Call for Mini Symposia Proposals
Deadline: Friday, 18 September 2026
Meeting Dates: 8-11 May 2027
Location: Hilton Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
The Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) invites proposals for mini symposia to be presented at the 2027 PNS Annual Meeting.
Mini symposia provide a forum for presenting emerging discoveries, exploring evolving concepts, and fostering interdisciplinary discussion across the full spectrum of peripheral nerve biology, disease, diagnosis, and treatment. These sessions are intended to highlight innovative science, promote collaboration, and engage attendees in topics of broad interest and significance to the PNS community.
We particularly encourage proposals that bridge basic, translational, and clinical research, address current challenges or controversies in the field, and identify future directions for peripheral nerve research and patient care.
Suggested Topic Areas
Examples of suitable topics include, but are not limited to:
- Outcome measures for clinical trials in peripheral neuropathies
- Diagnostic testing and biomarker development
- Epidemiology and natural history of peripheral neuropathies
- Node of Ranvier and axon initial segment biology, genetics, and disease mechanisms
- Metabolic function and dysfunction in peripheral nerve health and disease
- Axon degeneration and regeneration
- Schwann cells and satellite cells in health, disease, and neuropathic pain
- Emerging therapeutic targets and treatment strategies
- New technologies applied to peripheral nerve biology and pathology
- Mechanisms and treatment of neuropathic pain
- Clinical trial design and innovative trial methodologies
- Omics, artificial intelligence, and computational approaches in peripheral nerve research
- Novel methods for assessing peripheral neuropathy
Proposals on topics beyond those listed above are strongly encouraged, provided they align with the scientific mission and interests of the Peripheral Nerve Society.
Proposal Guidelines & Review Criteria
Submission Deadline
Friday, 18 September 2026
Session Format
Each mini symposium should include:
- Three speakers
- Three 25-minute presentations
- A 15-minute moderated panel discussion and audience Q&A
Total session length: 90 minutes
Diversity & Representation
PNS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific program. Proposals should strive for diversity across geography, gender, career-stage, institutional affiliation, and scientific perspective. Inclusion of both established and early-career investigators is strongly encouraged.
Speaker Commitment
The mini symposium organizer is responsible for obtaining confirmation from all proposed speakers and moderators prior to submission. Only individuals who have agreed to participate and are available to attend the Annual Meeting should be included in the proposal.
Selection Process
Each mini symposium submission will undergo competative review by the Scientific Program Committee. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific quality, relevance, timeliness, diversity of perspective, and potential impact on the PNS community. Only two mini symposia will be selected for inclusion in the final scientific program.
Funding
PNS does not provide travel support for symposium organizers, chairs, or speakers. If selected, participants are expected to fund their own travel and accommodation expenses. Invited speakers presenting a 25-minute lecture will receive complimentary Annual Meeting registration.
Additional Considerations
The strongest proposals will demonstrate an integrative approach that incorporates basic, clinical, genetic, immunological, technological, and therapeutic perspectives where appropriate. Proposals with relevance across multiple PNS Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are particularly encouraged.
Submitters are encouraged to collaborate with relevant Special Interest Group Chairs before submission to ensure alignment with community interests and maximize the proposal’s impact within the scientific program.