Circular 40 of 2025: Call for Abstracts: CMS Research Symposium 2026

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is pleased to announce the upcoming CMS Research Symposium 2026, to be held in April 2026 under the theme “Value-Based Care, Contracting and Pricing Towards Universal Health Coverage.”

As South Africa moves steadily toward the realisation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the need for rigorous, evidence-based insights to inform policy, benefit design, provider contracting and pricing frameworks has never been more critical. The 2026 symposium aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, academics, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking discussions and share innovative research that supports value-driven healthcare reforms.

We hereby invite you to submit abstracts for consideration, aligned with the sub-themes outlined in the attached Call for Abstracts. Submissions may include empirical research, conceptual analyses, case studies, policy evaluations and digital health innovations that strengthen value-based decision-making in the health sector.

Key submission details:
• Abstract submission deadline: 30 January 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 15 February 2026
• Full paper deadline: 06 March 2026
• Submission email: researchsymposium@medicalschemes.co.za

Download the full Circular here.