JTS2026
Call for Abstracts

Call for Abstracts

Interested in presenting at JTS 2026?

We welcome proposals based on new initiatives, research collaborations, innovations that resulted in success or failure, and above all proposals that share, connect and build knowledge in audiovisual collections across the world. JTS 2026 is an opportunity for connection and collaboration for those building a career in the field of screen and sound preservation, and we encourage the participation of tertiary students. The program will include targeted opportunities for students to contribute and share their research.

Key Dates

Call for abstracts open
15 August 2025
Submissions Close
15 October 2025
Successful authors notified
Mid November 2025
Early bird registration closes
30 November 2025

Important information

Before submitting your abstract
  • Familiarise yourself with the symposium themes and presentation types (listed below)
  • Prepare a 350-word abstract, abstract aims and learning objectives and save in an easily accessible place. Your abstract submission will be completed via a text box only, so we recommend you have your abstract content ready to 'copy and paste' into the portal
  • Create an account in the call for abstracts portal, and follow the instructions to submit your abstract. Abstracts can be saved as a draft, but must be finalised in order to be assessed for inclusion in the program
  • You may submit more than one proposal under the same account.
Submitting your abstract
  1. Prepare a 350-word abstract and save in an easily accessible place. Your submission will be completed via a text box only, so we recommend you have your abstract content ready to 'copy and paste' into the portal. Your 350-word abstract should cover the content of the presentation, key issues explored and who should attend the presentation and why. Do not include any references
  2. Prepare a 100-word presentation summary in plain English (non-scientific)
  3. Click SUBMIT VIA PORTAL at the top of this page and create an account in the call for abstract portal.
  4. Follow further instructions in the portal to complete your abstract submission.
  5. You will receive a confirmation email once your abstract is submitted for review.
  6. Abstract's may be saved as a draft, to be finished at a later date, but it must be finalised in order to be considered in the review.
  7. You may submit more than one abstract all under the same account
  8. For a successful abstract, you should highlight something new, innovative and thought provoking and the format encourages discussion and active participation amongst delegates. Your speakers should be engaging, informative and confident.
  9. If your abstract is accepted you must agree to register and pay the Early Bird Registration price.
  10. Abstract submission close on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Submission guidelines
  • Online submission is the only method of abstract submission.
  • Submissions can be saved as a 'Draft' in the abstract portal but must be finalised to be considered. Abstracts still in 'Draft' will not be considered for the program
  • Abstracts submitted for presentation will be published exactly as received. Abstracts may be revised for clarity, spelling, or grammar.
  • It is strongly recommended by the Program Committee that your abstract submission be reviewed by a second person, such as a peer, colleague or mentor, who can provide constructive feedback and ensure all abstract guidelines have been met.
  • You may submit more than one abstract all under the same account
  • Abstracts will only be accepted as 350-word text format abstracts. We recommend writing your abstract in Word and saving to your desktop prior to starting the submission process, then 'copy and paste' the abstract content into the relevant section of the abstract.
  • No references are included in abstracts.
  • All presentations should be primarily in English. If English is not the first language of speakers/projects please provide details on how you will provide access for delegates (i.e., translator, subtitles…). If you need assistance with this, please email jts@conlog.com.au
  • All speakers must attend and present at the conference in person.
  • It is the responsibility of the presenter/author to ensure that the abstract is submitted correctly. For assistance with submissions, contact jts@conlog.com.au
  • It is the responsibility of the presenter/author to ensure their abstract explains how it relates to the themes.
  • Where there is more than one presenter all correspondence will be sent to the person who submitted the abstract.
  • The Program Committee reserves the right to allocate the presentation to best suit the program.
  • The invitation to submit an abstract does not constitute an offer to pay travel, accommodation or registration costs associated with the conference. Similarly, no presenter fee is paid to successful presenters.
  • If your abstract is accepted, all speakers agree to register and pay the Early Bird registration price.

Formats for presentation

Individual or co-presentations
Individual or co-presenter contributions will be based on 12 minutes of presentation time. Each contributor will share a session with between 2 – 4 other proposals, with time at the end of each session for a question and answer period with the onsite audience.
Pre-constituted panels
Pre-constituted panels should last 60 minutes, and be formed of not more than 4 speakers and not less than 20 minutes dedicated to group discussion and Q&A. For panels, please provide the detail of the speakers and organisations represented, with a summary of the goals of the panel session. Panel proposals will need to demonstrate a strong thematic focus.

Abstract Themes

RESEARCH & INNOVATION
In the six years since the last JTS gathering much has changed in the world of technology, including the introduction and rapid iteration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, accessible 3-D printing technology, cheaper and more accessible data storage and augmented reality systems. How have these rapid technological changes been utilised in audiovisual preservation? We welcome proposals which focus on recent research and innovation, and which utilise new technologies or builds on the research of other fields of knowledge to implement new techniques, methodologies or hardware to aid preservation.
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE
A key topic of interest for JTS 2026 is research and innovation in collection preservation in response to climate change, with a focus on the challenges of conservation and preservation of audiovisual materials in the Asia-Pacific region. Consideration of scientific and technical advances in balance with world-wide sustainability goals are welcomed, as are projects or products that create more sustainable ways of working. How can natural materials be used to enhance storage? How can materials common in AV collections be recycled?
SAFE COLLECTIONS
As analogue audiovisual collections age some materials become hazardous to both other collection items and the humans who care for them. We welcome recent research into hazards from collections and how the risks from these hazards can be mitigated. Examples of new ways to treat collection materials with environmentally friendly, low toxicity and low complexity products are welcome. What new projects are in place to mitigate risks to people and collections from decomposition and degradation? How do we ensure safety in the archive?
DEADLINE 2025
Since Deadline 2025 was released in 2015 audiovisual organisations around the world have grappled with how to extend the lifespan of magnetic formats, how to keep obsolete equipment running and how to integrate new technology innovations into the success capture of content from magnetic collection materials. What have we learnt? Will magnetic media become unreadable? How long will it last? Are there new ways to deal with damaged, mouldy and degraded magnetic formats?
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Have a question?

Contact us at jts@conlog.com.au or call 02 6281 6624.