AYRI 2025 Call for Abstracts

Abstract Structure

Abstracts must be submitted in English and should be written to an academic standard. We ask that abstracts be limited to 300 words or less, and structured using the following headings:

•  Title: The abstract title should be less than 12 words, concise, informative, and capture attention quickly.
• Introduction/Background: The abstract should clearly establish the importance of the research topic.
• Aims: The abstract should clearly state the research objective and/or the questions that are being asked.
• Methodology: The abstract should clearly describe the study design, for example the setting, methods, participants, intervention, study instruments, etc. (note: not all of these may be relevant for your abstract).
• Results: The abstract should clearly describe the key findings of the project, or alternatively, describe progress towards findings for projects that are still underway.
• Conclusion: The abstract should clearly describe the implications of key findings and the translation of these findings into practice.

 The AYRI 2025 abstract submission template can be downloaded here.

 Presentation Format

Please ensure you have indicated which presentation option you prefer in the abstract submission form. While we will do our best to accommodate your choice, we may shift abstracts into other presentation formats depending on reviewer feedback, programming, and schedule.

 Individual/group oral presentation (15min presentation + 5min question time)

• Lightning oral presentation (5min presentation + 5min questions time)
• Facilitated poster session (A0 size in portrait orientation)

Abstract Review and Acceptance

Submitted abstracts will be reviewed by the AYRI 2025 Scientific Committee and will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Originality
• Clarity and conciseness
• Appropriateness for the selected abstract topic
• Relevance of findings and conclusions
• Contribution to the evidence and/or knowledge base for health equity in rural and remote geographies

 The AYRI 2025 Scientific Committee will notify presenters of accepted abstracts via the nominated presenter email listed in the submitted form by 09/05/2025. Only successful submissions will receive the acceptance notification and instructions regarding the preparation and submission of their presentation for the conference.

This theme aims to foster a respectful exchange of knowledge, promote culturally safe practices, and showcase research, strategies, and policies that contribute meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We invite diverse perspectives across all sectors including academia, community organizations, healthcare providers, and government bodies. We especially encourage contributions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates.

 For example:

• Culturally Safe Health Practices: Research and initiatives that promote culturally safe healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Social Determinants of Health: Examining the impact of social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities.
• Traditional Knowledge and Healing: The role of Indigenous traditional knowledge, healing practices, and cultural frameworks in improving health outcomes.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Addressing the mental health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a focus on culturally relevant approaches and services.
• Community-Led Initiatives: Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through research leadership, community-driven health programs, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Health Equity: Addressing and overcoming health inequities and barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare services and resources.

This theme aims to explore innovative approaches, strategies, and best practices that prioritize the active involvement of communities in health research, enhancing both the relevance, impact, and translation of research findings. We invite researchers, practitioners, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates to submit abstracts that demonstrate how health research can be more inclusive, collaborative, and community driven.

 For example:

• Community-led research initiatives: Approaches that empower communities to drive the health research agendas and priorities.
• Inclusive and equitable research practices: Strategies for engaging diverse populations, including marginalized and underserved communities.
• Partnerships and collaborations: Best practices in building sustainable and respectful partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers, and communities.
• Capacity building: Programs aimed at developing the skills and knowledge of community members to actively participate in health research processes.
• Health advocacy and policy: How community involvement in health research can inform and shape health policy and interventions.

This theme aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals and communities living in rural and remote areas, where access to healthcare, resources, and services is often limited. Our goal is to explore innovative solutions, policy approaches, and research findings aimed at reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes in rural and remote geographies. We invite researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates from all disciplines and sectors, including public health, rural healthcare, social sciences, education, and community organizations. Special consideration will be given to submissions that include the perspectives of rural and remote community members.

 For example:

• Access to Healthcare in Rural and Remote Areas: Exploring the barriers and strategies to improve healthcare access, including telehealth, mobile clinics, and workforce recruitment and retention.
• Social Determinants of Health: Understanding the impact of socio-economic factors such as education, employment, transportation, and housing on health outcomes in rural and remote communities.
• Culturally Responsive Health Services: The importance of delivering healthcare that is responsive to the cultural needs of rural populations, including Indigenous communities, migrant groups, and other culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Addressing the mental health challenges faced by rural and remote populations, with a focus on stigma reduction, prevention, and access to mental health services.
• Community-Led Health Solutions: Highlighting successful community-driven health initiatives that have addressed local needs and contributed to improving health outcomes in rural and remote geographies.
• Public Health Policy and Advocacy: Developing effective health policies and advocacy strategies to address systemic health inequities in rural and remote areas.
• Resilience and Sustainability in Rural Healthcare: Investigating how rural healthcare systems can become more resilient and sustainable in the face of changing population dynamics, climate change, and economic pressures.

This theme aims to explore the unique health workforce challenges faced by rural and remote communities including workforce shortages, high turnover rates, and the need for culturally competent care. Our goal is to bring together healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore innovative approaches to building a sustainable, well-equipped health workforce that can meet the diverse needs of rural and remote populations, including research, strategies, and initiatives to enhance the recruitment, retention, and professional development of the health workforce in rural and remote areas.

 For example:

• Recruitment Strategies: Effective methods for attracting healthcare professionals to rural and remote areas, including incentives, targeted programs, and career pathways.
• Retention and Job Satisfaction: Approaches to reducing burnout and turnover, fostering job satisfaction, and ensuring long-term career growth for health professionals in rural settings.
• Training and Education: Innovative educational models and programs, including rural clinical placements, to prepare healthcare students and professionals for the unique challenges of rural and remote healthcare delivery
• Culturally Competent Care: Building a workforce that is equipped to provide culturally appropriate care, especially for Indigenous and other culturally diverse communities in rural and remote areas.
• Collaboration and Team-Based Care: The role of interdisciplinary teams and collaborative care models in addressing workforce challenges and improving patient outcomes.
• Technology and Innovation: Leveraging technology, telemedicine, and digital tools to support the rural health workforce, improve service delivery, and reduce geographic barriers.
• Policy and Funding: The role of policy, funding, and governmental support in strengthening the rural health workforce, including the development of workforce strategies and sustainable funding models.

This theme aims to explore and celebrate innovative approaches to healthcare and service delivery to overcome the unique challenges faced by rural and remote communities, such as limited access to services, workforce shortages, and geographical barriers. Our goal is to showcase new models, strategies, and practices that improve the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of health services in rural and

remote geographies. We encourage submissions from all sectors, including healthcare, community organizations, policy makers, researchers, and educators to present innovative, creative, and practical solutions that can be implemented in rural and remote settings.

 For example:

• Telehealth and Digital Health: Exploring the use of telemedicine, telehealth platforms, and digital health technologies to enhance service delivery, reduce travel burdens, and improve access to specialized care in rural and remote areas.

• Mobile and Outreach Services: Innovative mobile clinics, outreach programs, and community-based service models that bring healthcare and other essential services to remote populations.
• Integrated and Collaborative Care Models: The benefits of interdisciplinary, team-based care in rural settings, with a focus on collaboration between healthcare workers, social services, and community organizations.
• Culturally Safe and Responsive Practices: Approaches that respect and integrate the cultural needs and values of rural and remote communities, including Indigenous populations, into service delivery and practice.
• Health Promotion and Prevention: Strategies for promoting health and preventing disease in rural communities, with an emphasis on tailored interventions that address local needs and risks.
• Workforce Solutions and Training: New approaches to training and retaining the rural healthcare workforce, including the use of technology, rural practice placements, and professional development programs.
• Policy and Systems Innovation: Advancements in policy and service delivery models that address the specific needs of rural and remote populations, ensuring long-term sustainability and equity in healthcare access.