Sherman College accepting abstracts for IRAPS symposium

Sherman College of Chiropractic is accepting abstracts for its 21st International Research and Philosophy Symposium (IRAPS).

This peer-reviewed chiropractic conference addresses vertebral subluxation research and the philosophy of chiropractic, a Sherman press release noted. Abstracts and the author’s curriculum vitae must be submitted by November 1, 2025, to be considered for presentation at IRAPS 2026, which will be held in conjunction with the college’s flagship event, Lyceum, April 30 – May 2, 2026, on the Sherman College campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

IRAPS presentations are scheduled for Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.

Topics for abstracts, both for both platform and poster presentations, may include:

• Case studies focusing on the location, analysis and correction of vertebral subluxation (LACVS).
• Philosophy of chiropractic as a component of LACVS-type care.
• Scholarly pursuits that will advance chiropractic education, practice, and the profession.

“The goal of IRAPS is to bring leaders in philosophy and research together, along with practitioners and educators who are centered on vertebral subluxation practice, to build a stronger academic community worldwide regarding the subluxation model of chiropractic,” explained Christopher Kent, DC, ACP, JD, Sherman’s Director of Global Presidential Initiatives. “The program intends to foster a view that the chiropractic profession is centered on vertebral subluxation, based on vitalism, dedicated to research and developing a discipline of philosophy.“

This year, thanks to the generous sponsorship of ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program, Sherman will continue the IRAPS Research & Scholarship Awards. Awards will be distributed across multiple categories and elevated based on alignment with chiropractic principles, innovation, methodological rigor, philosophical depth and presentation quality.

Continuing education credit will be available, and attendees may attend the entire Lyceum program, including IRAPS, or a one-day IRAPS-only package. IRAPS speakers will receive a 25% discount at registration, and complete program details will be released after speakers have been selected.

Conference registration opens in November 2025.

Abstract information

Abstracts should be formatted as short papers, approximately 300 words, and include appropriate references. Authors must include a curriculum vitae (CV) with the abstract. Additional information and the rubric for peer review of abstracts are available on the Sherman website at sherman.edu/iraps.

Important dates

2025:

• November 1 – Abstracts due
• November 14 – Notification to authors
• November 21 – Author confirmation to present due

2026:

• April 30-May 2 – Sherman’s Lyceum/IRAPS 2026
• May 1-May 2 – IRAPS presentations

For more information, please contact: Alan Brewster, DC, ACP, Director of the Center for Scholarly Activity, at abrewster@sherman.edu or 800-849-8771, ext. 212.

About Sherman College of Chiropractic

Sherman College of Chiropractic provides students with a comprehensive chiropractic education, preparing them to enter the field as Doctors of Chiropractic who are highly skilled, compassionate, ethical and successful. On its 80-acre campus in South Carolina, Sherman offers a professional degree program that is separate and distinct from all other professions and is known globally for the skill and art of chiropractic delivered by its graduates. For more information, visit sherman.edu.