abstract writing and poster making skills seminar july 13, 2015 content by dr. stephanie j. wetzel
TRANSCRIPT
Abstract Writing and Poster Making Skills Seminar
July 13, 2015Content by Dr. Stephanie J. Wetzel
Abstract
Abstracts are expected to report the basic informational content of the poster
Abstracts are written in passive voice, past-tense
150 word limit, not including title and authors
Abstract Content
The abstract must summarize the technical content of the poster and furnish sufficient information to allow the reader to judge whether he or she should consult the poster for all of the details
The abstract must be self-contained and understandable apart from and without reference to the poster
Abstract Content (con’t)
It can be assumed that the reader is knowledgeable in the field, but special terminology, abbreviations, and jargon should be defined
The abstract can include a brief statement of why the work was done, but it should not include background or other introductory material
The abstract should answer any questions posed by the title
The First Sentence
The first sentence is critical. It is usually a brief information
statement of the major results reported in the poster
It does not include a restatement of the title. It may contain specific data. For example, a general statement that an important measurement was made is insufficient; include the results
Facts contained in the first sentence are not repeated later
The Remaining Text
The text that follows the first sentence may consist of supporting statements, methodology, test results, activities of the users for chemical compounds studied, indications of the number and types of chemical compounds included, limits of accuracy and reliability, and additional results and conclusions
The Remaining Text (con’t)
This information is described concisely but informatively to the degree necessary for understanding. Only enough data are given to support the results and conclusions
Interpretation must be differentiated from fact. Predictions and plans for future work are omitted. Negative results and unsuccessful experiments are reported in a general, summarized form
Poster
A poster should be self-explanatory; the main points should be communicated without the presenter’s explanation
Prepare an oral presentation of no more than 5 minutes to walk interested parties through your poster
Allow people to peruse your poster for a minute before offering to lead them through it
Poster Layout
Arrange the poster panels or printout for logical flow from top left to lower right
Text, figures and photographs should be readable from a distance of 3-4 feet
Use a font such as Arial or Helvetica in a minimum size of 24 pt. (1/4 inch high)
Poster Area is limited to 44”x44”
Poster Content
Title Overview Introduction Methods Results Conclusions References / Acknowledgments
Poster Using Panels
Poster Using Panels
Professionally Printed Poster
Professionally Printed Poster
Title
Should convey the main message of your poster
Banner in large type which contains a descriptive title, the authors, and their affiliations
Should be placed high on the poster
Overview
A succinct summary of purpose, methods and results
Use phrases rather than sentences in a simple outline format
Place in upper left section of posterboard
Introduction
A concise statement of the objective of the work
A description of the background of the work
Methods
Description of apparatus, chemistry, samples, materials, etc.
In some, but not overwhelming detail
Results
Graphs, Spectra, charts, pictures, etc.
Use a minimum of text to illustrate the nature of the results
Conclusions
Concise statement of the findings (positive, as well as negative)
Indicate future research directions
References / Acknowledgments
References and acknowledgments are located at the end of the poster
Acknowledgements include those who are not authors, but contributed to your work
A quick guide to Reference citations using the ACS Style guide can be found at this website
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/CHEM/acsstyle.html
Microsoft PowerPoint
The easiest way to make your poster is in PowerPoint
Can make either a multi-paneled poster or use one slide and print on poster printer
Slide Layout
Slide Design
New Slide
Insert Picture
Poster Format
Abstract Submission Reminders!!!
1. Abstract submission deadline is Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m.
2. All abstract submissions will be done online.3. I will not accept e-mailed abstracts – my account or the
URP account.4. Consideration to be chosen to speak at the Symposium
is also Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m.5. An “ad hoc” committee will be formed to choose the
speakers.6. Notification to all applicants will occur “hopefully” by
Tuesday, July 21.7. I am not taking requests for the 2 p.m. time slot for the
poster session.
Symposium RSVP Reminders!!!
1. Symposium RSVP deadline is Friday, July 24, by noon.2. I have to give Parkhurst a headcount for the breakfast and
lunch on Friday, July 24.3. Feel free to invite family members.4. Please share the details of the Symposium w/ your guests.5. Registration table will be open at 9 a.m. on the Mellon Hall
Patio Friday, July 316. Please pin your posters between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.7. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. inside Bayer Learning
Center.8. Dr. Kahle’s talk will begin at 10 a.m.9. www.duq.edu/urpsymposium