CACBT is now accepting Open Paper and Poster Abstract submissions for our in-person conference. We welcome contributions from all career stages, including students, early-career professionals, and experienced clinicians and researchers. Students may also apply for award opportunities directly within the application.

Important Submission Dates 

Open Papers

• Abstract Deadline: December 5, 2025

  • Review Period: December 6-18, 2025

  • Open Paper Acceptance Notification: December 22, 2025

Posters

• Abstract Deadline (includes Student Travel Grant, if applicable): January 31, 2026

  • Review Period: February 1-17, 2026

  • Poster Acceptance Notification: February 23, 2026

Open Paper Abstract Instructions (Deadline: December, 5, 2025)

Open Papers are 15-minute presentations (which includes a brief 3-minute Q&A) showcasing research or clinical insights. Submissions are welcome from experienced researchers and clinicians, including those engaged in individual research or service-related work. This is an excellent way to share your work and engage with colleagues. Please note, this is a highly competitive category; not all submissions can be accepted. 

• Abstract length: Up to 300 words

• Including a key reference and/or link to publicly available information (e.g., published paper, pre-registration, or protocol) in your abstract is encouraged

• Accepted Open Paper presenters must register and attend the conference in person

Selection Criteria

• Clarity and quality of abstract

• Relevance to CBT-related research or CBT-related clinical practice

• Innovation

• Contribution to research, theory, or clinical practice

Poster Abstract Instructions (Deadline: January, 31, 2026)

Posters are visual presentations of research studies, clinical cases, or work in progress, including study protocols. Submissions are welcome from students, early-career professionals, experienced researchers, and clinicians at any stage of their career. Accepted posters will be required to be printed and displayed at the conference during the Poster & Awards Reception, in addition to being uploaded for online viewing.

• Abstract length: Up to 300 words

• Accepted posters must be printed to the specified dimensions (4’ x 4’ | 48” x 48”), displayed at the in-person Poster & Awards Reception, and uploaded for online viewing.

• The designated presenter listed in the application must register and attend the Poster & Awards Reception in person. 

• Presenters are asked to stand by their posters to discuss their work with attendees and Poster Judges, and will also have the opportunity to visit other posters during the allotted session time. 

Selection Criteria

• Clarity and quality of the abstract

• Relevance to CBT-related research or CBT-related clinical practice (applies to CBT theory, techniques, or real-world clinical work.)

• Overall merit of CBT formulation/research (quality, conceptualization, and rigor of the CBT model or research, including clarity and methodology)

• Overall contribution to research, theory, or clinical insights 

Outstanding Student Poster Awards - Application (Deadline: January, 31, 2026)

Students submitting a Poster abstract must indicate on the application form if they wish to be considered for ONE of the two available awards: 

1. The Jack Rachman Award for Foundational Research: This award recognizes outstanding student work that advances the theoretical, conceptual, or methodological foundations of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Submissions should demonstrate innovation in understanding human behaviour, theory development, or research methods that have the potential to shape future scholarship.

2. The Keith Dobson Award for Applied Research: This award highlights exceptional student research that directly addresses clinical or community needs. Submissions should demonstrate how research findings can be translated into practice, policy, or interventions that improve outcomes for individuals, families, or communities.

Selection Criteria

• Only students are eligible

• Posters will be judged at the conference based on the following criteria:  

• Poster presentation and clarity

• Case conceptualization and treatment

• Responses to questions

A total of two awards will be given - one for each category. Each award winner will receive a certificate and a $300 cash prize and will be announced live after judging has taken place during the Poster & Awards Reception.

Student Travel Grant (Deadline: January, 31, 2026)

CACBT Student Members who are first authors on an accepted poster for the 2026 conference may apply for a Student Travel Grant to help cover travel expenses. This must be indicated on the application form.

Details:

• Four grants are available annually, with two reserved for students who self-identify as Indigenous or as members of other racialized communities

• Each grant includes a $300 cash prize (provided in advance)

Eligibility and Criteria:

• Full-time undergraduate or graduate student in a health-related discipline (e.g., medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry, social work, counselling)

• CACBT Student Member

• First author of an accepted poster (if multiple, choose one for the application)  

• Active contribution to the work being presented, including:

• Student’s Contribution: Describe how much of the work you led

• Conceptualization: Your role in identifying the problem, its significance, and potential solutions

• Write-up: Your role in preparing the presentation

• Professional Development  (explain how this grant would): 

  • Advance your professional goals

  • Enhance your development in CBT case formulation and treatment

  • Strengthen your CBT-related research skills (e.g., theory/models, efficacy)

• Recipients must register, attend, and present at the conference; otherwise, the grant funding must be returned.

We are excited to welcome you to Vancouver this May 1-2, 2026! Your Poster and Open Paper presentations will be a highlight of the conference, providing opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and the exchange of new ideas.

Submit your abstract today and join us for an unforgettable in-person conference!

Submission Link

• All Open Paper and Poster abstracts must be submitted electronically using the online form. 

• First authors should use the “SUBMIT ABSTRACT” option to submit their abstract and upload any related materials.