Scope:

We welcome abstract submissions related to all aspects of infectious diseases affecting reptiles or amphibians. Possible presentation topics include, but are not limited to: diagnostics, disease ecology, disease management, disease surveillance, epidemiology, immune defenses, novel pathogens, pathogen and/or host evolution, pathogenesis/ pathology, pathogen genetics/replication, policy/human dimension, risk analyses, stressors, and trade. Presentations about pathogens known to have impacts on wild populations are encouraged.

Pledge: The 2026 GARD Conference Scientific Committee will provide a collaborative, inclusive and engaging environment for participants.

Presentation Format:

GARD presentation formats will include oral presentations (5 or 15 minutes) and posters. Please indicate your preferred presentation format (5 minute-oral, 15 minute-oral, or poster presentation) during abstract submission. The Scientific Committee will attempt to meet preferred presentation requests, while also creating a well-balanced conference program. As such, we would like to thank all presenters in advance for being accommodating of abstract selection and apologize to those who may not be offered their first choice of presentation format. Presentations can be delivered in-person or virtually.

Virtual Presentations: Virtual presenters will be given the opportunity to present in real-time during the GARD proceedings (if desired) but will also be asked to provide a pre-recorded version of their talk, as backup. All virtual presenters will be expected to participate in a live Q+A session after their talks. Captioning in English will be available during talks.

Presentation Topic Categories:

During submission, you will be prompted to select from one of the four categories below, which best describes the content of your Abstract.

1. Disease Ecology, Disease Management, Disease Surveillance, Epidemiology
2. Immune Defenses, Novel Pathogens, Pathogen and/or Host Evolution, Pathogenesis/Pathology, Pathogen Genetics/Replication
3. Diagnostics, Policy/Human Dimensions, Risk Analyses, Trade, Stressors
4. Other (you will be asked to indicate)

Abstract Guidelines:

Please adhere to the following guidelines when submitting your abstract. Abstracts that do not follow the guidelines may not be considered. 

1. Please use the 2026 GARD Abstract Template (.docx) that is provided here. Your abstract should be uploaded as a .docx or a .doc file, not as a PDF.
2. Please label the Abstract file name using this format: surname, first name initial, and presentation category, based on the above numbered options:     
        e.g., Brando_M_2
3. Only submit one abstract (200-word limit) as the first author (i.e., each presenter can only present one talk). The first author is expected to present during the conference.
4. Use plain English language to clearly communicate what your talk will be about (research/policy question, approach, results, implications).
5. During abstract submission (in the online portal):

• Indicate your first preference for presentation format (poster, 5-min talk or 15-min talk). Also, indicate if you intend to present virtually or in-person.
• Indicate if you are a student or early career professional.
• Indicate if your results are published, in review or unpublished. Preference will be given to in-review and unpublished results.
• Indicate if you are willing for your presentation to be recorded for: (a) sharing with online participants in disparate time zones that can’t attend in real-time, and (b) publicly after the conference. Your response will not affect whether your abstract is accepted.
• Indicate if you require any additional support (travel or logistical). Please note that preference will be given to travel support requests from people traveling from outside of the United States.

Abstract Submission:

Abstracts must be uploaded using the 2026 GARD Abstract Submission portal, which is located below: