Single Topic Symposium (STS) Proposal Guidelines
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
Click here to complete submission
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR APPLICATION
Purpose of NASPGHAN Single Topic Symposia
The goal of the NASPGHAN Single Topic Symposium (STS) program is to bring together experts in a focused area of pediatric gastroenterology to:
- Share emerging research and scientific advances
- Foster collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships
- Develop new research initiatives and agendas
- Provide high-quality educational programming on a timely topic
- Each symposium should align with NASPGHAN's mission to be a world leader in research, education, clinical practice, and advocacy for pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition.
Characteristics of a Successful STS
Successful proposals typically:
- Address an important and timely topic within the specialty
- Appeal to a broad segment of NASPGHAN members
- Include diverse expert perspectives and multidisciplinary collaboration
- Advance research, clinical practice, or education
- Provide opportunities for trainee and early-career investigator participation
- Include speakers that represent the full breadth of NASPGHAN membership with intentional selections which include diversity in geographic location, institution, program, gender, race, ethnicity etc
Most Single Topic Symposia are:
- Proposed by a NASPGHAN Committee, or Special Interest Group with approval from their Committee
- Held in conjunction with the NASPGHAN Annual Meeting
- Presented the day before the Postgraduate Course and Annual Meeting
A typical STS includes:
- Invited expert lectures
- Young investigator abstract presentations
- When appropriate they can also include:
- Small-group breakout sessions
- Hands-on or interactive educational sessions
Administrative oversight is provided by the NASPGHAN Executive Council, led by the President and President-Elect (Annual Meeting Program Chair), with planning conducted by the STS Organizing Committee and NASPGHAN Staff. Speaker recommendations are solicited from leaders within NASPGHAN and related disciplines.
NASPGHAN encourages dissemination of symposium outcomes through publication in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (JPGN) and posting educational materials on the NASPGHAN website whenever appropriate.
Application Process
Eligible proposals are generally submitted by NASPGHAN Committees or Special Interest Groups with approval of the Committee to which they report.
Applications should clearly describe:
- The proposed symposium topic
- Educational objectives
- Scientific significance
- Proposed speakers and planning committee
- Intended audience
- Preliminary program structure
- Potential funding strategy
Proposal Review Criteria
Applications are reviewed by NASPGHAN Council together with leadership from the Professional Education, Research, and Clinical Practice Committees.
Reviewers evaluate proposals using a weighted scoring rubric that considers:
- Relevance to the subspecialty
- Broad member interest and anticipated attendance
- Timeliness and need for the topic
- Innovation and potential impact
- Speakers list represents the full breadth of NASPGHAN membership with intentional selections which include diversity in geographic location, institution, program, gender, race, ethnicity etc
- Budget feasibility
- Collaboration and interdisciplinary appeal
- Academic and career development value
Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
| July 1 | Request for Applications distributed to NASPGHAN members |
| July 31 | Proposal submission deadline |
| August | Proposal review by Council and committee leadership |
| September | Selected STS announced |
| October/November | Planning meeting with NASPGHAN leadership and discussion of funding opportunities |
| November | NIH R13 Letter of Intent due (Cycle III) |
| December | NIH R13 application due |
| January | Organizing Committee presents proposed program to the Annual Meeting Planning Committee |
| October/November (following year) | STS held immediately prior to the Postgraduate Course and Annual Meeting |
Expectations Following Approval
Following selection, the Organizing Committee is expected to:
- Work closely with NASPGHAN leadership/Planning Committee to finalize the scientific program.
- Ensure planning reflects NASPGHAN's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including consideration of participation to include diversity in geographic location, institution, program, gender, race, ethnicity etc.
- Provide appropriate information to NASPGHAN Staff so they can pursue appropriate external conference funding
- Share symposium outcomes through publications and educational resources whenever possible.
Funding Opportunities
Organizing Committees are expected to work with NASPGHAN Staff to pursue external support for approved symposia.
Potential funding mechanisms include:
- NIH R13 Conference Grants
- FDA
- USDA
- CDC
- Department of Defense (DoD)
Please note all appropriate conference funding opportunities should be coordinated with NASPGHAN Staff as NASPGHAN will ultimately be financially responsible for the event.
For NIH R13 applications specifically:
- A Letter of Intent must be submitted to NIH during the year prior to the conference.
- The full R13 application follows according to the NIH submission schedule
