Call for Research Abstracts
UCalgary Breaking Barriers 2026
UCalgary Breaking Barriers 2026 encourages undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members, staff, and community members to share their research at our conference.
Important Dates
Topics of Interest
We welcome abstracts from all disciplines (e.g., law, sociology, geography, architecture kinesiology, art, health sciences, education, nursing, medicine, engineering) related to dis/ability, including but not limited to:
- Ability/disability, ableism, accessibility, and inclusion
- Lived experience of disability
- Health, rehabilitation, and mobility
- Education, policy, and social systems
- Technology, design, and accessibility
- Arts, humanities, and critical disability studies
- Community engaged/participatory researchengaged
- Intersectionality and disability justice
Abstract Review Process
All abstracts will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers from multiple disciplines. Abstracts will be evaluated for clarity, relevance to dis/ability, and accessibility to a broad audience.
Presentation and Registration Requirements
- Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to present their research in poster format at the event.
- The presenting author must register for the event in order to present.
- By submitting an abstract, authors indicate their understanding that accepted abstracts will be published on the event website.
Research Poster Judging
Research posters will be judged during the conference by a panel of reviewers from multiple disciplines.
To encourage academic growth, there will be awards of $200, $100, and $50 for the top 3 posters in each of the following categories: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Other (e.g. Post-Doctoral Fellows, Medical Residents, Clinicians, Faculty Members, Staff, Highly Qualified Personal, Community Members, etc.).
Abstract Format and Requirements
Abstract Format and Requirements
- Please use the following headings:
- Title – please include methodology if relevant
- Authors and Affiliations
- Please use First Name Middle Initial Last Name1
- Indicate Institution with a numeral followed by the Institution
- Presenting Author
- Primary Discipline
- Key Words – please list up to 5 relevant key words
- Abstract format:
- Maximum length: 300 words (excluding title, authors, and affiliations)
- Language: English
- Given the transdisciplinary nature of the conference, headings or paragraph form can be used at the discretion of the submitter
- Please write the abstract so that readers from different disciplines can understand the work. Avoid unnecessary jargon and define abbreviations.
- Please do not include any References, Figures, or Tables
Submission Process
Please submit your abstract here by Friday, April 17, 2026. If you have any difficulties with the process, please contact bettermobilitylab@ucalgary.ca. Please check back in March 2026 when registration opens.
Thank you for your interest in sharing your research with a broad audience.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ranita Manocha (Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary) and Dr. Sarah
Dobrowolski (Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta)