The 2025 TxCFR Annual Conference brings together practitioners, researchers, and students who work to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities across the life course and within social and cultural contexts. Join us as we gather in San Marcos, TX, for networking and professional development focused on careers in family science. We are excited to hear from practitioners on the front lines strengthening families and from researchers engaging in innovative research to inform interventions with families.

 

Proposal submissions related to the conference theme, The Careers of Family Science: Improving the Lives of Individuals, Families, and Communities, are especially encouraged. However, all topics related to family are welcome.

 

Proposals may be submitted in the following categories:

• Papers (Practice, Policy, or Original Research)

• Workshops (1-Hour Interactive Presentation)

• Roundtable Discussions

• Professional Poster Presentations

 

Additionally, students may submit to the 2025 Annual TxCFR Student Poster Competition; see separate guidelines for submission below.

 

CRITERIA FOR PROPOSALS

Consistent with the standards outlined by the National Council on Family Relations, TxCFR proposals must 1) describe work that has progressed sufficiently to allow the presenter to prepare a polished presentation in time for the conference, 2) utilize a method of research or practice that is appropriate and rigorous, 3) be clearly written and logically organized, 4) demonstrate a strong connection to research, theory, policy, and/or practice, and 5) include 3 measurable objectives. Please see the sample objectives provided by the National Council on Family Relations below for guidance.

 

Sample Objectives

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the [insert title here] family program.

• To analyze the [insert family policy here] from a family perspective.

• To demonstrate the return on investments families provide in health care.

Note that these are only examples. Your objectives do not need to include this specific wording.

 

Proposal Requirements

Before submitting your proposal, be sure you are prepared to include the following elements:

1. Proposal title

2. Author(s) and credentials

3. Preferred presentation format

4. Proposal focus

5. Short abstract – to be used for the conference program if the proposal is accepted. 

            Include your proposal title and a 100-word synopsis of the proposal.

            Do NOT list the proposal authors.

6. Long proposal – to be used for blind review process for professional Papers, Workshops, Roundtable Discussions, and Poster Presentations.

 

For professional proposals, include your proposal title, a summary of 500 -1000 words, a maximum of one page of references, and an optional maximum of two pages of figures/tables.

     Generally, long proposals should include the following components:

     1. Aims/Goals  

     2. Method of Research or Practice  

     3. Analysis and Preliminary Results/Conclusions  

     4. Implications for Policy/Research/Practice  

 

STUDENT POSTER COMPETITION INFORMATION: 

Submission indicates agreement that the student will attend the conference and present their poster as part of the Student Poster Competition. Attendance requires that the student register for the conference and pay the registration fee.

 

REVIEW AND NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE

A submission indicates agreement that at least one author will attend the conference and present if the submitted proposal is accepted. Please note that any author or co-author who attends the conference must register and pay the appropriate registration fee.

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Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Earlier submissions will receive earlier review.

• Priority Submission Date - proposal submissions received by February 7, 2025, will be assigned a decision no later than February 15, 2025.

• Submissions received between February 8, 2025, and March 15, 2025, will be assigned a decision as soon as possible.

• Student Poster Competition entries will be notified on February 15, 2025 acceptance in the competition