Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next State of the Science Symposium?
The 2026 State of the Science Symposium (SOTS), presented by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), is being held as a full-day pre-conference symposium held prior the 2026 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care on March 4, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.
What do I need to know about the State of the Science Symposium for 2026?
The SOTS Symposium will be offered as a full-day pre-conference, featuring networking, research methodologies, career and funding workshops.
Will the Symposium be offered virtually?
The 2026 State of the Science is planned as an in-person event only at the San Diego Convention Center. No virtual attendance option is available.
How do I submit an Abstract to the State of the Science Symposium?
The SOTS Program Committee welcomes you to submit abstracts to the Call for Research Methods opening Thursday, August 7. This call will be open through August 27 at noon PT.
What is the purpose of the Methods Call?
The Program Committee invites proposals for 75-minute concurrent sessions that deliver innovative, cutting-edge content on research design, methods, instruments, and theory relevant to hospice and palliative care. These sessions serve as key components of the State of the Science Symposium, aimed at advancing methodologic knowledge across disciplines.
What is the purpose of the State of the Science Symposium?
The Symposium aims to:
- Advance the science of hospice and palliative care through research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Support investigator development across all career stages.
- Share innovations in research design and methods.
- Strengthen community among scientists committed to improving care for people with serious illness.
What makes the SOTS Symposium unique?
The SOTS Symposium is interprofessional in planning, hosting, and audience. It fosters:
- Cutting-edge dialogue on hospice and palliative care research
- Peer mentoring across career stages
- Deep dives into methods and translational science
- Strategic networking between researchers and clinicians
Who should attend?
The Symposium is designed for researchers and anyone interested in launching or advancing a research career in hospice and palliative care.
Is research presented only at the SOTS Symposium?
No. While the SOTS Symposium offers investigator development and collaboration, research will be presented throughout the Annual Assembly via:
- Podium presentations
- Rapid poster sessions
- Scientific poster sessions
This approach maximizes interaction between clinicians and researchers during the broader Annual Assembly program.
Research abstracts will be submitted through the Scientific Research and Early Career Call for Abstracts opening Thursday, September 25. Selected scientific content will be integrated throughout Assembly (oral and poster) including the Saturday plenary.
Will continuing education (CE) credits be available?
Yes. The 2026 SOTS Symposium has been planned in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation and is jointly provided by AAHPM and HPNA.
Attendees of SOTS will have until Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:59pm PT to claim CE credits. The number of accredited hours is subject to change depending on presenter availability and final content approval.
Can I register for the State of the Science Symposium without registering for the 2026 Annual Assembly?
Yes, stand-alone registration for SOTS Symposium is an option for those unable to attend the 2026 Annual Assembly.
What if I have additional questions?
AAHPM will continue to update the website and provide additional communications to exhibitors and attendees; please check back regularly and/or watch your email inbox for these communications.
If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected].