The Definitive Guide To RSNA 2026 Abstract Submission: Dates, Deadlines, And Expert Strategies For Acceptance
As December 2025 draws to a close, the global radiology community is already shifting its focus from the recently concluded RSNA 2025 meeting to the biggest event on the 2026 calendar: the RSNA Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago. The submission window for the next cycle is fast approaching, marking the critical first step for researchers, residents, and clinicians aiming to debut their work on the world's largest medical imaging stage. This comprehensive guide provides the freshest, most critical information—including the official dates for the RSNA 2026 abstract submission period—to help you prepare your breakthrough research for the November 2026 conference.
The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting is the premier venue for showcasing innovation in radiology, attracting tens of thousands of attendees to the expansive McCormick Place convention center. Securing an oral presentation or an educational exhibit slot requires meticulous planning and adherence to strict deadlines. With the official abstract submission period for RSNA 2026 confirmed, now is the time to finalize your data, polish your findings, and strategically position your submission for a high-scoring review.
RSNA 2026 Abstract Submission: The Essential Timeline and Key Facts
For those targeting the RSNA 2026 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL, USA, this timeline is your most valuable resource. Missing the submission deadline is non-negotiable, as the RSNA only accepts online submissions through their dedicated portal.
- Event Name: RSNA 2026 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting.
- Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- Meeting Dates: Sunday, November 29, to Thursday, December 3, 2026.
- Abstract Submission Portal Opens: Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- Abstract Submission Deadline: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CT (Central Time). This deadline is absolute.
- Reviewer Sign-up Deadline: January 14, 2026. (A critical date for faculty and senior researchers interested in shaping the program).
- Review Period: Submissions are typically reviewed between late May and early June 2026 (e.g., May 21–June 10, 2026).
- Notification of Acceptance: Authors are usually notified in late August or early September 2026.
Submitting your abstract online through the official RSNA abstract submission site is the only accepted method. The organization explicitly states that no fax copies, email submissions, or late entries will be considered, underscoring the importance of adhering to the May 6, 2026 deadline.
Navigating the Abstract Categories: Where Does Your Research Fit?
The RSNA encourages "bold, innovative abstract submissions" across the entire spectrum of medical imaging. Understanding the primary submission types and categories is crucial for directing your work to the appropriate reviewers and maximizing your chances of acceptance and presentation. The two overarching types are Scientific Abstracts and Educational Exhibits.
Scientific Abstracts (Original Research)
These submissions focus on original, unpublished research and are highly competitive. They are typically presented as Oral Scientific Presentations or Digital Scientific Posters. Key areas of focus include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Submissions detailing new algorithms, clinical validation of AI tools, or the integration of deep learning models into clinical workflow. This is a continuously expanding and high-interest area.
- Clinical Radiology: Covering all subspecialties, including Breast Imaging, Neuroradiology, Musculoskeletal (MSK) Imaging, Pediatric Radiology, Interventional Radiology (IR), and Thoracic Imaging.
- Imaging Informatics: Research on PACS, RIS, electronic health records (EHR), data security, and the optimization of radiology IT systems.
- Physics and Dosimetry: Technical advancements in imaging modalities like CT, MRI, PET, and Ultrasound, focusing on image quality, dose reduction, and new hardware development.
- Translational Research: Bridging the gap between basic science and clinical application, often involving molecular imaging or novel contrast agents.
Educational Exhibits (Teaching and Review)
Educational exhibits are focused on teaching a specific topic, reviewing a disease process, or illustrating imaging findings. They are typically presented as Digital Educational Exhibits. These submissions are perfect for:
- Case Series and Review Articles: Presenting a comprehensive overview of rare conditions or a detailed review of common imaging pitfalls.
- Technique and Protocol Guides: Step-by-step instructions for new imaging techniques or optimization of existing protocols.
- Quality and Safety Initiatives: Work related to patient safety, contrast media protocols, or quality improvement (QI) projects within a radiology department.
- Global Health and Education: Submissions focused on improving radiology education or access to imaging in underserved populations.
Ensure your abstract title and content align perfectly with the chosen category. Misclassification is a common reason for a lower review score.
7 Expert Strategies to Guarantee Your RSNA 2026 Acceptance
The competition for a slot at the RSNA Annual Meeting is intense. A successful submission requires more than just good data; it demands clarity, adherence to guidelines, and a strategic approach. Use these seven expert tips to significantly increase your abstract’s acceptance probability.
1. Master the Structure: The IMRaD Format
All scientific abstracts must strictly follow the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRaD) format. A clear, concise structure allows reviewers to quickly grasp the hypothesis, execution, findings, and conclusion of your study. Ensure your conclusion directly answers the question posed in your introduction. Do not use generic phrases; be specific about your primary outcome measure.
2. Adhere to the Word Count and Character Limits
RSNA enforces strict character limits (typically around 2,500 characters, including spaces, for the body). Exceeding these limits will result in automatic rejection or truncation. Write your abstract in a separate document first, then meticulously edit it down to the required length before uploading it to the submission program. Focus on the core findings and the clinical relevance.
3. Emphasize Novelty and Clinical Impact
Reviewers are looking for research that is "bold" and "innovative." Clearly articulate what is new about your study and why it matters to the practicing radiologist or the future of medical imaging. Is your work a first-in-human trial? Does it validate a new AI model? Does it significantly reduce patient dose? Highlight this impact in your Introduction and Conclusion sections.
4. Choose the Perfect Presentation Type
The RSNA submission site allows authors to select their preferred presentation type (Oral, Poster, or Exhibit). If your data is highly technical and benefits from live Q&A, target an Oral Presentation. If your work is visually rich and best suited for self-paced learning, select a Digital Educational Exhibit. Be realistic; a high-quality Educational Exhibit has a better chance of acceptance than a borderline Scientific Abstract.
5. Secure Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval Early
For any research involving human subjects, you must have the necessary Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee approval documentation ready. While you may not upload the full document, you must confirm its status during the submission process. Lack of proper ethical oversight is an immediate disqualifier.
6. The Crucial Role of Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
High-scoring RSNA abstracts often reflect multi-disciplinary teamwork. Include co-authors from different specialties, such as clinical physicians, physicists, data scientists, or surgical colleagues. For example, a study on lung cancer screening should include a radiologist, a pulmonologist, and a biostatistician. This signals robust methodology and broad clinical relevance.
7. Focus on the Figures and Tables
While the abstract body is text-only, the quality of your accompanying figures (for the final presentation) is paramount. Even at the abstract stage, ensure your data is clean, statistically sound, and ready to be visualized. A well-designed graph or a high-resolution imaging example can make the difference between a high-scoring Scientific Abstract and a rejection.
The RSNA 2026 Scientific Assembly promises to be a landmark event for advancements in radiology, particularly in areas like quantitative imaging, molecular imaging, and the integration of AI. By starting your preparation now—well ahead of the February 18, 2026, submission opening—and meticulously following these guidelines, you position yourself perfectly to contribute to the global discourse on medical imaging at McCormick Place.
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