SCC calls for abstract submission for annual meeting

Industry organization the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) recently called for abstracts for presentation consideration. The association, representing the interests of over 6,000 cosmetics and personal care industry professionals globally, will accept submissions until Monday, May 15, 2023.

Accepted abstracts will be presented at the SCC Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, held December 11-13, 2023, in New York City to connect industry members with resources for cosmetic science education to further industry innovation and education. To learn more about the criteria for submission, particular areas of industry of importance for consideration, and the characteristics of compelling abstracts, CosmeticsDesign spoke with Erica L. O’Grady, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the SCC, for her insights.

Abstract submission

For the abstract submission cycle, “all stakeholders in the cosmetic and personal care community, including scientists, academicians, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, students, and policy makers, are invited to submit an abstract of original work, lab demonstration, or case study for consideration as a podium lecture​,” O’Grady explained.

Submissions are essential to fostering further education and innovation in various cosmetic industry spaces as “year after year, some of our most innovative presentations come from manufacturers and suppliers highlighting innovative research and technologies​,” she shared.

This year, the SCC is seeking abstracts covering various industry areas, including skin care, hair care, color cosmetics, fragrance, sustainability, photoprotection, and biotechnology. Additional areas of interest involve new or novel ingredients, processes, formulation technologies, diversity and inclusion in beauty, claims and regulation, and AI and machine learning.

The evaluation process

The evaluation process for each submission centers around four specific criteria: the Education Value to Attendees, Originality/Novelty/Innovation, Clarity and Focus, and the abstract’s Significance/Importance/Contribution/Impact on the cosmetic industry.

Based on those criteria, O’Grady shared that abstracts effectively addressing a series of focused questions will be considered for presentation. Those questions include an abstract’s background information​, which addresses the current state of science in the abstract’s area of focus and the submission’s objective​ or what the new research intends to improve through its study.

Of further note for consideration is the abstract’s methodology​, or demonstration of the novelty of the research, in addition to its results​ and the conclusions​ drawn from the analysis performed. Finally, the abstract’s importance, or how it changes the current state of science in its industrial area, is equally vital for consideration.

Compelling abstract submission characteristics

Several additional characteristics elevate a submitted abstract to qualify it as more compelling for presentation. As O’Grady explained, those characteristics can include the “disclosure of how many subjects or replicants were used for each test condition, a demonstration that the study is sufficiently powered so that results are statistically relevant, and an explanation of statistical analysis used​.”

Additionally, O’Grady also illustrated that submitted abstracts that include “non-commercial or competitive comparisons, without including commercial content, as well as a discussion of all end points, not just successful ones​,” are more compelling during the consideration process. Finally, she noted, “if a study is not in-vivo, an explanation of how the results are predicted to correlate​” is also beneficial.

Benefits of abstract submission

For the authors of accepted abstract submissions, each presenter will receive “a one-day complimentary access registration to the meeting for the day of their presentation with a discounted upgrade available if they wish to attend the full event​,” O’Grady said. This is an opportunity to attend “the premier conference for cosmetic science​ education​,” which draws “nearly 1,000 decision makers and influencers and provides quality leads and brand exposure for building industry recognition​,” she added.

For those abstracts submitted but not selected for podium presentation, authors are still eligible to participate in the Exhibitor Showcase if they attend the SCC Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase. For any questions, abstract authors can direct inquiries to education@scconline.org.