> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://2026.istvs.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://2026.istvs.org/conference/call-for-papers.md).
# Call for Papers
ISTVS 2026 | October 11-15, 2026 | Pretoria, South Africa
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Paper submissions are closed for the 2026 Conference!
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*ISTVS 2026*, the *56th Conference of the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems* welcomes original and previously unpublished research and review papers describing results of research which are relevant to the conference topics and to terrain-vehicle systems.
* Interested authors are invited to submit an abstract between **16 February and 3 April, 2026 (extended deadline)**.
* Abstracts must be **under 1800 characters** and must emphasize the objectives and results.
* Authors may choose between the following two types of submissions: **full paper** or **abstract-only**.
* For either type of submission, authors can choose to do an **oral presentation** at the conference or submit a **poster** for the conference poster session. At least one of the authors must attend the conference for either.
### **Abstract review**
All abstracts will be reviewed by the conference Editorial Committee. The corresponding author will be notified of abstract acceptance by **13 April, 2026**.
### **Full paper submissions**
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Paper submissions are closed for the 2026 Conference!
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After abstract acceptance, authors submitting a full paper must make their submission by **15 May, 2026**. Each full paper will be subject to peer review by the conference Scientific Committee. Each paper will be either accepted, accepted with revisions or rejected; authors will be notified by **1 July, 2026**. If a revision is requested, the revised paper must be submitted by **2 August, 2026**.
All accepted submissions of either abstract-only or full-paper type will be included in the conference program and will be published in the conference proceedings, on the condition that **at least one author attend the conference** to present the work. **Only full papers** will be assigned a **DOI** and will have a permanent individual page on the conference website.
### Key dates
Key dates are listed [here](/schedule.md#key-dates).
### Technical tracks
The conference includes the following thematic tracks:
* Innovative concepts in tires, wheels, tracks, and other ground contact elements
* Propulsion systems and vehicle electrification
* Creative terrain mechanical characterization and deformation modeling
* Advances in off-road mobility modeling
* Off-road autonomy, robotics and navigation
* Planetary terramechanics
* New instrumentation and analysis methods in terramechanics testing
* Climate impacts on terrain, terramechanics, and off-road vehicles
* Off-road vehicle dynamics and control, including advanced driver assist and collision prevention systems
* International collaborations
### Submission platform
As in previous years, the conference submission platform is **EasyChair**. If you’ve participated in a recent ISTVS conference or have used EasyChair in the past, you will be able to log in with your existing account. If you’re new to ISTVS conferences, use the *Create an account* link on the login page below to get started.
Access the ISTVS 2026 EasyChair site here:
### Submission guidelines
* Make sure that the authors you list in the **EasyChair** form are **the same** as in your full paper and/or poster, and in the **same order**.
* Ensure the authors’ affiliations match across **all** submissions and forms.
* If at any time you need to make changes to the list of authors, please **promptly notify the conference organizers**.
* If the same authors appear in **multiple submissions**, please write the authors' **names** and **affiliations** in the **same way**, for **all submissions** (both in EasyChair and in the papers/posters).
* If the Latin alphabet is not your native alphabet, please make sure that you use the **same transliteration** for your name across all submissions.
* If at any time you wish to **change your submission type** (abstract-only vs full paper) or **change your presentation type** (oral presentation vs poster session), please **promptly notify the conference organizers**.
### Templates for submissions
#### Abstract
**No template** is required to submit your abstract. Submission is done directly on the [EasyChair submission platform](https://easychair.org/my/conference?conf=istvs2026).
#### Full paper
Papers must be submitted in *Microsoft Word* format and must **comply with the conference template**.
{% file src="/files/N89YgQCKmOLGWHQ2QcoS" %}
The zip archive provided includes a **reference PDF**, in case the *Word* document breaks when opened locally.
#### Presentation
**Presentation time: 20 minutes total**
* **15 minutes** for the presentation
* **5 minutes** for questions
You may use your own presentation template. Please follow these formatting guidelines:
* Use a **widescreen layout**.
* Include **slide numbers**.
* Use a **clean, clear layout** that will be easy to read in a large auditorium.
* Ensure that text, figures and other content are **large enough to be clearly visible from a distance**.
* Where possible, maintain **visual consistency** throughout the presentation.
#### Poster
You may use your own poster template. Please follow these requirements:
* **Maximum size:** A1, **594 × 841 mm** (23.4 × 33.1 inches)
* **Orientation:** Portrait or landscape
* Use a **clean, clear layout** that is easy to read.
The poster **shall not exceed A1 size**.
#### Final Paper Submission Requirements
For your paper to be included in the **Conference Proceedings**, please complete the following requirements.
**1. Submit the copyright form**
ISTVS must receive a **completed and signed copyright assignment form**.
* **Deadline:** Before **29 September 2026**
* **Submit by email to:**
* The form applies to original material submitted to conferences of the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems (ISTVS) and is required for publication by ISTVS.
**2. Submit your final paper via EasyChair**
Please submit the final version of your paper, revised to address the reviewers' comments, via **EasyChair**.
Both file formats are required:
* **Word**
* **PDF**
**3. Update your abstract, if required**
If your abstract has changed, please update the abstract in **EasyChair**.
The abstract entered in EasyChair, rather than the version included in the final paper, will be used in the **conference programme**.
**4. Note the ISTVS no-show policy**
ISTVS has a **no-show policy**. Only papers that are **presented in person at the conference by one of the paper's authors** will be included in the final Conference Proceedings.
{% file src="/files/Y64HDjbOpoDAM9RwmCtl" %}
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