Society of Fetal Medicine Annual Congress Scientific Abstracts: Beyond the Podium

In the fast-paced world of scientific discovery and evolution of knowledge, wisdom, and experience, where the “publish or perish” mantra often drives our work, it is easy to view a conference abstract as merely a prelude to a full paper: a fleeting moment of recognition before the real work of publication begins. To dismiss the role of the abstract in the academic ecosystem is to overlook its profound and enduring value. At the Journal of Fetal Medicine, we recognize the critical function these brief dispatches serve in advancing our collective knowledge and fostering a robust scholarly community.

Conference abstracts represent the frontline of scientific communication. They are the first to present nascent ideas and preliminary findings, and serve as a crucial barometer of the current direction in an ever-evolving scientific field, such as Fetal Medicine. In disciplines where technology and understanding evolve at a breakneck pace, the abstract provides a vital mechanism for the rapid dissemination of data that would otherwise be held captive by the lengthy peer-review process of a full manuscript. This quick exchange of information helps to prevent redundant research and spark new collaborative avenues of inquiry.

Furthermore, the process of abstract submission and presentation is an essential training ground for the next generation of researchers. Preparing a concise, impactful abstract forces a scientist to break down complex work into its most essential components: the research question, methodology, and key findings. This skill of clear and effective communication is as critical as the research itself. For many of us, our first presentations at academic conferences were where we first learned to defend our work in a public forum and engage directly with our peers.

It is precisely for these reasons that we have chosen to employ a double-blind peer-review process for all abstracts submitted to our associated conferences. Additionally, each abstract was assessed by three reviewers, rather than the customary two. We were indeed surprised at the remarkable change in scores of some abstracts when we added up three scores compared with two reviewer scores. And we plan to expand this multiple reviewer system to our general processes for the Journal of Fetal Medicine as well. We believe that this rigorous, unbiased assessment ensures the quality of the work presented and elevates the status of the abstract itself. By holding these preliminary reports to a high standard, we ensure that they are not just promotional teasers but reliable snapshots of cutting-edge research. This commitment to quality is what allows a published abstract to be a legitimate part of a researcher's academic record, a testament to their active engagement, and a signal to the broader community of the merit of their work.

While a published abstract does not carry the same weight as a full, peer-reviewed article, nor should it, it serves a unique and indispensable function. It represents a vital waypoint on the journey of discovery, a signal of progress, and a testament to the dynamic and collaborative nature of our work. The published conference abstract is, and will remain, an essential contribution to the permanent record of science.

We do hope that you feel inspired to enter this gratifying space.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 October 2025