Guidelines
The ATS is pleased to announce a Call for Late-Breaking Scientific Abstracts for ATS 2026 which will take place May 15-20 in Orlando, FL .
Late-Breaking Abstracts should report recently generated research on important basic, translational, or clinical discoveries in pulmonary, critical care, or sleep medicine.
All abstracts will be peer reviewed for scientific rigor and importance in order to determine whether they can be accepted for presentation at the conference.
- Research previously submitted for our November 2025 abstract deadline will not be accepted.
- Case Reports are not eligible for submission as Late-Breaking Abstracts.
Steps for Selecting Category and Review Assembly
Those submitting an abstract will be asked to define the following:
- Classification
- Discipline
- Subclassification
- Reviewing Program Committees
Please note that these steps allow the International Conference Committee to align abstract topics with clinical and scientific interests, create more thematically-related abstract sessions, and reduce redundancies.
Below are helpful documents to assist you with the abstract submission:
- Submission criteria, word count, and submission fee
- How to Submit Your Late-Breaking Abstract Instructions
- List of Late-Breaking Scientific Abstract Classifications
Membership in the ATS is not a prerequisite for participating in the program.
If you are a Federal Government employee who could not submit an abstract by November 5th because of the U.S. Government shutdown, you may submit your abstract as a Late Breaking Abstract. Be sure to indicate that you are a government employee in the submission process in the Abstract Affirmations step. Questions? Contact abstracts@thoracic.org.
AI Policy for Submission of Abstracts
Generative artificial intelligence (AI): The American Thoracic Society recognizes that the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool for educators and researchers when utilized in a responsible and ethical manner.
Written content: The use of LLMs and AI tools to generate written content in submissions is generally discouraged. Any form of generative AI used to assist in an Abstract or Clinical Trial submission must be clearly stated. AI tools used to assist with grammar, spelling, formatting, and reference clean up do not need to be disclosed.
Research: If LLMs or AI tools are used in the research itself (e.g., data analysis), it must be disclosed in the abstract or clinical trial submission.
Review of content: Authors are required to review all abstract content, including AI-generated content, copy, figures, images, citations, or statements, for accuracy and make any needed revisions. Inaccurate information will result in disqualification.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 5 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
The ATS International Conference Committee will plan the abstract sessions based on those that are accepted.
For information on submitting late-breaking abstracts, please contact the American Thoracic Society at abstracts@thoracic.org.
PLEASE NOTE: You must sign in with your ATS member ID. If you do not have a username and password you will need to create one and complete your profile, including your full address.
If you would like to apply for or renew membership, please do so before your submission. The submission fee will be based on your membership status and full address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Submission
- Can a non-author complete the submission on behalf of the authors and be the main contact?
- No. The submitter is automatically the first author. The submitter/first author cannot be changed once an abstract is in-progress nor after it is submitted. The person submitting the abstract must be the first author. All notifications will go only to the submitter/first author.
- How many abstracts can I submit?
- There’s no limit in the number of abstracts submitted by the same person. If multiple abstracts/case reports are accepted, these may be programmed at the same time. The submitter should plan to have a co-author present in their place if needed.
- How many co-authors can be included in an abstract?
- Up to 50 authors may be listed in an author block. All authors listed must be aware that their names appear on the abstract and have knowledge of the abstract submission.
- Are previously published and/or presented abstracts allowed?
- No. Abstract submission criteria #4 states that abstracts must contain: the results of the study including new data not previously published or presented at a major national or international meeting.
- Where can I add references?
- References are optional. If you wish to include references, you may add them to the abstract body. Note: this would count towards the 400-word count limit.
- Help! I forgot to add a co-author to my submission. Can I add a co-author after submission is finalized?
- Once an abstract or case report is submitted, you are not able to make edits. Please contact abstracts@thoracic.org for help adding a co-author to a submission. Note: the first author/submitter may not change
Presentation
- When will I know when my Late Breaking Abstract will be presented?
- Email notifications will be sent to submitters in Mid-March. At that time, submitters will be notified of their presentation date and time.
- Can I change my scheduled presentation date or time?
- No. Changes cannot be made to the schedule.
- If accepted, can a co-author present in place of the first author/submitter?
- Yes. A co-author may present in place of the first author/submitter. It is the responsibility of the first author/submitter to share details about their submission with the person presenting on their behalf. The person who presents the abstract will need to register for ATS 2026
Publication
- Will accepted Late Breaking Abstracts be published?
- Yes. Accepted Late Breaking Abstracts are published in the Online Abstract Issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM), available online at www.atsjournals.org in May 2026.
- Accepted abstracts will also be available in ATSConference365 and ATS Conference App as follows:
- ATSConference365 - April 2026*
- ATS Conference App – May 2026*
- Who has the copyright of an abstract presented at the conference?
- Authors retain copyright of their abstracts submitted/presented at the conference.
* subject to change