The NHAA Program Committee invites the submission of abstracts for presentation at the NHAA Naturopathic Symposium 2027. Taking place on 29-30 May 2027 at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, the Symposium will bring together practitioners, researchers, academics, students, and industry leaders to share knowledge, explore emerging evidence, and advance the future of naturopathic and Western herbal medicine.
The 2027 Naturopathic Symposium theme is “Whole Person Health – The Science of Naturopathic Principles“. NHAA Naturopathic Symposium 2027 explores the science underpinning naturopathic principles and how they can be understood, examined and applied in contemporary research, education and practice.
Every abstract must clearly align with at least one naturopathic principle:
– Vis medicatrixnaturae — the healing power of nature
– Primum non nocere— first, do no harm
– Tolle causam — identify and address causes
– Tolle totum — treat the whole person
– Docere— practitioner as teacher
– Preventare — prevention and health promotion
We encourage submissions from practitioners, researchers, educators, students, and industry professionals whose work contributes to the growth and advancement of naturopathic and Western herbal medicine. The Symposium program will explore a range of contemporary issues, innovations, and opportunities across the profession through five key sub-themes:
1. Clinical Insights & Case Reports
2. Business and Practice Innovation
3. Public Health and Sustainability
4. Education & Therapeutic Relationship
5. Original Research
Our presentation categories are:
1. Hotshots Presentation – Presentation of information by one speaker for 15 mins = 10min presentation + 5 min Q&A.
2. Standard Presentation – Presentation of information by one speaker for 25 mins = 20min presentation + 5 min Q&A. There are two optional presentation allocations of 35 mins = 30 mins + 5 min Q&A OR 45 mins = 40 mins + 5 min Q&A. *Please specify in your submission what your preferred choice is.
3. Poster Presentation – Presentation of information by an individual, displayed on an A0 size (1189mm tall x 841mm wide) poster in a dedicated area of the venue. The presenter will make themselves available to discuss their poster with delegates during the lunch break on both days.
4. Workshop Session Interactive Hands-On Workshop Session – An interactive session designed to enhance skills and knowledge of participants facilitated by topic experts and must be a large component of attendee interaction contained within this workshop. Duration: 60 minutes total = 50mins workshop + 5 min Q&A. Facilitators: 1-2 recommended; Number of participants; Up to 50 attendees). *Please note: Use the terminology ‘Workshop Session’ instead of ‘Workshop Presentation’ so there’s no confusion.
How to Submit
Step 1 – Before submitting your abstract, please review the Abstract Submission Guidelines (PDF) and watch the Abstract Submission Information Video / Abstract Presentation. These resources outline the submission requirements, presentation formats, key dates, assessment process, and important terms and conditions. The Abstract Workbook is an optional resource designed to help you develop your ideas. While its use is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to review and use the available resources, as they have been specifically created to support you in preparing a submission that meets all requirements and receives the strongest possible consideration for inclusion in the NHAA Naturopathic Symposium 2027 program.
Step 2 – Prepare your abstract in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Abstract Guidelines for your chosen category. To support your preparation, the NHAA Abstract Workbook has been developed as an optional planning tool to help you generate ideas, structure your submission, and ensure it aligns with the assessment criteria.
Step 3 – Submit your abstract using the button below. We are using EasyChair as our abstract submission platform. You will be required to create an account prior to submitting. When you open the page to create a new submission, you will be added as an ‘Author’.
KEY DATES
– Abstract submissions: Monday 31 August 2026 9:00am
– Abstract submissions close – Sunday 25 October, 2026 5:00pm (No extensions will be granted past this date)
– Notification to authors – Monday 14 December, 2026
– Draft program released – Monday 18 January, 2027
– All presenters to be registered by Thursday 18 February, 2027
Acceptance of Submissions – Abstracts can ONLY be accepted via the submission link above. No exceptions. The NHAA Event Manager, Committee Members, and Board Members are not responsible for submissions that are not received via the official portal or for technical issues – including internet outages, hardware or software failures, power outages, or other unforeseen circumstances that may affect the submission process.
Reviewers –All abstracts will undergo a double-blind review process. Reviewers will not have access to author names or institutional affiliations. To maintain the integrity of the review process, please do not include your name, organisation, or any information within the abstract that could reasonably identify you to reviewers.
*Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the abstract being excluded from the symposium judging process.