This in-person PhD session at the Annual RiMS Conference is designed to provide early-career researchers with focused scientific exchange and practical skill development. The session will feature short, high-quality presentations by PhD candidates, highlighting innovative methodologies, preliminary findings, and emerging research directions in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation. Attendees will gain exposure to diverse study designs, analytical approaches, and translational perspectives, while presenters will receive structured feedback from peers and senior researchers in a supportive academic environment.

Students will also have the opportunity to compete for a sponsored PhD Award for abstracts focused on biomedical engineering or a closely related field. Please find more information below. 

Programme

• 11:30–11:50 | Opening remarks (Chairs: Arianne & Felipe) and welcome from the local organiser, Michaela Schramlová
• 11:50–12:50 | Platform presentations and pitches
• 12:50–13:00 | Closing session and information about follow-up networking

Call for abstracts

We invite PhD students to submit an abstract for either an oral presentation or 2-minute pitch during the PhD session.

We encourage PhD students to submit abstracts describing the overall framework of their PhD (background, objectives, methods, perspectives), however other abstracts are welcome as well.

Submission requirements

• References, tables or figures are not allowed
• No symbols or specific formatting
• The body of the abstract should be limited to maximum 300 words
• The subject should treat the results of a specific research project, including reviews. However, original data are preferred
• In addition, there should be a running title submitted with a maximum of 45 characters
• All abstracts have to be submitted by the presenting author.
• If the abstract has more than one author, the main author should be clearly identified (fe: label: 'main author:')

Competition 

Students have the opportunity to compete for a sponsored PhD Award for abstracts focused on biomedical engineering or a closely related field.

Rules:

• All participants who wish to be considered for the competition should submit an abstract on the topic of biomedical engineering or a closely related field.
• All submitted abstracts should include a checkbox with the following statement: “I would like to enter the competition for the PhD Biomedical Engineering Prize.” (Yes/No)
• By submitting an abstract, authors consent to the processing of their personal data.
• Abstracts will be evaluated by the RiMS review committee:
  • Reviewers must not have a conflict of interest
  • The top 10 abstracts will be selected for 2-minute pitches
  • The top 3 contributions will be awarded
• Winners will receive a diploma, a prize, and a one-year IEEE student membership.
• The award will be presented during the closing ceremony of the Conference and winners will be highlighted on the RiMS and EMB Chapter websites.

Submission deadline

The deadline for abstract submission is Friday 8th May 2026 (23h59 CEST), with feedback regarding acceptance/non-acceptance by 22nd May 2026.

How to submit your abstract?

All abstracts must be submitted by email to felipe.balistierisantinelli@uhasselt.be and a.gravesteijn@amsterdamumc.nl in .doc or docx format and should be written in English.

Not a PhD student?

Please share this opportunity with your network and PhD students who may be interested in presenting their work at the 31st Annual RiMS Conference.

Please note: Registration is required despite an abstract submission.

We look forward to seeing you all!

On behalf of the RiMS organising committee,

Felipe B. Santinelli and Arianne Gravesteijn