Submit an abstract
Call for abstracts has opened for the 2025 AMA Research Challenge. This multi-phase virtual event brings together hundreds of participants from across hundreds of medical schools and health care institutions in the U.S., leading the way to the top five finalists who will compete for the $10,000 grand prize presented by Laurel Road.
The submission deadline is July 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central.
Abstracts will be considered for one of six topics:
- Basic science
- Clinical and translational research
- Clinical vignettes
- Health systems science
- Medical education
- Public health and health policy
About the Research Challenge
The AMA Research Challenge is the largest national, multi-specialty medical research conference for medical students, residents and international medical graduates (IMGs) to showcase and present research.
Submit an abstract to:
- Showcase your research for a chance to win $10,000, presented by Laurel Road
- Gain research and presentation skills to enhance your CV
- Discover what judges look for in a poster and presentation
Abstract submission resources
- Official rules (PDF)
- FAQs (PDF)
- Abstract topics and descriptions (PDF)
- Abstract template (DOCX)
- Abstract template—Clinical vignettes (DOCX)
- Abstract scoring criteria (PDF)
Abstract submission criteria
- AMA member exclusive benefit—join or renew by July 16 for your abstract to be considered.
- The abstract must be submitted using an approved template. An abstract submitted without the approved template will not be considered.
- The abstract must be submitted without pictures, graphs or citations/references.
- The abstract must not exceed 400 words. The word count does not include the abstract title, page numbering or any ancillary entrant information.
- The abstract must be the lead author’s original work and not published elsewhere as of the submission deadline.
Visit the winning posters page (members only) to review a medical poster example from past winners and find out what impressed the judges and tips on increasing your chances of submitting a winning entry.
Email researchsymposium@ama-assn.org for any questions.
$10,000 grand prize
Laurel Road is sponsoring the grand prize of $10,000 for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in the judging or scoring process to select the winner. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. Read the official rules (PDF) for terms and conditions.
Sign up to judge abstracts
- 2024 AMA Research Challenge metrics
1,330 abstracts submitted
700+ posters featured in the Poster Symposium
188 medical schools represented
50 posters and presentations in the semifinals
6 topic areas
5 finalists
1 winner awarded the $10,000 grand prize presented by Laurel Road
Visit the “AMA Research Challenge by the numbers” page to learn more about who the 2024 entrants are and where they’re from.
- Previous AMA Research Challenge winners
2024 winner
Ayush Kumar, a third-year medical student from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, was the winner of the 2024 AMA Research Challenge and was awarded the grand prize of $10,000, presented by Laurel Road.
Watch the video and learn more about the finalists.
2024 participating institutions
Find the list of participating institutions from across the U.S. that participated in the 2024 AMA Research Challenge
2023 winner
Jesse Kirkpatrick, a third-year medical student from Harvard School of Medicine, was the winner of the 2023 AMA Research Challenge and was awarded the grand prize of $10,000, presented by Laurel Road.
Watch the video and learn more about the finalists.
2020-2022 winners
Read about the AMA Research Challenge winners from 2022, 2021 and 2020.
- Key dates
Call for abstracts: Submissions open until July 16, 2025
Poster Symposium and semifinals acceptance notification: By Sept. 8, 2025
Virtual Poster Symposium and semifinals: October 22-23, 2025
Finals: December 2025. Additional details will be posted once available.- Additional Research Challenge resources
- Research Challenge education sessions (members only)
- Research Challenge FAQs
- Research Challenge participating institutions
- Research Challenge by the numbers
- Research Challenge winning posters (members only)
- Latest news on research, including how to get started, the latest trends and more.
If you have any questions about the AMA Research Challenge, mail researchsymposium@ama-assn.org.
How to prepare an abstract
Hear from a resident expert on what judges look for in an abstract.
How to prepare and present a virtual research poster for medical conference
Learn key elements for building a digital poster and how to keep your audience engaged.
