Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
When is the next State of the Science Symposium?
The 2027 State of the Science Symposium (SOTS), presented by AAHPM and HPNA, will take place on March 17, 2027, as a full-day pre-conference symposium before the 2027 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care.
Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
What is the 2027 State of the Science Symposium?
The 2027 Symposium is a full-day educational and networking experience designed to advance hospice and palliative care research through:
- Research methodology sessions
- Career development workshops
- Funding and grant-related discussions
- Scientific networking opportunities
- Investigator development programming
What is the purpose of the State of the Science Symposium?
The Symposium supports and advances hospice and palliative care research by:
- Showcasing innovative research methods, technologies, and study designs
- Building a stronger interdisciplinary research community
- Supporting investigator and career development across all career stages
- Fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals
Participants will gain practical insights while connecting with leaders in the field.
What makes the Symposium unique?
The State of the Science Symposium is intentionally designed as an interprofessional research forum, bringing together researchers and clinicians from diverse disciplines.
Attendees benefit from:
- Emerging research and methodology discussions
- Peer mentoring opportunities
- Career development programming
- Translational science insights
- Strategic networking and collaboration
Attendance & Registration
Who should attend?
The Symposium is designed for:
- Researchers
- Clinician scientists
- Fellows and trainees
- Early career investigators
- Experienced investigators
- Clinicians interested in research
- Anyone looking to launch or advance a research career in hospice and palliative care
Will the Symposium be offered virtually?
No. The 2027 State of the Science Symposium is an in-person event only. Virtual attendance will not be available.
Can I register for the Symposium without registering for the Annual Assembly?
Yes. Stand-alone registration is available for individuals who wish to attend the Symposium but are unable to attend the full Annual Assembly.
Registration opens in mid-October 2026.
Abstracts & Proposal Submissions
How do I submit a proposal for the 2027 State of the Science Symposium?
The Call for Research Methods and Career Development Proposals will open August 10-31, 2026.
What is the Research Methods and Career Development Call for Proposals?
The State of the Science Symposium Committee is seeking proposals for:
Research Methods Sessions: 105-minute sessions focused on innovative research methods relevant to hospice and palliative care.
Career Development Sessions: 60-minute breakout sessions focused on professional and career development topics for researchers and clinician scientists at any career stage.
Selected sessions is exclusively for presentation during the 2027 State of the Science Symposium. The Fall Call for Abstracts, opening Tuesday, September 8, is the submission pathway for research presentations across the full Annual Assembly program.
Is research presented only at the State of the Science Symposium?
No. Research is showcased throughout the Annual Assembly in multiple formats, including:
- Podium presentations
- Rapid poster sessions
- Scientific poster presentations
- RAPiD Posters
- Best of Science sessions
This approach encourages collaboration and engagement between researchers and clinicians across the broader conference experience.
Additional scientific abstracts may also be submitted through the Fall Call for Abstracts, opening September 8, 2026, for:
- Late-Breaking Scientific Research
- RAPiD Posters
- Early Career and Professionals-in-Training Research
Continuing Education
Will continuing education credits be available?
Yes. Continuing education credits will be available for eligible attendees.
The Symposium is jointly provided by AAHPM and HPNA and planned in accordance with accreditation requirements from:
- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education Program
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
When is the deadline to claim continuing education credit?
Attendees must claim available CE credit by: Monday, June 28, 2027, at 11:59pm PT. Please note that final accredited hours are subject to change based on faculty participation and program approval.
Policies & Support
Was funding provided for the 2027 State of the Science Symposium?
Yes. Funding for the State of the Science Symposium was made possible, in part, by 1R13AG099540-01 from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
The award is funded by the:
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR)
- Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
The views expressed in conference materials, publications, presentations, and discussions do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. References to products, services, organizations, or trade names do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Where can I find AAHPM’s Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) Policy?
AAHPM is committed to transparency and compliance with federal funding requirements.
View AAHPM’s Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) Policy
What if I have additional questions?
AAHPM will continue to update the State of the Science Symposium website as new information becomes available.
We encourage attendees, presenters, and prospective participants to:
- Check this page regularly for updates
- Watch for email communications from AAHPM
- Review Annual Assembly announcements for important deadlines and program updates
If you require assistance or have questions, please e-mail [email protected] or call 847.375.4712 between 8:30am-5pm CT, Monday through Friday.