The ISMRM AFRICAN CHAPTER invites abstract submissions for presentation at the 2024 JOINT TANZANIAN NEURORADIOLOGY & 2ND ISMRM AFRICAN CHAPTER CONFERENCE, 19-20 September 2024, in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania.
It is imperative that all submissions contain new, previously unpublished material. All abstracts must be submitted electronically via the ISMRM African Chapter website.
During the abstract submission process, you will be given the opportunity to rank your preferred presentation format, including oral presentation, and traditional paper posters. The ISMRM AFRICAN CHAPTER organizing committee will do their best to accommodate your preferences.
Acceptance notices are emailed in July. Detailed design and presentation guidelines will be available on this website after acceptance notices are sent.
THEME
The 2024 JOINT TANZANIAN NEURORADIOLOGY & 2ND ISMRM AFRICAN CHAPTER CONFERENCE is themed as;
“Health Insights Through Medical Imaging Innovations”
This theme highlights the crucial role of innovations and technology in advancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, X-Ray and Computed Tomography imaging modalities. It underscores the transformative potential of cutting-edge imaging innovations in providing valuable insights into the diverse patient population, enabling early detection, accurate diagnosis, effective and precise treatment strategies.
In many regions of Africa, access to high-quality healthcare services and diagnostic tools is limited, contributing to significant health disparities. However, advancements in imaging the various imaging modality technologies, offer promising solutions to address these challenges.
Through this theme, the conference aims to showcase the latest developments in imaging technologies and their applications in diverse healthcare contexts of Africa. It provides a platform for researchers, clinicians, engineers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative approaches to leveraging imaging for improved health outcomes across the continent.
SUB-THEMES
SUBTHEME 1: MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICE DESIGN AND INNOVATIONS
This explores various engineering advancements aimed at transforming healthcare delivery and how innovative device design and technological breakthroughs have revolutionized medical imaging, making it more efficient, accessible, and affordable in Africa.
It delves into examples such as the development of portable imaging modalities, low-cost imaging solutions for rural areas, and the integration of artificial intelligence for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. These innovations not only improve imaging quality but also address challenges related to accessibility and cost-effectiveness, ultimately contributing to better healthcare outcomes across Africa.
SUBTHEME 2: AI AND MACHINE LEARNNING IN MEDICAL IMAGING
This theme underscores the integration and transformative role of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in the development of innovative medical imaging devices and overall, revolutionizing medical imaging. This includes leveraging AI algorithms such as AI-driven image enhancement algorithms, predictive analytics for early disease detection, and personalized treatment planning based on patient-specific data. By harnessing the power of AI, researchers and engineers are revolutionizing medical imaging design to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize workflow efficiency, and ultimately enhance patient care in diverse healthcare settings across Africa.
SUBTHEME 3: IMPROVING HEALTHACRE WITH MEDICAL IMAGING
This theme focuses on innovative strategies and advancements in medical imaging technologies aimed at addressing healthcare challenges, such as limited access to diagnostic tools and disparities in healthcare delivery. Solutions lead to enhancing the accessibility, accuracy, and effectiveness of medical imaging in diagnosing, treating, and managing various health conditions. Examples include the development of portable and cost-effective imaging solutions for underserved areas, the integration of advanced imaging modalities with point-of-care diagnostics, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to streamline image interpretation and facilitate personalized medicine approaches.
SUBTHEME 4: ADVANCING UNDERSTANDING OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
This explores a multitude of innovative approaches in medical imaging modalities in deepening our comprehension of health and disease dynamics across the continent. It highlights the pivotal role cutting-edge research and innovative applications of imaging technologies aimed at unravelling the complexities of various health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and neurological disorders. It also includes leveraging medical imaging techniques to elucidate the pathophysiology of prevalent disease mechanisms, characterize disease progression, and identify biomarkers for early detection and intervention.
SUBTHEME 5: MULTIMODAL IMAGING
This explores a wide array of applications and the integration of various imaging modalities to provide comprehensive insights into health conditions and diseases prevalent across the continent. This captures the synergistic combination of techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging MRI with functional imaging techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study brain connectivity and neural activity patterns in neurological disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. It includes computed tomography (CT), x-ray, and ultrasound to enhance diagnostic accuracy, characterization, and treatment planning. It accounts for techniques like the utilization of hybrid imaging systems for oncological imaging, neuroimaging, cardiovascular imaging, and musculoskeletal imaging to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of complex diseases.
SUBTHEME 6: MEDICAL IMAGING ACCESSIBILITY
This showcases a range of initiatives and efforts to improve access to advanced medical imaging technologies and services across the continent. It focuses on addressing the disparities in healthcare access by developing innovative strategies and solutions to make imaging services more available and affordable, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
This includes the development of portable and cost-effective imaging devices that require minimal infrastructure, such as portable ultrasound devices and smartphone-based diagnostic tools, to bring imaging capabilities to remote and resource-limited areas. Furthermore, the establishment of mobile imaging clinics to reach rural communities, and the utilization of telemedicine and remote imaging services to extend healthcare access beyond traditional healthcare facilities. Additionally, the conference explores policy initiatives, capacity-building efforts, and public-private partnerships aimed at enhancing infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and increasing public awareness to ensure equitable access to medical imaging services throughout Africa.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Suggested Abstract Format Guidelines
We recommend including the following sections, although we also note that there are often good reasons to deviate from this format. In each section, answer the question listed below (do not repeat the actual question in the body of your abstract).
1. Synopsis (not more than 100 words):
Each abstract is accompanied by a 100-word synopsis with structured sections. It should be written in simple, clear language, at a higher level than the main abstract, to be broadly understandable to members who may not be in your direct field. The synopsis must include text only, without equations or images, and be without references or citations to items described in the full abstract. We suggest the use of abstract keywords in the synopsis to improve the searchability of your abstract after publication.
The synopsis should be entered in the following sections, with a 100-word limit applied to total of the 4 sections:
1.1. Motivation: State specifically what motivates the research study, for example what new knowledge is being sought, what specific step in a clinical problem your research is addressing, and/or for what reason some technical development is needed.
1.2. Goal(s): The goal of this particular study. What specific question is being asked, what technical goal or specific advancement in capability is being sought?
1.3. Approach: The overall approach taken to address the goal, such as the study design to test a hypothesis or type of methodology to advance imaging tools. May include animal model, clinical trial, technology development, or other.
1.4. Results: Core results of the study that show how well you achieved the goals. Note that the “Impact” section will appear below the synopsis when printed, so you do not need to duplicate text from the “Impact” section here.
2. Keywords: Include utmost four keywords about your study.
3. Main Body (not more than 750 words): Suggested headings: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion & Conclusion
3.1. Introduction: “Why was this study/research performed? What unsolved problem are you addressing?”
3.2. Methods: “How did you study this problem?”
3.3. Results: “Report the data, analyses and/or outcomes”
3.4. Discussion: “How do you interpret the results?”
3.5. Conclusion: “What is the relevance to clinical practice or future research?
Word Limits:
The following word limits will apply:
- Title: 125 characters
- Synopsis: 100 words max (combined 4 sections)
- Key Words: at most four key words.
- Body of the Abstract: 750 words (references not included)
Further Information
Abstract Content Guidelines
Bias: The content may not promote the proprietary interests of any commercial entity. Evident bias in favour of a particular product or company is grounds for rejection. (Reference to the use of a particular company’s products or equipment does not represent bias. Non-data-driven statements of superiority, however, would be considered biased.)
Content must be restricted to scientific, engineering, and clinical studies, as well as industry issues and operation of devices.
Product/company names should be included only to identify the medical imaging hardware/software/peripherals used but not to promote proprietary interests (see first bullet point).
Abstracts must be written in English.
All recommendations involving clinical medicine must be based on evidence that is accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for the recommendations as indications or contraindications in the care of patients.
All scientific research referred to, reported, or used in support or justification of a patient care recommendation must conform to generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
Abstracts previously submitted to the ISMRM or to another society/journal, but not accepted, may be resubmitted.
While aids such as ChatGPT or similar may be used to help in writing, authors of the abstracts bear complete responsibility for the accuracy of all data, analysis, and statements within abstracts. Non-human tools should not be listed as authors. Falsification of data or statements is unacceptable, and is grounds for rejection of current and future submissions to ISMRM.
Abstract Review Criteria
Adherence to the Abstract Content Guidelines (as stated above).
Duplication of Content (see also above): Multiple submissions of the same or nearly the same abstract is grounds for rejection of all submitted abstracts.
Prior Publication: Content should differ substantially from any publication with publication date (or early view) prior to the abstract deadline.
Innovation/novelty: advancement of knowledge, and/or improvement of capabilities.
Quality: The results should be substantive and not just implied. Where appropriate:
- Comprehensive statistical analysis should be applied.
- Images and spectra should be of the highest quality.
Impact: The method or data in the abstract should aim to advance or change the field in significant ways. Incremental changes are less likely to be accepted for presentation.
Tips for Authors
Start your submission early. You can complete the online forms, compose your abstract and then upload it at any time before the deadline. We recommend that you complete the online forms EARLY, even if your abstract is not yet complete. This will greatly reduce the load on the abstract system, improving speed of access as the deadline approaches.
Write a draft of the Synopsis and Impact first!
Consider your submission categories and subcategories carefully. Abstract reviewers are assigned based on these. It is therefore critical that you select these carefully, as reviewers who are not expert in your topic may not be able to assess its quality appropriately. The categories, subcategories and keywords will also be used to assign accepted abstracts to sessions on the meeting.
It is encouraged to use different primary and secondary categories and sub-categories wherever work crosses boundaries.
Contact all co-authors prior to submission. It is considered unethical to submit abstracts listing co-authors who have not agreed to the submission. In general, co-authors will expect to read and approve of the content of an abstract, but at a minimum they should be aware of the submission and consent to being listed as an author.
Rejection of Duplicate Abstracts
Any abstract(s) deemed to duplicate or to contain significant overlap of content, either with work published prior to the deadline or with other abstracts submitted by the same authors, will be rejected. Determination of what constitutes duplication, including abstracts submitted in multiple categories or over multiple years, is at the discretion of the AMPC. Details of identified duplicate submissions will be maintained in our database and may jeopardize submission of future abstracts by the same individuals or institutions. The electronic submission system facilitates easy identification of duplicate text and data.
Failure to Present
All accepted works that are not withdrawn before the 28 February 2024 withdrawal deadline must be presented, in person, by the author or their designee.
A database of late cancellations and no-shows is maintained, and consistent infractions may jeopardize submission of future abstracts by the same individuals or institutions.
Click here to submit your abstract
Please note that you are required to preregister for the conference before you can submit an abstract
