Overview
The Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC), through the Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training (CanNRT) Platform, is issuing a call for abstracts from trainees who wish to present their research at the Journée de la relève étudiante en recherche sur l’autisme et la neurodivergence.
Trainees whose proposals are accepted will present their work on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, as part of the 93rd Acfas Conference, held in person at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. View the program here.
Abstract submission deadline: February 6, 2026
The Trainee Research Day takes place within the Acfas Conference and brings together trainees, researchers, clinicians, and decision-makers from a wide range of disciplines.
The day is designed to offer a French-language, interdisciplinary space to:
- present ongoing or completed research projects
- foster discussion on the relationships between biomedical research, the social sciences and humanities, and social and health policies
- encourage dialogue and exchange between trainees and research and practice communities.
Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work, strengthen communication and leadership skills, and build connections with peers.
Presentations will be offered in three formats:
- Oral communication: 10 minutes, followed by a Q&A period
- Lightning talks: 3 minutes, followed by a Q&A period
- Poster presentations: A dynamic format designed to foster discussion
These formats aim to encourage a diversity of approaches and maximize interactions among participants.
Topics of interest
The research projects presented will reflect diverse approaches to autism and neurodivergence research. Presentations may address, but are not limited to:
- early identification and intervention
- mental health
- autonomy and social participation
- inclusion
- aging
The Trainee Research Day emphasizes the integration of different forms of knowledge and the real-world impact of research, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Who can apply
This call is open to all trainees at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels whose research focuses on autism and neurodivergence, regardless of discipline or approach (biomedical, social, educational, policy-related, or others).
Submission guidelines
Interested trainees are invited to submit a research abstract in French (maximum 1,500 characters, including spaces) including:
- the research question and objectives
- a brief description of the results, where applicable
- the potential impact of the research on the field of autism and neurodivergence
Applicants are encouraged to use neuroinclusive language that respects the diversity of individuals, paths, and experiences. In this regard, the terms “autistic individuals” or “Autistics” are preferred. As a reference, consult: Quels termes à utiliser pour aborder l’autisme et les réalités des a/Autistes? (in French)
Submissions will be reviewed by a scientific committee composed of TACC researcher and trainee members.
How to submit
Click the button below to complete the abstract submission form by February 6, 2026.
Questions?
Contact: Ellie-Anna Minogianis
Training Program Manager, CanNRT
cannrt@mcgill.ca