The opportunity to present research at a global congress is a milestone in any professional or researcher’s career. However, with the deadline for the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (3rd WCTCIM) approaching on July 15, the process can raise questions ranging from accepted formats to deadlines and payment requirements. For those interested, these issues are crucial, as a successful submission is the first step toward sharing knowledge on a worldwide platform.

With the deadline nearing, understanding the rules is essential. This guide is structured in a question-and-answer format to clarify points about abstract submission, offering a clear path for participants.

The relevance of the 3rd WCTCIM is amplified by its deep connection to major global initiatives in the sector. The event is aligned with the launch of the new World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy for 2025-2034, establishing itself as a central stage for debates that will shape the future of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). The publication of the proceedings in a special supplement of Frontiers in Public Health, a high-impact journal, ensures that the presented research achieves broad visibility and scientific rigor.

To guide researchers, the congress is structured around six thematic axes, covering everything from the diversity of TCIM modalities to their integration into health systems, contributions to public health, application across the life course, professional education, and synergy with planetary health. This structure guarantees a comprehensive program focused on the current challenges and opportunities in the field.

First Steps – Eligibility and Modalities

1. What exactly is an “abstract”? Do I need to write a full paper?

No, you do not need to write a full paper. The abstract is a short text that summarizes the main points of your work: objective, methodology, results, and conclusion. It allows evaluators to understand your research or experience clearly.

2. Who can submit a paper? Do I need a master’s or PhD degree?

Absolutely not. The congress is open to students, health professionals, managers, therapists, and community leaders. The most important thing is the quality and relevance of your work, not your academic title.

3. What are the submission categories?

The congress accepts submissions in three main categories: Research, Case Report, and Experience Report. Additionally, it is possible to submit proposals for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Activity Proposals (such as workshops or roundtables).

4. What is the difference between a Case Report and an Experience Report?

A Case Report follows a formal structure to describe a clinical case in detail. An Experience Report, on the other hand, describes a practice, program, or intervention in public health, focusing on the process and lessons learned.

5. Can I submit a paper that has already been published or presented at another congress?

No. Submitted works must be original, meaning they cannot have been published in scientific journals or presented at other major events.

6. Can I present a new product, service, or course from my company?

No. The congress is a scientific event. Presentations must focus on research, case reports, or health experiences and cannot be commercial in nature. Promotional opportunities are available in the sponsors and exhibitors area.

Preparing the Abstract – Technical and Formatting Rules

7. What is the official language for submitting and presenting the work? Can I use Portuguese (the local language)?

No. The only language accepted in all phases of the congress is English. This means the abstract must be written in English, and the presentation (whether oral, poster, or video) must also be delivered in English. Works submitted or presented in Portuguese or any other language will not be considered for evaluation.

8. What is the word limit for abstracts?

For Research and Case Reports, the limit is 250 to 500 words. For Experience Reports, the maximum is 1000 words. The system will not accept submissions that exceed these limits.

9. Do I need to indicate approval from a Research Ethics Committee (REC)?

Yes, for research involving human or animal subjects, it is mandatory to indicate approval from the corresponding ethics committee on the submission form.

10. Is it allowed to include tables, graphs, or images in the body of the abstract?

No. The submission platform only accepts text. Results from tables and graphs must be described textually. Visual elements can be used in your final presentation (poster or slides).

11. How many papers can I submit? And how many co-authors can I include?

Each participant can submit up to two abstracts as the main author. There is no limit to the number of co-authors on a single paper.

Submission and Evaluation

12. What is the final submission deadline? Are there any exceptions if I miss it?

The final, non-extendable deadline is July 15, 2025. To ensure a fair process, there will be no exceptions or waiting lists.

13. How do I submit my work? Can I send it by email?

Submissions must be made exclusively through the congress’s online platform. Abstracts sent by email or any other means will not be considered.

14. Can I edit my abstract after submitting it?

No. The platform does not allow changes after the submission is finalized. Please review all material carefully before submitting.

15. Who is responsible for evaluating the abstracts?

The evaluation is conducted by a robust international Scientific Committee, composed of renowned experts from the six WHO regions, ensuring a qualified and impartial peer review.

16. What does the “deadline for requested corrections” mean?

After the initial evaluation, the committee may request minor adjustments for the abstract to meet the required quality standard. The deadline to resubmit the revised version is June 30, 2025.

17. When will the final results be announced, and how will I know the presentation format?

The final results will be announced on July 30, 2025. The notification will inform you if your work has been accepted and what the presentation format will be (oral or poster), as determined by the Scientific Committee.

Registration and Costs

18. Do I need to pay the registration fee before submitting my abstract?

No. Submission can be done with only the main author’s registration on the platform, without immediate payment required.

19. If my abstract is accepted, what is the deadline to pay the registration fee?

The author responsible for presenting the work must complete the registration payment by August 18, 2025, to ensure inclusion in the program and publication.

20. Are there registration discounts? And does the congress offer scholarships?

There is no specific discount for presenters, but the event offers discounts for members of partner organizations, for groups, and different rates based on country. The congress does not have a scholarship or travel grant program.

21. Does the registration fee cover the costs of publishing the proceedings in the Frontiers journal?

Yes. For Research and Case Report abstracts, the registration fee paid by the presenting author covers all costs of publication in the journal’s special supplement.

22. What is the registration cancellation policy if I can no longer attend?

The full policy, with deadlines and conditions for reimbursement, is detailed on the ‘Registration’ page of the official congress website. Direct consultation is recommended to understand all the rules.

Publication of Proceedings

23. Where will the abstracts be published?

Research and Case Report abstracts will be published in a special supplement of the journal Frontiers in Public Health. Experience Reports will also be disseminated in video format on the IdeiaSUS platform, by Fiocruz.

24. Does publication in Frontiers prevent me from publishing my full paper in another journal?

No, not at all. Publishing an abstract in congress proceedings does not prevent you from submitting the full, detailed article for publication in any other scientific journal.

25. What will be the Impact Factor (IF) or Qualis of the congress supplement?

Congress supplements inherit the reputation and indexing of the Frontiers in Public Health journal, which has high international recognition. This ensures broad visibility for your work.

Presentation Questions

26. When will I know the date and time of my presentation? Can I choose?

The detailed schedule will be released in the final scientific program, which will be announced after the approval of submitted abstracts is complete.

27. What are the specifications for the Experience Report video?

After the abstract is approved, authors in this category will receive a complete guide with technical specifications, including maximum duration, file format, caption guidelines, and the submission deadline.

28. Will there be an option for remote (online) presentation?

The 3rd WCTCIM is planned as a primarily in-person event. Currently, there is no provision for a hybrid format or remote presentations. Please follow official announcements for any updates.

29. If something unexpected happens, can a co-author present in my place?

Yes, as long as the person who will present in your place is properly registered and has their registration payment confirmed at the congress.

30. Who receives a certificate?

All registered participants who attend the event receive a certificate of participation. For the papers, the certificate of presentation and publication is issued with the names of all authors and co-authors listed in the abstract.

With the launch of the new WHO Strategy for TCIM, the world is preparing for a decade of advancements. The 3rd WCTCIM will be the epicenter of this debate, and your research can be part of this transformation.

Take advantage of the final stretch to share your contribution. Submit your abstract and join the world’s leading experts to strengthen global public health.

Don’t miss the deadline!