AWS Starr Research Forum Website Headers

Call for Abstracts: AWS Starr Research Forum

Abstract submissions are now open

AWS is excited to announce the expansion of the Starr Research Forum at the 2026 AWS Annual Conference in Washington, DC!

Due to growing interest in scientific content at the AWS conference, the planning committee is increasing the number of abstract presentation sessions from 2 to 6 this year. AWS members at all levels of training and practice are encouraged to submit their work, including students, residents, fellows, and—new this year—practicing surgeons. Join us in showcasing impactful research and advancing surgical scholarship across the AWS community.

AWS members may submit up to two abstracts for the AWS Starr Research Forum at the 2026 AWS Annual Conference. Abstracts are limited to 300 words and must have an Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusions, and supporting author information. Figures or tables will not be accepted and incomplete abstracts will not be considered. Please note that the review committee will not accept case reports and literature reviews.

The abstract submission deadline is 11:59PM EST on May 21, 2026. 

Abstracts presented at other conferences are allowed, except for abstracts that you plan to present at the ACS conference. You cannot send an abstract on a project that is published prior to the conference. If your abstract is accepted, you must register for the 2026 AWS Annual Conference and present your work in person during a designated scientific session at the conference on Friday, September 25.

Recognition and a monetary prize will be awarded for the top three medical student presentations and top three resident/fellow presentations ($250 for 1st, $150 for 2nd, and $100 for 3rd). The top student and resident/fellow presentation winners will also receive a ticket to the AWS Foundation Awards Dinner on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Submit an AWS Starr Research Forum Abstract 

Call for AWS Starr Research Abstract Reviewers

Applications are now open!

Assist AWS in selecting abstracts to be presented by students, residents, and fellows at the 2026 AWS Annual Conference. Reviewers are given approximately 10-15 abstracts and score them according to a predetermined rubric. Scores will be due in June. Apply by May 14 - must be an AWS member.

 AWS Starr Research Abstract Reviewer Application

 

Congrats to the 2025 AWS Starr Research Winners

 

  • Medical Students:
    • FIRST: Kathryn Radulovacki
    • SECOND: Joyce Zhuang
    • THIRD: Shraddha Pandey
  • Residents:
    • FIRST: Dr. Elizabeth M. Reynolds
    • SECOND: Dr. Carolina M. Larrain
    • THIRD: Dr. Sharon Joseph

Congratulations to the 2024 AWS Starr Research Winners

  • Student Winner: Catherine Nguyen, MS
    • Student Runner-Up: Miaoli Bloemhard
    • Student Runner-Up: Tenzing Lhama 
  • Resident Winner: Jasmine Lee, MD
    • Resident Runner-Up: Kylie Dickerson, MD
    • Resident Runner-Up: Cheryl K. Zogg, MD, PhD, MHS, MSPH