GLOW 2026: Call for Submissions
GLOW 2026 is delighted to invite submissions for oral, poster, creative, storytelling, and film presentations. We also invite proposals to lead one of six parallel sessions during the main programme.
We welcome contributions from researchers, midwives, nurses, community health workers, doulas, clinicians, policymakers, advocates, Non-Governmental Organisation representatives, and individuals with lived experience across global women, newborn, and reproductive health. GLOW 2026 is a space for the entire multidisciplinary team, from the labour ward and community clinic to the research laboratory and the policy office.
THEME: POWER
In keeping with the 2026 theme – POWER - we are looking for submissions that examine how political, social, economic, gendered and structural forces shape the health of women and newborns throughout their lives, and how power can be redistributed to advance equity and justice.
Scientific Abstracts
We invite submissions that contribute original findings, innovative approaches or theories emerging from sound methodological work across five themes. We are particularly interested in work that moves beyond ‘admiring the problem’ to fixing it.
Note on eligibility: We require submissions with preliminary or completed results and analysis. Abstracts stating that "results are forthcoming" will not be accepted. Both original work and recently published work (2025-26) are eligible, provided they align with the 2026 theme and have not been presented at a previous GLOW conference.
Thematic tracks
Please select the track(s) that best align with your research:
| Theme | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Theme 1: Power, equity, and structural determinants | Ethnicity, gender, class, disability, migration, and global/structural inequities. |
| Theme 2: Power, knowledge, and evidence | Data production, evidence-informed policy, mis/disinformation, and (mis)trust in systems. |
| Theme 3: Power in systems, clinical care, and financing | Clinical and professional hierarchies, respectful maternity care, provider–patient dynamics, financing and economic power, donors, out-of-pocket payments, and accountability. |
| Theme 4: Power, voice, and innovation | Co-production, lived experience, digital health/AI, and next-generation health leadership. |
| Theme 5: Power and other emerging topics | Other emerging topics in global women’s and newborn health in relation to ‘power’. |
Submission format: 300-word structured abstract.
Review and selection
All abstracts will undergo a double-blind peer review based on the following criteria:
| Criteria | What reviewers look for |
|---|---|
| Relevance to POWER | Does the work address equity, structural forces, or redistribution of power? |
| Methodological rigour | Is the approach (qualitative, quantitative, or QI) sound and clearly described? |
| Impact, significance and novelty | Does this offer a clear contribution to improving global women’s/newborn/reproductive health? Are there new insights? |
| Clarity and flow | Is the abstract well-written, structured, and within the 300-word limit? |
| PPI and EDI | Are Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) clearly embedded and valued? |
Based on the scientific committee’s scoring:
- Oral presentations: A selection of high-scoring abstracts will be awarded a speaking slot in the main programme.
- Poster presentations: All other accepted abstracts will be invited for physical or digital display.
Parallel Sessions
We invite proposals to design and lead one of six 60-minute parallel panel sessions. We welcome different formats that will facilitate interaction, peer-to-peer learning, and practical application of knowledge, including workshops, debates, world cafes, or role plays.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Maternal and perinatal health
- Stillbirth, bereavement, and compassionate care
- Neonatal care and family-led care
- Women’s cancers
Submission format: 500-word Abstract (session outline) including a list of confirmed or proposed speakers.
NB: Parallel session proposals will be reviewed based on thematic relevance, the diversity of the panel, and the plan for audience engagement. We strongly encourage panels that include representatives from the communities being discussed. Successful submitters will be responsible for coordinating their speakers and securing necessary funding.
Arts & Film
We invite creators and advocates to submit work that explores themes of power, justice, and lived experience across reproductive, maternal, newborn health, and stillbirths. Selected works will be displayed or screened on 15–16 October 2026.
A. Art & photography
We welcome temporary donations of artistic work for exhibition at the venue. Submissions may include paintings, illustrations, photography, and zine-inspired work. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept sculptural works.
Submission format: High-resolution image of the work and a 200-word artist statement on how it relates to conference themes.
B. Digital storytelling
We welcome short-form narratives that combine personal imagery or photography with a recorded voiceover. This format is ideal for sharing lived experiences, community-led projects, or "views from the frontline”.
Submission format: A 200-word "story statement" including how it relates to conference themes and a draft or final link to your 2–3 minute video.
C. GLOW 2026 Film Festival
The inaugural GLOW Film Festival will take place on 15 October 2026, 4:00–7:00pm and will feature curated screenings followed by panel discussions with filmmakers and invited experts.
We invite submissions for existing short films relevant to global women’s, newborn, child and reproductive health. Topic examples include power shaping gender-based violence, reproductive health choices, FGM, maternal mental health, baby loss and bereavement.
Film specifications
- Length: 5–15 minutes (edited excerpts from longer films are welcome)
- Remit: Fiction, non-fiction, animation, or live action
- Language: Any language (English subtitles required)
How do I get tickets to attend?
Attendance at the Film Festival is open to both conference delegates and the wider public. If you are not attending the GLOW 2026 conference, film-festival-only tickets will be available. Further details will be announced soon.
Submissions
scientific abstract
submit here |
parallel sessions
submit here |
Art and films
Submit Here |
Key Dates
Call for Abstracts & submissions open
5 March 2026
Submission deadline
30 April 2026
Notification of outcomes
June 2026
All deadlines are 23:59 (GMT) on the date listed.
