2025 CAMBAC Regional Symposium
Advances in Musculoskeletal Infection Research: From Bench to Bedside
The Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone, and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC) is hosting a one-day regional symposium titled Advances in Musculoskeletal Infection Research: From Bench to Bedside. The symposium will feature expert presentations covering innovative topics including phage therapy for musculoskeletal infections, metagenomic approaches to diagnosing prosthetic joint infections, links between oral infections and bone health in osteoimmunology, biofilm applications in postoperative infection management, and strategies to prevent joint infections in immunosuppressed patients.
Distinguished speakers from multiple institutions, including UAB and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will share their insights. Additionally, the event will include a poster session with cash awards for outstanding presentations, providing early-career researchers an opportunity to highlight their work and network with peers. Registration is free and strongly recommended for this event. Lunch and light refreshments provided for registered attendees.
Date: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center
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Call for Abstracts
The Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center invite researchers and clinicians to submit abstracts for the upcoming regional symposium. We welcome abstracts on any topic that relates to one of the CAMBAC research themes: Bone, Cartilage, Muscle, and Connective Tissue Pathobiology; Epidemiology, Outcomes, Therapeutics, and Prevention; Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation; Genetics, Genomics, and Proteomics; Clinical Informatics and Big Data; Orthopaedic Surgery.
The poster session and competition provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your research and contribute to advancements in the field. All submitted abstracts will be accepted for presentation at the poster session. Previously presented abstracts, posters, case reports or case series, research in progress, recently published work and new ideas for critique or identifying collaborators are encouraged. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best presentations. Submit your abstract to participate in this dynamic event and engage with leading experts and peers.
Cash Awards and Eligibility
Undergraduate students, health professional students, research staff, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, early career faculty and residents are eligible for awards and must be present during the poster session: First Place ($300), Second Place ($200) and Honorable Mention ($100).
Abstract Guidelines
Limit of 350 words in the abstract body, excluding title and authors. Use Arial, 11 point font, left justified, single line spacing, with 1 inch margins. Any embedded figures or tables must use no less than 9 point font.
- Presenting: The author must be the first author.
- Background: A brief introduction to the topic and the research question or hypothesis.
- Methods: Description of the study design, data collection and analysis methods.
- Results: Key findings of the study, including data and statistical analysis.
- Conclusion: Summary of the findings and their implications.
- Acknowledgements: Funding sources, institutional support, collaborators and contributors and other support.
Poster Guidelines
- Size: Posters should be no larger than 40" x 60" (landscape or portrait) and will be assigned to a numbered easel with board for display. Easels and poster boards will be available on the day of the symposium.
- Setup: Arrive early to check in, receive poster number and set up your poster. Push pins will be provided.
- Presentation: Be prepared to give a brief oral summary of your research. Engage with attendees and be ready to answer questions.
Abstracts will be judged according to the following content, research quality and presentation criteria:
- Originality and Innovation
- Novelty of the research question, approach or application to musculoskeletal infection.
- Contribution to advancing knowledge in musculoskeletal infection or related CAMBAC themes.
- Scientific Rigor and Methods
- Soundness and appropriateness of the study design and methodology.
- Quality and thoroughness of data collection and analysis.
- Appropriate use and interpretation of statistical methods, where applicable.
- Relevance and Significance
- Importance of the research problem for musculoskeletal infection or musculoskeletal health.
- Potential impact on clinical practice, basic or translational science, prevention or policy.
- Clarity and Organization
- Logical structure of the abstract and poster.
- Clarity of objectives, methods, results and conclusions.
- Effective use of figures, tables and visuals to support key points.
- Presentation and Engagement
- Ability of the presenter to clearly explain the work during the poster session.
- Responsiveness to questions and quality of discussion with judges and attendees.
For more information, contact Stephanie Ford at sledbetter@uabmc.edu
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Past Symposia
2024 CAMBAC Genetics of Musculoskeletal Disease Symposium
Thursday, December 5, 2024
UAB Alumni Society House
2023 CAMBAC Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease Health Equity Symposium
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
UAB Alumni Society House