctoral researchers and fellows
- MD-PhD (medical scientist) students
- Medical students
- Graduate students
Criteria for Submission
- The topic of the study represents an important or emerging area of health equity.
- The background provides sufficient rationale for pursuing the study questions.
- A clearly stated objective and/or testable hypothesis is presented.
- The study design is strong and appropriate for testing this hypothesis or fulfilling the study objective.
- Figures and tables are easy to read and interpret.
- The results are clearly presented and appear sound based upon the data collected.
- The discussion reflects a responsible and scientifically credible understanding of the results.
- The conclusions are consistent with the hypothesis being tested or study objective.
- The overall appearance, content and final impressions are outstanding.
- Posters presented at national meetings or other venues are eligible for submission, provided the research was conducted at Feinberg or one of its affiliates.
Submissions that do not adhere to the correct format will not be accepted.
Judging
Upon abstract submission, each participant will be assigned judges to review and score their work ahead of the Health Equity Research Symposium. All submissions will also be reviewed by the Office of Health Equity leadership. Abstracts are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. Participants will be notified of their acceptance status by mid-September.
Poster Requirements, Resources & Template
Branded Template
If you haven't created a poster yet, consider using this template (Powerpoint).
To obtain files of the Northwestern Medicine and Feinberg logo for poster use, please visit the Office of Communications logo download page. Usage guidelines are also available on the Communications site.
Poster Size & Printing
It is strongly recommended that posters be professionally designed and printed to project a positive image of the presenter's work. Posters must not exceed 6 feet in width and 4 feet in height (5 feet wide by 3 feet high is recommended). Posters will be displayed on frames that are 6 feet wide by 4 feet high and secured by push pins supplied at the event.
Printing and Duplicating Services provides poster printing services to scientists across Northwestern University. All presenters are responsible for printing and bringing their own posters.
Day-of Session Information
Participants may begin setting up their posters for the Health Equity Research Symposium at 11:00 a.m. All displays must be fully set up and ready for viewing by 12:00 p.m.
Posters will be mounted on large tack boards throughout the designated staging area.
Presenters should be available at their posters to discuss their research with attendees and are encouraged to engage with other participants by exploring posters, asking questions, and fostering collaboration. To support networking, engagement, and full visibility of all projects, poster session participants are strongly encouraged to remain through the end of the session at 2:00 p.m.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact feinberghealthequity@northwestern.edu.