Top Abstract Awards
The CSRS Awards Committee will recognize the top scored abstracts in four categories and provide award packages for first, second, and third place.
Award categories:
- Clinical Research
- Basic Science Research
- Resident/Fellow
- Shaffrey – Haid Award for Young Surgeons **New for 2026**
Each abstract is only eligible for one category. The presenting author of the awarded abstract will receive:
- Monetary award ($2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place)
- Notation in the final program of the 54th Annual Meeting identifying the abstract as an award winner
- Personalized certificate presented during the Awards Session at the 54th Annual Meeting
- Invitation to publish a manuscript based off the abstract in a special issue of the CSRS official journal, Clinical Spine Surgery
Eligibility:
- Each abstract may only be considered for one awards category
- Resident/Fellow Awards: Presenting Authors eligible for this award must be current resident or fellows and/or in the first or second year of clinical practice with the work completed during the presenting author’s residency or fellowship.
Shaffrey-Haid Award for Young Surgeons
This new award was established by CSRS members Christopher Shaffrey, MD, and Regis Haid, Jr., MD, with contributions from Medtronic to recognize research young attending surgeons within the first five years of practice completed during their residency/fellowship or their first five years of practice.
In addition to the awards package above, Shaffrey-Haid award winners will also receive complimentary registration to the 54th Annual Meeting and up to $1,500 in reimbursements for travel expenses to attend the meeting.
Key Dates
August
Preliminary Program Released
August 5 - November 4, 2026
Early Registration Pricing
November 5 - December 5, 2026
Regular Registration Pricing
November 9, 2026
Hotel Room Cut Off
December 2, 2026
31st Instructional Course
December 2-5, 2026
54th Annual Meeting