conclusion for research poster

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Creating conference posters: Structure, form and content

This article aims to provide an overview of the form, structure and content of conference posters for researchers who intend to submit an academic poster to a conference. It focuses in particular on the design and layout of academic conference posters, making some suggestions for possible poster layouts. It also provides information about factors influencing conference selection. Finally, it summarises some top tips to be considered when creating a conference poster such as font selection and use of images.

Provenance and Peer review: Solicited contribution; Peer reviewed; Accepted for publication 30 January 2021.

Introduction and aims

This article provides an overview of the process of designing and creating academic posters. It will discuss tools and resources that will be of use to researchers who intend to submit an academic poster to a conference.

Academic conference posters are a method of communicating academic research succinctly ( Gopal et al 2017 ). Posters give the opportunity to present the author’s work in an attractive way. They can be created for a number of reasons, including communicating the progress that a research project is making, to look for collaborators for future research projects, as an alternative to a traditional conference presentation, as an effective entry to the development of professional presentations ( Durkin 2011 ) or to further a career. Creating a poster provides the author with a pleasing visual record of their research, which can be displayed publicly after the conference. Academic posters are also created in order to increase a researcher’s impact in a particular field of research, which may open up future research and employment opportunities.

The audience for a conference poster will depend on the nature of the conference. Many organisations hold their own internal conferences that communicate the results of projects that have been undertaken within departments, or to promote best practice. The audience at an academic conference will be researchers, academics, students and professionals who want to keep up to date with the latest research or who are looking for potential research collaborators. Sometimes scientists will be asked to present their research to members of the public in a poster. The content and presentation of the poster will need to be adapted to suit the intended audience. This article focuses on the design of academic conference posters in order to meet these needs.

Conference selection

When selecting a conference at which to present a poster, there are several factors which should be considered by the author. For example, researchers should consider which conference has the most relevant subject coverage. This may be a conference which the author has previously attended, one that is promoted by a colleague, or one that is advertised in a journal or mailing list. Lang et al (2019) identified five factors that students and practitioners should consider when selecting a conference to attend. These factors are:

• The conference is targeted towards specific areas of interest
• There are opportunities for networking
• There are well-known and respected plenary speakers
• There is an opportunity to present
• The conference has been recommended by others or has been attended by the author previously.

Another factor which will influence conference selection is cost. In order to obtain funding from an employer or external funding organisation, it may be necessary to demonstrate how presenting at a conference will benefit the author and their organisation ( Gray 2020 ).

Poster layout

The main purpose of creating an academic poster is the ability to communicate information in a concise and visually pleasing way ( Gundogan et al 2016 , Rowe & Ilic 2011 ). In order to present information as clearly as possible, a conference poster can have a similar structure to a research paper – but it will need to have a much smaller word count. This means initial planning to ensure the relevant information is conveyed within the poster using the words available.

Before beginning to design and create an academic poster, the requirements of the conference should be clearly understood by the author. These requirements include the orientation of the poster: is it landscape or portrait? Does the conference specify which fonts must be used and what size? How long can the title be? If submission guidelines are not followed, it may lead to a conference poster submission being rejected ( Berg & Hicks 2017 ).

Once the requirements have been read and understood, it is time to begin the design process. It is helpful to sketch a poster on paper first before creating it on a computer. The poster can be designed using boxes to represent the different sections, and the content can be added later. There should be a clear flow from section to section on a poster to make it as easy to read and follow as possible. Poster colour schemes should be carefully selected, keeping to only two or three colours. Red and green colour combinations should be avoided, as people with colour blindness will find this combination difficult to read. Colour can be used to emphasize the poster’s primary focus – for example red to associate a poster with heart disease ( Christenbery & Latham 2013 ).

In order to make a poster attractive and easy to comprehend, around 30 to 40% should be empty space, for example between each section of the poster. There should be 40 to 50% of the space taken up with graphics, and 20 to 25% should contain text ( Baker 2012 ). If a poster contains too much text and too many graphics, it makes it much harder to read.

For an alternative design idea, see resources that Morrison has created ( Morrison 2019 ). This alternative poster design was developed in order to make it much easier for a poster’s audience to understand the main finding that the author is communicating. In this design, all the important information is included but is not the main emphasis of the poster. It also incorporates the use of a QR code where the poster and supplementary material can be downloaded.

A key part of any academic poster is its title. The title of an academic poster is the part that is going to grab people’s attention and encourage them to read the poster. It is therefore vital that it clearly describes the topic of the poster and is short and catchy ( Siedlecki 2017 ). It should be the largest font size on a poster.

The author of an academic poster should be clearly displayed on the poster along with the author’s job title and contact details. This will allow anyone with questions to follow-up once the conference is over. In their study, Gopal et al (2017) found that only 41% of the posters they assessed included contact details either email or postal address. The author’s organisation and/or funder may also require that their logos be added to the poster.

The introduction is the opportunity to explain why the poster was created and set the context for the information presented in the poster. As in a research paper, the methods are used to explain how the research was conducted. If the poster is about a particular procedure or piece of equipment, a photograph can be used in place of words. The addition of photographs will make a poster more visually pleasing and will reduce the number of words required in the methods section.

Research results can be presented in several ways, such as graphs, charts or infographics. This again makes the poster more visually pleasing and aids the comprehension of the results. Data that are presented as graphs, charts or infographics ensure that the results of research can be understood much quicker than trying to read tables of data or large amounts of text.

The conclusions of the research can be presented as bullet points, the information can be listed in a concise way that the audience can easily find on the poster. This section may include what was learnt, the significance of the findings and opportunities for future research.

The main text of a poster should be readable from at least 1.5m away. Any labels on diagrams and references can be of a smaller size. Exact font sizes might be specified in the conference submission guidance, in which case these should be followed exactly. Any headings of the same importance should be of the same font size.

It is important that any other sources used during the creation of the poster are correctly referenced. It is usual to have around five references on a poster, all formatted correctly. Using a reference manager such as Endnote, Mendeley or Zotero can help to ensure that references are in the correct format. Endnote has a plugin which can be used with PowerPoint, for other reference managers, authors must create the references in Word and then copy and paste them to PowerPoint. As Gopal et al (2017) discovered in their study, even when pre-defined requirements are only size and orientation, 28% of posters did not meet both of these criteria.

Presentation of information

As Gundogan et al state (2016) an academic poster should be an aesthetically pleasing format – therefore an important element of any poster are the images that it contains. These could be photographs, diagrams, charts or graphs. If images are used they should be in PNG, GIF, JPEG or TIF formats as these are better for re-sizing without losing image clarity. If images from other sources are used, it is important that any copyright licences are complied with. If possible, an author should use their own images as they will own the copyright on those images. As Gopal et al (2017) illustrated in their study, only 29% of posters assessed had no copyright issues with the material they had included. Any images included in a poster should have a resolution of at least two hundred dots per inch or 80 dots per centimetre to avoid the image having a grainy or pixelated appearance when it is enlarged. Pixabay is a good source of royalty-free images with CC0 licenses ( Pixabay 2020 ). The use of infographics can make a poster more visually appealing. Infographics can be created in many applications, including Canva, Easelly or Piktochart.

When creating a poster, it is important to ensure that the poster has been completed ahead of any deadlines to ensure that there is enough time to print the poster, if required. The conference requirements may state that the posters will be printed by the organisers or the author may have to print it themselves.

Presenting a conference poster online

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional face-to-face conferences have been moving online. There are three main formats that conferences have used to present posters in an online environment.

• An online gallery – posters are hosted online. These online galleries are sometimes supplemented with an online discussion board to ask questions about the posters.
• Asynchronous – this involves recording a video presentation of about 5min explaining the poster. There may then be a live session during the conference where attendees could question the posters author.
• Synchronous – a poster is presented live during a scheduled session with the opportunity for questions.

Although the disadvantage of electronic posters is that they are harder to keep on permanent display, the advantage is that they can still be viewed after a conference is over, allowing discussions to continue ( Powell-Tuck et al 2002 ).

Conclusion and top tips

When creating an academic poster, the author needs to ensure that the submission guidelines are followed. The use of a non-serif font makes the content easier to read in smaller sizes. If any images that are not the author’s own are used, the author should have the correct permissions to use them. The author should try not to cram as much information as possible into the poster; there should be a clear flow and space between sections on the poster. In order to avoid any errors in spelling and grammar, a colleague can be asked to proofread the poster before it is submitted.

Once the conference is over, the poster can be displayed in an office or in the author’s department. This allows a wider audience to see the poster. The poster could be added to a repository online if it has not already been archived by the conference.

No competing interests declared

ORCID iD: Veronica Phillips https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4383-9434

How to Make a Science Research Poster: Content

• Example Posters and Critiques

The Basic Format of a Poster

Posters have the same basic components as a manuscript (i.e. introduction, methods, results, conclusions, references, acknowledgements). They don't need to have an abstract because the whole poster can be though of as a visual abstract.  It's a summary of your project that uses a combination of text and graphics. Not including an abstract will free up space that can be used for other content.  

There is not one correct way to organize a poster but typically the sections are chunked and the poster is organized in columns. Below is a common format. The results will be the major component and there are typically 1 to 5 results sections depending on the project.

The benefit of this format is that it has logical flow. Posters are often read in the following direction.

Example Posters

Content: the Title

• 1-2 lines that describes the problem being studied
• Mention the organism/model system being studied in the title
• Mention the technique if its important to the study
• Commonly only first word is capitalized

Content: the Introduction or Background

• One or two short paragraphs or bulleted points
• States the research question and why it is important
• The objectives of your research or the hypotheses being tested
• Mentions model system being used
• Cites related studies (2-3 references that would be listed in the References section)

Content: the Methods and Materials

• Briefly describe the experimental methods and materials used
• Only write about methods that were used to get the results
• Use schematics when possible to go along with brief amounts of text

Content: the Results

• This is the heart of the poster and usually gets the most space
• Choose your key results and organize each as a separate box or piece of paper
• Give each box a descriptive title of the main finding, not just “Results”, so that the reader is immediately primed for the information you are trying to convey
• Make sure all graphs, tables, charts etc. are well-labeled
• Use graphics as much as possible with just enough text that a person can understand it – make every word count!

Content: the conclusions

• Just a few bullet points describing major conclusions and future directions
• If the conclusions can be well represented by a schematic, you can include one along with your bullet points
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How to prepare an effective research poster

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• Peer review
• Lucia Hartigan , registrar 1 ,
• Fionnuala Mone , fellow in maternal fetal medicine 1 ,
• Mary Higgins , consultant obstetrician 1 2
• 1 National Maternity Hospital, Dublin
• 2 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin
• mhiggins{at}nmh.ie

Being asked to give a poster presentation can be exciting, and you need not be daunted by the prospect of working out how to prepare one. As Lucia Hartigan and colleagues explain, many options are available

The long nights are over, the statistics have been run, the abstract has been written, and the email pops into your inbox: “Congratulations! You have been accepted for a poster presentation.”

All that work has been worthwhile. Your consultant congratulates you and your colleagues are envious of your having a legitimate excuse to go away for a couple of days, but now you have to work out how to prepare a poster. Do not despair, for you have many options.

Firstly, take this seriously. A poster is not a consolation prize for not being given an oral presentation. This is your chance to show your work, talk to others in the field, and, if you are lucky, to pick up pointers from experts. Given that just 45% of published abstracts end in a full paper, 1 this may be your only chance to get your work out there, so put some effort into it. If you don’t have access to the services of a graphic designer, then some work will be entailed as it normally takes us a full day to prepare the layout of a poster. If you are lucky enough to have help from a graphic designer, then you will need to check that the data are correct before it is sent to the printer. After all, it will be your name on the poster, not the graphic designer’s.

Secondly, check the details of the requirements. What size poster should you have? If it is too big, it may look arrogant. If it is too small, then it may seem too modest and self effacing. Should it be portrait or landscape? Different meetings have different requirements. Some may stay with traditional paper posters, so you need to factor in printing. Others present them electronically, but may have a deadline by which you need to have uploaded the poster. When planning a meeting the organisers work out how many poster boards there will be and then the numbers, so follow their requirements and read the small print.

Then make a template. It can be tempting to “borrow” a poster template from someone else, and this may buy you some time, but it is important to check what page set-up and size have been selected for the template. If it’s meant for an A2 size and you wish to print your poster on A0 paper, then the stretching may lead to pixillation, which would not look good.

Next, think about your layout. Use text boxes to cover the following areas: title (with authors, institution, and logo), background, methods, results, and conclusions. Check that the text boxes are aligned by using gridlines, and justify your text. Use different colours for titles, and make sure you can read the title from 3 metres away. Some people will put their abstract in a separate box in the top right hand corner underneath the title, and then expand a little in the other areas. That is fine, so long as you follow the golden rule of writing a poster: do not include too much text. One study showed that less than 5% of conference attendees visit posters at meetings and that few ask useful questions. 2 The same research found that, in addition to the scientific content of a poster, the factors that increase visual appeal include pictures, graphs, and a limited use of words. 2 The ideal number of words seems to be between 300 and 400 per square metre.

Now make it look pretty and eye catching, and use lots of graphics. Outline text boxes or fill them with a different colour. If you can present the data using a graph, image, or figures rather than text, then do so, as this will add visual appeal. If you want to put a picture in the background, and it is appropriate to do so, fade the image so that it does not distract from the content.

Fonts are important. Check whether the meeting has set criteria for fonts; if they have, then follow them. You do not want to stand out for the wrong reason. If there are no specified criteria, then the title should be in point size 72-84, depending on the size of the poster. The authors’ names should be either the same size, but in italics, or else a couple of sizes smaller.

If you are including the hospital logo, don’t take a picture that will not size up properly when enlarged. Instead, obtain a proper copy from the hospital administrators.

References can be in small writing. No one is likely to read them, and you are including them only to remind yourself what you learnt in the literature review. One intriguing possibility is the use of a trigger image to link the poster to online content. 3

Finally, there are also things you should not do. Don’t leave your figures unlabelled, include spelling errors, use abbreviations without an explanation, or go outside the boundaries of the poster. Don’t be ashamed that you “only” have a poster. At a good meeting you may find that the comments from passers by are an amazing peer review. We have presented at meetings where world experts have given feedback, and with that feedback we have written the paper on the flight home.

Competing interests: We have read and understood the BMJ Group policy on declaration of interests and have no relevant interests to declare.

• ↵ Scherer RW, Langenberg P, von Elm E. Full publication of results initially presented in abstracts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007 ; 2 : MR000005 . OpenUrl PubMed
• ↵ Goodhand JR, Giles CL, Wahed M, Irving PM, Langmead L, Rampton DS. Poster presentations at medical conferences: an effective way of disseminating research? Clin Med 2011 ; 1 : 138 -41. OpenUrl
• ↵ Atherton S, Javed M, Webster S, Hemington-Gorse S. Use of a mobile device app: a potential new tool for poster presentations and surgical education. J Visual Comm Med 2013 ; 36 (1-2): 6 -10. OpenUrl

How to Create a Research Poster

• Poster Basics
• Design Tips
• Logos & Images

What is a Research Poster?

Posters are widely used in the academic community, and most conferences include poster presentations in their program.  Research posters summarize information or research concisely and attractively to help publicize it and generate discussion. 

The poster is usually a mixture of a brief text mixed with tables, graphs, pictures, and other presentation formats. At a conference, the researcher stands by the poster display while other participants can come and view the presentation and interact with the author.

What Makes a Good Poster?

• Important information should be readable from about 10 feet away
• Title is short and draws interest
• Word count of about 300 to 800 words
• Text is clear and to the point
• Use of bullets, numbering, and headlines make it easy to read
• Effective use of graphics, color and fonts
• Consistent and clean layout
• Includes acknowledgments, your name and institutional affiliation

A Sample of a Well Designed Poster

View this poster example in a web browser .  

Image credit: Poster Session Tips by [email protected], via Penn State

Where do I begin?

Answer these three questions:.

• What is the most important/interesting/astounding finding from my research project?
• How can I visually share my research with conference attendees? Should I use charts, graphs, photos, images?
• What kind of information can I convey during my talk that will complement my poster?

What software can I use to make a poster?

A popular, easy-to-use option. It is part of Microsoft Office package and is available on the library computers in rooms LC337 and LC336. ( Advice for creating a poster with PowerPoint ).

Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign

Feature-rich professional software that is good for posters including lots of high-resolution images, but they are more complex and expensive.  NYU Faculty, Staff, and Students can access and download the Adobe Creative Suite .

Open Source Alternatives 

• OpenOffice is the free alternative to MS Office (Impress is its PowerPoint alternative).
• Inkscape and Gimp are alternatives to Adobe products.
• For charts and diagrams try Gliffy or Lovely Charts .
• A complete list of free graphics software .

A Sample of a Poorly Designed Poster

View this bad poster example in a browser.

Image Credit: Critique by Better Posters

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• Last Updated: Jul 11, 2023 5:09 PM
• URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/posters

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Presentations: Poster Content

• Poster Design
• Poster Content
• Poster Presentation
• Oral Presentations
• Printing & Archiving

Poster Presentation Content

Posters are a visual representation of your research, scholarly, or creative work. Posters should be able to stand alone giving a clear concise representation of your work, without any explanation from you. Below you will find information on what content to include in your poster.  

Keep in mind - You do not have to put everything on your poster, just key points that are essential to the explanation of your project.  Handouts are good way to supply attendees with additional information that you could not include in your poster presentation. 

Tips and Tricks

Throughout a poster you act as a historian , reporter , and lawyer .

Introduction 15% - You are a Historian

Methods/Results 60% - You are a Reporter

Discussion 25% - You are a Lawyer

Title/ Heading

One of the key features of a research poster is a prominent title.  The title may be the only thing a viewer sees before they reach your poster.  Bearing that in mind, it is important that your title is short and compelling in order to capture the attention of the viewer.   

Even though this section appears first, it is often the last to be written. This section should provide viewers with a brief synopsis of the entire poster. 

Usually consists of a summarized combination of the introduction, results, and discussion sections. 

Introduction/ Background

During this section you should act as a historian, providing viewers needed information about your research topic. This section should make up about 15% of your poster and is comprised of three main parts. 

Part 1: Existing facts

In order to give viewers the "full picture", you first need to provide them with information about past research.  What facts already exist? What is already known about your research area?

Part 2: Shortcomings

Once you have highlighted past research and existing facts. You now need to address what is left to be known, or what shortcomings exist within the current information.  This should set the groundwork for your experiment.  Keep in mind, how does your research fill these gaps or help address these questions? 

Part 3: Purpose or Hypothesis

After you have addressed past/current research and have identified shortcomings/gaps, it is now time to address your research.  During this portion of the introduction you need to tell viewers why you are conducting your research experiement/study, and what you hope to accomplish by doing so. 

Materials/ Methods

In the methods and results sections of your poster you should act as a reporter.  These sections report facts about what you did and the information you gathered. 

The methods section is comprised of four parts: 

Part 1: Participants

Who or what was in the study? 

Part 2: Materials/measures:

What did you measure?

Part 3:  Procedures

How did you conduct the study?

Part 4: Data-analysis

What analysis were conducted?

This section contains FACTS - with no opinion, commentary, or interpretation. This section can be portrayed with figures and tables to cut down text from your poster.

Keep in mind when making figures: 

• Strive for simplicity - Graphics should be simple and clean in order to communicate information quickly.
• Strong titles are essential. Titles should tell a viewer what is important about the graph or what the graph shows. Keep in mind, viewers only see what you tell them to see, therefore make titles clear and concise . 
• Make sure axis and data sets are clearly labeled.
• Be sure to include captions for your graphics. Captions help explain how to read the figure and provides the viewer with additional information.

Example Graphs

Both graphs depict the same information. However, the graph on the bottom presents a more clear and concise message. 

You will notice the title of the bottom graph tells the viewer exactly what they should notice, "More than 1 in 4 Boulder Bay Public Library computer users are Hispanic or Latino".  The graph on the bottom also uses a darker color to represent Hispanic or Latino populations which draws the viewers eye to that part of the figure. 

Conclusion/ Discussion

Interpretation and commentary takes place in this section. During the conclusion/discussion section you should act as a lawyer, reminding people of why your research experiment/study is important and what significance it has to the field.  This section should make up 25% of your poster. 

In this section you should:

• Reiterate the research question/problem
• Highlight the novel or important findings. Explain the meaning of the findings and why they are significant. 
• Discuss how/if your research question was answered. Explain any new understanding or insight you have gained after you have taken the findings into consideration. 
• Highlight the importance of your research and how it may be able to contribute to and/or help fill gaps in existing research. 
• Address study limitations. 
• Make suggestions for further research

Just like when you are writing a paper a poster should include citations to any material you consulted and obtained information from while conducting your experiment/study. 

Citations are important because:

• It allows viewers to locate the material that you used, and can help viewers expand their knowledge of your research topic.  
• Indicates that you have conducted a thorough review of the literature and conducted your research from an informed perspective.
•  Guards you against intellectual theft.  Ideas are considered intellectual property failure to cite someone's ideas can have serious consequences. 

Acknowledgements

• list your funding sources (if, you have them).
• Acknowledge those who assisted you or contributed to your research. 

Best Practices for Handouts

• Your handout should be double-sided
• the first side of the paper should include a picture of your poster (this can be in black and white or color)
• The second side of the handout should include further information about your topic and your contact information.  You could include your literature review and cited references on this side. 
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How to create a research poster

• Getting Started
• Planning your Poster
• Designing a Poster
• Poster Templates & Examples
• Printing your Poster
• Additional Guides

What is a research poster?

A research poster is a visual way to summarize and communicate the results of a research project to a general audience. A good poster should include the goal of the research, its methodology, results, and discussion/conclusion, in clear and concise language.

Research posters will often include photos, maps, graphs and other images to present information in an attractive way.

Why a poster?

Research posters are a common form of research presentation in conferences, seminars, and symposiums. Some of the main advantages of presenting a poster rather than a conference paper are:

• Knowledge sharing with a wider audience: with poster presentations, researchers usually stand beside their posters and can interact directly with the public.
• Opportunity to explore different ways to present information: posters are ideal for highly visual topics.
• Networking: presenting posters can help researchers identify potential collaborators, spark further discussion, make contacts, etc.
• Opportunity to improve verbal presentation skills: researchers can talk about their research without having to observe the stricter guidelines of other types of conference presentations.
• Opportunity to showcase research to potential employers.

Branding requirements

Yukon University's branding guidelines may be applicable when presenting research results. This can vary depending on course/assignment requirements, whether the research is directly sponsored/funded by the institution, and how and where the poster will be presented.

For YukonU students: check with your instructor if branding is required for your situation.

YukonU faculty/staff: YukonU's branding guidelines can be found on https://yukoncollege.sharepoint.com/sites/yc/offices/relations (Sharepoint login required).

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• Last Updated: Apr 12, 2023 2:45 PM
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Scientific Poster Tutorials

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Scientific Poster Parts

Nearly all scientific posters are organized into sections, with each section being one to many paragraphs and possibly including photos, charts, or other data. A great place to start your poster is by deciding what sections you are going to include.

Starter Templates

The easiest way to get started is to use a template . Your school or organization may have templates with their logo and branding, but PosterNerd.com also provides free scientific poster templates .

Common Poster Sections

Every section you include should have a purpose and be familiar to the viewer. The easiest way to decide which sections to include on your poster are to organize your information into 3 categories - Introduction , Research , and Conclusion . The Introduction sections set the stage and outline why you did the research you did. The Research shows all the data you collected and how you collected it. Finally, the Conclusion sections analyze and summarize your results. This is what the viewer ultimately takes away from your poster, so pay special attention to these sections.

• Introduction
• Condensed Abstract
• Objectives/Purpose
• Methodology
• Recommendations
• Implications
• Acknowledgements
• Contact Information

What Sections To Include

A typical poster will have 4-8 sections. The specifics of your research will dictate which sections are most important, but we recommend including Objectives , Results , and Recommendations in all posters. If you’re having a hard time knowing what to include on your poster, here are some questions to make sure you can answer:

• 1 What is my presentation about?
• 2 Why am I doing it and what do I hope to add to the conversation?
• 3 What were the methods I used?
• 4 What conclusions did I come to?
• 5 What are my recommendations based on this research?

How to Organize Poster

Most posters are divided into columns, with 1-3 sections per column. Each column is read from top to bottom and columns are read from left to right. Reading your poster in this order should give the viewer a clear picture of your research.

Questions, Comments, or Concerns

If you have any further questions or comments about our tutorials, we would love to help you out.

Creating Effective Posters

• Poster Design
• Creating Posters
• Elements of a Research Poster
• Poster Templates
• Citation Styles
• Presenting Your Poster
• Poster Examples

What is a Research Poster?

"A large-format poster is a document that can communicate your research at a conference, and is composed of a:

• introduction to your research question
• an overview of your methods/novel approach
• your results
• an insightful discussion of your conclusion
• previously published articles that are important to your research  
• an acknowledgement of the assistance and support you received from others"

 Credit: Colin Purrinton ,  Swarthmore College

The Periodic Table of Poster Elements

Example layout of a poster

I: Introduction and Research Question

Your introduction sets the stage for the project and serves to give the reader an overview! It should peak their interest.  Best practices include:

• Put your topic within context of published literature
• Provide a description and justification of your experimental approach
• Hint at why your subject is ideal for such research
• Give a clear hypothesis
• Minimize the background information and definitions - include just what is relevant!
• Don't repeat your abstract

Approximate word count:  200 words  

Font size for your introduction:   

Headings: about 44 pt

Main text:  about 32 pt

II: Methods

Here, describe your experimental equipment and the research methods you used.  In addition to the text, you might want to add:

• Figures or tables to help describe the design
• Flow charts to describe the experimental procedures
• Pictures or labeled drawings of the organism or the equipment used

Approximate word count: 200 words

Font size for your methods or research question section:  

Captions for your figures:  about 28 pt

III: Results and Findings

This section analyzes your data and explains if your experiment worked out, or if you were not doing an experiment, what your research findings were. Things to include are:

• Data analysis
• Supporting charts, figures, images, or tables
• Supporting information for your argument
• Legends or pictures that can stand on their own and help the viewer with an understanding

Approximate word count: 200 words.

Font size:  

Captions:  about 28 pt

V: Conclusions and Future Research

This is where you will sum up your poster and remind readers of your hypothesis and the results of your research. A few things to include:

• Focus on the take home message
• Was your hypothesis supported? 
• Why the results are conclusive & interesting
• Relevance of your findings to other published work

Approximate word count: 300 words 

VI: Acknowledgments and References

This is the part where you will credit those who helped you produce this research. Key things to include are:

• Those who funded your research
• Sources that you used during your research
• Credit for those who provided supervision and mentorship
• Credit for any figures used in your poster
• Links to a full report, if necessary 

The text on this section will vary with the number of credits necessary, but will generally stay under 100 words. 

Your poster can be customized to what your research looks like! Not all posters have each section - it depends upon what you are communicating. Some posters will have more or less text, some will have more figures and photographs than others, some will have sections detailing specific parts of their research not included in this template. 

Remember - people will be viewing your poster from multiple feet away! Include only the most important points about your research. 

Credit: University of California, San Diego Libraries. 

Poster Creating Tips

How to make a better academic poster

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Research Posters : Examples

• Elements of a poster
• Step by step
• Visualizations & images
• Illinois logo
• Archiving - Grad Students
• More Resources
• Oral Presentations
• 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium This link opens in a new window

WHAT MAKES A GREAT POSTER?

• Colin Purrington - Designing conference posters
• The poster sessions pool - Flickr
• F1000Research Open access repository for posters and slide presentations in biology and medicine.
• Better Posters - A Blog Academic conference posters are often ugly, with tiny text, confusing layouts, and dubious colour schemes. Better Posters is about making posters informative and beautiful.
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Library services for undergraduate research.

• Creating an Abstract
• What is a Literature Review?
• Creating a Poster
• Presenting Your Research
• Share Your Undergraduate Research
• Contact a Subject Librarian This link opens in a new window
• Conducting Research
• College Writing: Citizen Scientist

Research Poster

A research poster session is a visual, interactive forum. The research is conveyed graphically in an informal setting. The researcher stands next to her/his poster and is prepared to answer questions to clarify information. The poster itself IS NOT the enlarged research paper. The poster should " entice the viewer with clarity, simplicity, and pictures ".

Impactful Scientific Posters

This site is developed to help students who are creating research posters for presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. At this site you will find information about:

• What to include in a research poster
• How to design and organize a research poster
• What software programs to use to create a research poster

Research poster sessions, historically have been widely used by the scientific community in presenting original research. However there has been an increase in the use of poster sessions for undergraduate research in the social sciences and humanities.

View Sample Posters

Poster Sessions  - flick r 

A group on flickr for sharing posters and getting feedback

Poster Sessions - flick r

A group on flickr where people share photos of their posters

Online Design Resources

• Effective Poster Design   "An effective poster is a visual communications tool"
• Design Effective Posters   Contains examples of original and improved posters
• Creating Anthropology Conferences Posters: A Guide for Beginners

Considering Content

When developing an outline of a research poster, you want to consider including some of the following sections:

• Introduction or Background
• Literature Review
• Methods or Results
• Purpose or Objectives
• Acknowledges
• Works Cited

Content should be:

• clear and concise
• relevant and significant

Considering Design, Organization & Layout

The " Rule of Thirds " is a design tool used by photographers and graphic artists. The rule states that visual images (the poster) can be divided into nine equal segments (three sections high and three sestions wide. The audience's eye should travel from the top to the bottom in a Z pattern. The most important parts of the poster should be located on this "Z" shape.

Layout and design  should consider:

• balance and spacing
• consistency
• headings and fonts

Graphics should be:

• clearly relevant to project
• easily seen from a few feet away
• simply, easy to understand
• aesthetically pleasing, eye catching, but not garish
• clearly labeled

Sample layouts - at a glance

• Suggested layout arrangements
• Tips for a readable poster (PDf)
• Sample poster template (PowerPoint format)

Finding Stock Images

• U.S. Government Photos
• Library of Congress Images,   flick r  
• B ing Image Feed
• Creative Commons Images
• ArtStor Guide, fine arts images

Books from the Catalog

Journal Articles on Poster Design

Title: Visual Design Tips to Develop an Inviting Poster for Poster Presentations .

Authors: Tomita, Kei 1 , [email protected]

Source: TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning; Jul2017, Vol. 61 Issue 4, p313-315, 3p

Abstract: The article offers suggestions for making a poster presentation at an academic conference as it is different from other presentation formats. Topics discussed include integrating the results, discussion, and conclusion sections or introduction and literature review sections in order to reduce the amount of text; name and affiliation bigger than the main text but smaller than the tittle and addition of figures and tables for creating visual variety and making poster more inviting.

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Title: Effective visual design and communication practices for research posters: Exemplars based on the theory and practice of multimedia learning and rhetoric.

Authors: Pedwell, Rhianna K.; Hardy, James A.; Rowland, Susan L.

Source: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Education ; May2017, Vol. 45 Issue 3, p249-261, 13p

Abstract: Evidence shows that science graduates often do not have the communication skills they need to meet workplace standards and expectations. One common mode of science communication is the poster. In a review of the literature we show that poster design is historically problematic, and that the guidance provided to students as they create posters for assessment is frequently inconsistent. To address this inconsistency we provide some guiding design principles for posters that are grounded in communication theory and the fundamentals of rhetoric. We also present three nondiscipline-specific example posters with accompanying notes that explain why the posters are examples of poor, average, and excellent poster design. The subject matter for the posters is a fabricated set of experiments on a topic that could not actually be the subject of research. Instructors may use these resources with their students, secure in the knowledge that they do not and will never represent an answer set to an extant assessment item. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(3):249-261, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Title: The Research Poster and How it Consolidates and Communicates Key Concepts of a Research Inquiry.

Authors: McAuley, Mike ; Hodgkinson, Gray

Source: Design Principles & Practices: An International Journal: Annual Review ; 2017, Vol. 11 Issue 1, p1-14, 14p, 2 Color Photographs, 3 Diagrams, 2 Charts

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Title: A practical guide to designing a poster for presentation.

Authors: Briggs, David J.  [email protected]

Source: Nursing Standard . 4/29/2009, Vol. 23 Issue 34, p35-39. 5p. 2 Diagrams, 1 Chart.

Abstract: Poster presentations are frequently used to disseminate research findings and clinical initiatives at conferences, and present module material for educational courses. However, many nurses lack confidence when it comes to designing posters. This article considers the skills required to design a poster. Aspects of good poster design are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Title: Poster design—six points to ponder .

Authors: Brown, Bernard S.

Source: Biochemical Education ; July 1997, Vol. 25, p136-137, 2p

Abstract: Students should ponder six points when designing and producing posters. They should prepare by thinking about how their findings might be presented as a poster even while they are carrying out the research, looking for possible illustrations and layouts, and taking note of how professional advertisers stick with one main message that is written in a few words and accompanied by eye-catching visuals. They should organize information on the poster so that there is balance between the three elements of text, illustrations, and space. Students' posters should have a clear pathway that follows the normal reading direction for the language used in the poster. To enhance legibility, they should use upper- and lowercase letters and ensure that type size and column width look right. A short but catchy title, bold headings, not too much text, and simple pictures will help explain their work. Students should also ensure that posters are readable at two meters in two minutes to catch potential readers' attention .

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Reference management. Clean and simple.

The key parts of a scientific poster

Why make a scientific poster?

Type of poster formats, sections of a scientific poster, before you start: tips for making a scientific poster, the 6 technical elements of a scientific poster, 3. typography, 5. images and illustrations, how to seek feedback on your poster, how to present your poster, tips for the day of your poster presentation, in conclusion, other sources to help you with your scientific poster presentation, frequently asked questions about scientific posters, related articles.

A poster presentation provides the opportunity to show off your research to a broad audience and connect with other researchers in your field.

For junior researchers, presenting a poster is often the first type of scientific presentation they give in their careers.

The discussions you have with other researchers during your poster presentation may inspire new research ideas, or even lead to new collaborations.

Consequently, a poster presentation can be just as professionally enriching as giving an oral presentation , if you prepare for it properly.

In this guide post, you will learn:

• The goal of a scientific poster presentation
• The 6 key elements of a scientific poster
• How to make a scientific poster
• How to prepare for a scientific poster presentation
• ‘What to do on the day of the poster session.

Our advice comes from our previous experiences as scientists presenting posters at conferences.

Posters can be a powerful way for showcasing your data in scientific meetings. You can get helpful feedback from other researchers as well as expand your professional network and attract fruitful interactions with peers.

Scientific poster sessions tend to be more relaxed than oral presentation sessions, as they provide the opportunity to meet with peers in a less formal setting and to have energizing conversations about your research with a wide cross-section of researchers.

• Physical posters: A poster that is located in an exhibit hall and pinned to a poster board. Physical posters are beneficial since they may be visually available for the duration of a meeting, unlike oral presentations.
• E-posters: A poster that is shown on a screen rather than printed and pinned on a poster board. E-posters can have static or dynamic content. Static e-posters are slideshow presentations consisting of one or more slides, whereas dynamic e-posters include videos or animations.

Some events allow for a combination of both formats.

The sections included in a scientific poster tend to follow the format of a scientific paper , although other designs are possible. For example, the concept of a #betterposter was invented by PhD student Mike Morrison to address the issue of poorly designed scientific posters. It puts the take-home message at the center of the poster and includes a QR code on the poster to learn about further details of the project.

• Anticipate who your audience during the poster session will be—this will depend on the type of meeting. For example, presenting during a poster session at a large conference may attract a broad audience of generalists and specialists at a variety of career stages. You would like for your poster to appeal to all of these groups. You can achieve this by making the main message accessible through eye-catching figures, concise text, and an interesting title.
• Your goal in a poster session is to get your research noticed and to have interesting conversations with attendees. Your poster is a visual aid for the talks you will give, so having a well-organized, clear, and informative poster will help achieve your aim.
• Plan the narrative of your poster. Start by deciding the key take-home message of your presentation, and create a storyboard prioritizing the key findings that indicate the main message. Your storyboard can be a simple sketch of the poster layout, or you can use digital tools to make it. Present your results in a logical order, with the most important result in the center of the poster.
• Give yourself enough time to create a draft of your poster, and to get feedback on it. Since waiting to receive feedback, revising your poster, and sending the final version to the printers may take a few days, it is sensible to give yourself at least 1-2 weeks to make your poster.
• Check if the meeting has specific poster formatting requirements, and if your institution has a poster template with logos and color schemes that you can use. Poster templates can also be found online and can be adapted for use.
• Know where you will get your poster printed, and how long it typically takes to receive the printed poster.
• Ensure you write a specific and informative poster abstract, because specialists in your field may decide to visit your poster based on its quality. This is especially true in large meetings where viewers will choose what posters to visit before the poster session begins because it isn’t possible to read every poster.

➡️ Learn more about how to write an abstract

The technical elements of a scientific poster are:

• Images and Illustrations

Don’t be tempted to cram your entire paper into your poster—details that you omit can be brought up during conversations with viewers. Only include information that is useful for supporting your take-home message. Place your core message in the center of your poster, using either text or visual elements. Avoid jargon, and use concise text elements (no more than 10 lines and 50 words long). Present your data in graphs rather than in tabular form, as it can be difficult for visitors to extract the most important information from tables. Use bullet points and numbered lists to make text content easy to read. Your poster shouldn’t have more than 800 words.

Poster sections should have a logical visual flow, ideally in a longitudinal fashion. For example, in an article on poster presentations published in Nature , scientific illustrator Jamie Simon recommends using the law of thirds to display your research—a 3-column layout with 3 blocks per column. Headings, columns, graphs, and diagrams should be aligned and distributed with enough spacing and balance. The text should be left-aligned while maintaining an appropriate amount of "white space' i.e., areas devoid of any design elements.

To ensure the title is visible from 5 meters away, use a sans serif 85pt font. The body text should use a minimum of 24pt serif font so that it can be read from a one-meter distance. Section headings and subheadings should be in bold. Avoid underlining text and using all capitals in words; instead, a mixture of boldface and italics should be used for emphasis. Use adequate line spacing and one-inch margins to give a clean, uncluttered look.

Appropriate use of color can help readers make comparisons and contrasts in your figures. Account for the needs of color-blind viewers by not using red and green together, and using symbols and dashed lines in your figures. Use a white background for your poster, and black text.

Include no more than 4 figures, with a prominent centerpiece figure in the middle of the poster of your study system or main finding. Dimensions for illustrations, diagrams, and figures should be consistent. When inserting charts, avoid gray backgrounds and grid lines to prevent ink consumption and an unaesthetic look. Graphics used must have proper labels, legible axes, and be adequately sized. Images with a 200 dpi or higher resolution are preferred. If you obtain an image from the internet, make sure it has a high enough resolution and is available in the public domain.

Tools for poster design include Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Illustrator, In Design, Scribus, Canva, Impress, Google Slides, and LaTeX. When starting with the design, the page size should be identical to the final print size. Stick to one design tool to avoid formatting errors.

Have at least one proofreading and feedback round before you print your final poster by following these steps:

• Share your poster draft with your advisor, peers, and ideally, at least one person outside of your field to get feedback.
• Allow time to revise your poster and implement the comments you’ve received.
• Before printing, proofread your final draft. You can use a spelling and grammar-checking tool, or print out a small version of the poster to help locate typos and redundant text.

Before giving a poster presentation, you need to be ready to discuss your research.

• For large meetings where viewers of your poster have a range of specialties, prepare 2-3 levels for your speech, starting with a one-minute talk consisting of key background information and take-home messages. Prepare separate short talks for casual viewers with varying levels of interest in your topic, ranging from "very little" to "some".
• Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation explaining the methods and results for those in your audience with an advanced background.
• Anticipate possible questions that could arise during your presentation and prepare answers for them.
• Practice your speech. You can ask friends, family, or fellow lab members to listen to your practice sessions and provide feedback.

Here we provide a checklist for your presentation day:

• Arrive early—often exhibition halls are large and it can take some time to find the allocated spot for your poster. Bring tape and extra pins to put up your poster properly.
• Wear professional attire and comfortable shoes.
• Be enthusiastic. Start the conversation by introducing yourself and requesting the attendee’s name and field of interest, and offering to explain your poster briefly. Maintain eye contact with attendees visiting your poster while pointing to relevant figures and charts.
• Ask visitors what they know about your topic so that you can tailor your presentation accordingly.
• Some attendees prefer to read through your poster first and then ask you questions. You can still offer to give a brief explanation of your poster and then follow up by answering their questions.
• When you meet with visitors to your poster, you are having a conversation, so you can also ask them questions. If you are not sure they understand what you are saying, ask if your explanation makes sense to them, and clarify points where needed.
• Be professional. Stand at your poster for the duration of the session, and prioritize being available to meet with visitors to your poster over socializing with friends or lab mates. Pay due attention to all visitors at once by acknowledging visitors waiting to speak with you.

A scientific poster is an excellent method to present your work and network with peers. Preparation is essential before your poster session, which includes planning your layout, drafting your poster, practicing your speech, and preparing answers to anticipated questions. The effort invested in preparing your poster will be returned by stimulating conversations during the poster session and greater awareness of your work in your scientific community.

➡️ How to prepare a scientific poster

➡️ Conference presentations: Lead the poster parade

➡️ Designing conference posters

A scientific poster can be used to network with colleagues, get feedback on your research and get recognition as a researcher.

A scientific poster should include a main heading, introduction, methods, results, conclusion, and references.

An e-poster is a poster fashioned as a slideshow presentation that plays on a digital screen, with each slide carrying a sliver of information.

A handful of tools can be used to design a poster including Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, Illustrator, In Design, Photoshop, Impress, and LaTeX.

Start the conversation by introducing yourself and requesting the attendees' names, affiliations, and fields of interest, and offering to explain your poster briefly. Alternatively, you can give attendees ample time to read through your poster first and then offer to explain your poster in 10 seconds followed by questions and answers.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Results & Discussion

Characteristics of results & discussion.

• Results section contains data collected by scientists from experiments that they conducted.
• Data can be measurements, numbers, descriptions and/or observations.
• Scientific data is typically described using graphs, tables, figures, diagrams, maps, charts, photographs and/or equations.
• Discussion section provides an interpretation of the data, especially in context to previously published research.

The Results and Discussion sections can be written as separate sections (as shown in Fig. 2 ), but are often combined in a poster into one section called Results and Discussion.   This is done in order to (1) save precious space on a poster for the many pieces of information that a scientist would like to tell their audience and (2) by combining the two sections, it becomes easier for the audience to understand the significance of the research.   Combining the Results section and Discussion section in a poster is different for what is typically done for a scientific journal article.   In most journal articles, the Results section is separated from the Discussion section.   Journal articles are different from posters in that a scientist is not standing next to their journal article explaining it to a reader.   Therefore, in a journal article, an author needs to provide more detailed information so that the reader can understand the research independently.   Separating the Results section and Discussion section allows an author the space necessary to write a lengthier description of the research. Journal articles typically contain more text and more content (e.g., figures, tables) than posters.

The Results and Discussion section should contain data, typically in the form of a graph, histogram, chart, image, color-coded map or table ( Figs. 1 & 4 ).   Very often data means numbers that scientists collect from making measurements.   These data are typically presented to an audience in the form of graphs and charts to show a reader how these numbers change over time, space or experimental conditions ( Fig. 7 ).   Numbers can increase, decrease or stay the same and a graph, or another type of figure, can be effectively used to convey this information to a reader in a visual format ( Fig. 7 ).      

Figure 7. Example of a Graph

An audience will be attracted to a poster because of its figures and so it is very important for the author to pay particular attention to the creation, design and placement of the figures in a poster ( Figs. 1 & 4 ).   A good figure is one that is informative, easy to comprehend and allows the reader to understand the significance of the data and experiment.   Very often an author will use color to draw attention to a figure.      

The Discussion section should state the importance of the research that is presented in the poster.   It should provide an interpretation of the results, especially in context to previously published research.   It may propose future experiments that need to be conducted as a result of the research presented in the poster.   It should clearly illustrate the significance of the research with regards to new knowledge, understanding and/or discoveries that were made as part of the research.

Scientific Posters: A Learner's Guide Copyright © 2020 by Ella Weaver; Kylienne A. Shaul; Henry Griffy; and Brian H. Lower is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Research Blog

How to create a research poster a full guide for preparing a scientific poster.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

If you want my team to help you with your Research, click here.

Welcome to this blog post on creating a scientific or medical research poster presentation! In this post, we will walk you through the steps of creating a visually appealing and informative presentation that effectively communicates your research findings. Your poster is a visual representation of your research. Creating a scientific research poster presentation can be a great way to share your research with a larger audience. Whether you are presenting at a conference, a poster session, or an academic event, a well-designed poster can effectively communicate your findings and generate interest in your work.

Step 1: Identify your audience and purpose

Before you begin creating your poster, it’s important to identify your audience and purpose. Are you presenting to a group of peers at a conference, or are you presenting to a general audience at a public event? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your language and content to be more accessible and relevant. For example, if you are presenting to a general audience at a public event, you may want to use simpler language and avoid technical terms. On the other hand, if you are presenting to a group of peers at a conference, you can use more technical language and delve deeper into the details of your research.

Step 2: Layout & Design

The layout and design of your poster are crucial to its success. A research poster should be visually appealing, with a clear and organized structure that guides the viewer through the content. There are many ways to structure a scientific research poster, but a common approach is to use headings and subheadings to break up the content and make it easy to follow. You can also use visual aids, such as graphs, charts, and images, to help convey your message.

You can find some free poster templates online to help you visualize your layout. When it comes to the layout of your poster, there are a few different options to consider. One popular layout is the “grid” layout, which divides the poster into a series of evenly spaced columns and rows. This layout is great for organizing your content and making it easy to follow.

Any figure can be substituted for text

Another option is the “flow” layout, which arranges the content in a more free-form way. This layout can be a bit more creative, but it’s important to make sure the content is still easy to follow and understand.

Research Advising

• The size of the poster: Make sure the size of your poster is appropriate for the event and venue. Most scientific research posters are around 3 feet wide by 4 feet tall but check with the event organizers to confirm the size requirements. These can easily be achieve using the PowerPoint software.
• The font size and style: Choose a font size that is large enough to be easily readable from a distance. A good rule of thumb is to use a font size of at least 18-24 points for the main headings and 14-18 points for the subheadings and body text. Avoid using too many different font styles, as it can be confusing for the reader.

Figure 3 A: Bad Font

Figure 3 B: Good Font

• The color scheme: Use a limited color palette to create a cohesive and visually appealing poster. Choose colors that complement each other and enhance the readability of the text. Avoid using too many bright or bold colors, as they can be overwhelming and distract from the content. Most academic institutions have a poster template that you can use to build your poster. These templates usually include the institution’s logo and color scheme.

Figure 4 A: Bad Colors

Figure 4 B: Good Colors

• The placement of text and graphics: Use a logical and easy-to-follow layout to guide the reader through your poster. Place the main headings at the top of the poster and use subheadings and bullet points to break up the content into manageable sections. Use images, graphs, and charts to illustrate key points and enhance the visual appeal of your poster. A research poser should be a visual expansion of your abstract, focusing on ways to visually present the information you are describing. Text should be kept to a minimum, with around 500 words across the poster.

Statistics + Research course

Step 3: create the content.

Once you’ve chosen a layout and design for your poster, it’s time to start creating the content. When it comes to the content of your poster, it’s important to focus on the main points of your research. Begin by introducing the topic and providing some background information to set the stage for your research.

Start by choosing a clear and concise title for your poster. The title should accurately describe the main topic of your research and grab the attention of your audience. It should be short and to the point, ideally no more than a few words. Consider using a title that poses a question or highlights a key finding of your research.

Next, outline your research question or hypothesis and explain the methods you used to gather data. Be sure to include any relevant results and conclusions, as well as any limitations or future directions for your research.

• This section is targeted at intelligent readers in your field. The information should be short focus on why you decided to perform this research, given the current state of affairs in your field. This section should also introduce what you aim to gain from this research. The object of your project is key item of this section. You may choose to include a figure in this section, instead of text, that can visually present the background of this project. The purpose of the study can subsequently
• Here, you need to shortly present how your research was conducted and how the analysis was carried out. This is another opportunity to attract the audience visually. A good flow chart can effectively present your methods without typing out any sentences on your poster. Make sure to include any relevant details, such as the sample size, data collection methods, and statistical analyses.
• It’s time for your poster to shine. This where your visual presentation can truly be showcased. Approximately 3-4 figures consisting of graphs, tables, and charts should be used here. In addition to visual aids, you should have one or two sentences that highlight the main findings of your study. This section is the largest part of your poster. When an onlooker passes the display, your results section should draw them in
• Here we can summarize the entirety of the study. The conclusion sections should consist of no more than 200 words. This section will emphasize the key points that the reader should go take with them.
• Finally, you may include a section on future work or implications for further research. This can be a great opportunity to discuss the potential applications of your research and suggest avenues for future investigation.

*This poster won Best-In-Category at the 2022 American Burn Association meeting

Step 4: Add graphics and charts

In addition to the text, be sure to include graphics and charts to help illustrate your findings. These can be bar graphs, pie charts, or other types of visual data representations that make it easier for the viewer to understand your research.

Visual aids, such as graphs, charts, and images, can be a great way to supplement your text and help convey complex ideas more effectively. Choose visual aids that are relevant and informative, and make sure they are labeled clearly.

When creating graphics and charts, it’s important to choose a clear and concise visual representation of your data. Avoid using too many different types of charts or graphics, as this can be confusing for the viewer. Instead, focus on using a few key charts or graphics that effectively communicate your research findings.

Step 5: Optional sections

Generally, posters don’t need a reference section because this is a short highlight of data that is purely your own. However, sometimes your background/introduction may reference specific studies or you may have used figures that are not original. In these cases, you should include short references section at the end of your poster. It is important to properly cite the sources you used in your research and to give credit to the work of others. Use a consistent citation style, such as APA or MLA, and be sure to include all necessary bibliographic information

This is a completely optional section. However, I highly recommend it. Many times, the posters will be available for viewing without your presence. In such cases, you must provide an opportunity for them to be able to contact you in the future if they wish to discuss your research. The first and easiest option is including your professional email (can be academic but doesn’t have to be). Another option that has recently gained popularity is the inclusion of a QR code. This personally designed QR code can direct the viewer to any professional page that you may design (Social-Media, Email, ResearchGate, etc.).

Figure 8: Contact info

Step 6: Review

Before you print or submit your poster, make sure to review and proofread it carefully. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and factual mistakes, and correct them as needed. Ask a friend or colleague to review your poster as well, as they may catch mistakes that you missed.

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Step 7: practice and rehearse.

Practice your presentation. Make sure you know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get comfortable with the material. Consider using props, such as handouts or physical models, to help illustrate your points.

When practicing your presentation, consider the following:

• Keep it brief: A scientific research poster presentation is typically only a few minutes long, so make sure you can convey the main points of your research in a short amount of time.
• Use clear and concise language: Avoid using technical jargon or complex terms that may be unfamiliar to your audience. Instead, use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.
• Engage with your audience: A poster presentation is a great opportunity to interact with others and discuss your research. Be prepared to answer questions and engage in discussions with your audience.

Step 8: Bring copies and relevant materials

Once you have completed your poster, it is time to print and assemble it. Make sure to use high-quality paper and printing methods to ensure that your poster looks professional and visually appealing. There are a few different options for printing and assembling your poster, including:

• Printing at a print shop: Many print shops offer large format printing services, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option for printing your poster.
• Printing at home: If you have a high-quality printer and paper, you may be able to print your poster at home. Just be sure to check that your printer is capable of handling the size and quality of your poster.
• Assembling a digital poster: Instead of printing a physical poster, you can create a digital poster using a presentation software, such as PowerPoint or Google Slides. This can be a convenient and eco-friendly option, as you can simply bring a laptop or tablet to the event and present your poster digitally. However, conferences might only allow the print option without digital display options.

Once your poster is printed, you will need to assemble it. Depending on the size and material of your poster, you may need to use foam board, mounting adhesive, or other materials to mount your poster onto a backing board.

Finally, it is time to transport and display your poster at the event. Make sure to handle your poster carefully to avoid any damage and consider using a poster tube or other protective case to transport. When setting up your poster at the event, make sure to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the event organizers. Consider the lighting and positioning of your poster and try to position it in a location that is easy to see and access.

Step 9: Presenting your poster:

Some conferences have dedicated poster sessions where each researcher can give a quick presentation of their poster. However, this is not always available. Most of the time, you stand in front of your poster and present it to anyone that passes by and chooses to discuss your research with you. A poster presentation should be a 2-3 minute “elevator pitch” of your work. This little speech should be memorized cold, and you should be able to present it to anyone that asks.

General Tips for success

Here are a few additional tips to help ensure the success of your research poster presentation:

• Choose a font that is easy to read from a distance. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are generally more legible than serif fonts like Times New Roman.
• Use a consistent layout throughout the poster. This helps the viewer know what to expect and makes it easier to follow the content.
• Print your poster at the appropriate size. Most conference organizers will specify the size of the poster, so be sure to follow their guidelines.
• Use high-quality images and graphics. Poor quality images or graphics can distract from the content of your poster and make it less effective.
• Don’t forget to proofread your poster for spelling and grammar errors. A poster with errors can be difficult to take seriously.
• First, keep the text concise and to the point. No one wants to read a novel on a poster, so be sure to keep your language clear and focused.
• Use images and graphics to illustrate your points. These can be more effective than text in some cases, and they help break up the poster and make it more visually appealing. When choosing images, be sure to select high-quality images that are relevant to your research.
• Use headings and bullet points to help organize and structure your content. This will make it easier for the viewer to understand and follow your research.
• Use plenty of white space to make your poster more visually appealing and easier to read. White space is the area around the text and graphics on your poster, and it plays an important role in the readability and overall aesthetic of your poster. Avoid overcrowding the poster with too much text or graphics and use plenty of white space to break up the content and make it easier for the reader to take in the information.

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A newly popular new method of presented research has also been developed. The “Better Poster” approach developed by Mike Morrison, PhD, is a method for creating effective and engaging research posters. The approach emphasizes the use of clear and concise language, a consistent layout, and effective use of visuals to communicate research findings.

One of the key features of the Better Poster approach is its simplicity. By avoiding technical jargon and using a simple design, the poster is more accessible to a wider audience. The approach also highlights the importance of highlighting key findings, which ensures that viewers can quickly understand the most important information.

Another important feature of the Better Poster approach is its emphasis on the use of visuals. Charts, diagrams, and images are used to supplement the text and make the poster more engaging. The use of visuals also helps to break up the text and make the poster more visually appealing.

In conclusion, creating a research poster can be a daunting task, but by following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can create a visually appealing and informative poster that effectively communicates your research findings. From outlining your content and selecting the right layout, to choosing the right colors and typography, the key is to keep your audience in mind and strive for simplicity and clarity. The author of this blog post is Tomer Lagziel, a fourth-year medical student at the Sackler School of Medicine, New-York Program and a clinical research fellow in the Johns Hopkins Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has over 30 publications and even more poster and podium presentation at some of the most prestigious scientific surgical conferences.

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Writing and Presenting Research

Writing a research proposal.

A research proposal is a formal, detailed description of the research you intend to conduct. Although standards for a research proposal vary across disciplines, all research proposals include certain basic information:

• Introduction
• Preliminary Studies
• Research Methodology
• Significance of the Proposed Project

For more information on research proposals and their components, UR&CI suggests exploring the WebGURU website. 

For additional support on Ohio State's campus, UR&CI suggests reaching out to the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing .

Writing a Research Abstracts

While writing a research abstract, it is helpful to refer to the hourglass structure, meaning the abstract is quite general at the beginning, becoming more specific in the middle, and then becoming more general again at the end.

An abstract typically includes the following topics:

• General background information
• Facts about the topic
• Statement of the problem
• Statement of purpose
• Methods/process
• Results or anticipated results
• Conclusion/importance

Creating a Research Poster

Below are research poster templates that students have used in the past and can be modified by all students:

• College of Nursing Template
• CFAES Template
• Environmental and Natural Resources Template
• College of Public Health Template
• Any Department Poster 1
• Any Department Poster 2

Presenting a Research Poster

Developing strong presentation skills will benefit you throughout your career and personal pursuits. Below are some tips to help you prepare for poster presentations, and be sure to check out our Workshops page for upcoming hands-on workshops for more information. 

• Depending on your presentation venue, your audience will have different needs and expectations for your presentation. Always keep your audience's level of expertise in mind when preparing your presentation. 
• Don't just read your poster. Your oral presentation should highlight and summarize the main points of your poster. The poster is a support for your presentation, not necessarily a written version of your presentation.
• Audience members will likely decide if they are interested in your presentation in the first 30 seconds. Craft an intriguing hook to start your presentation strong. Audience members also will be absorbing lots of information at an event; focus on 2-3 main takeaways of your work that your audience can remember without be overwhelmed.
• Practice your presentation multiple times, but also be prepared to go "off-script" to answer questions and tailor your presentation to the person in front of you.

Printing a Research Poster

Uniprint offers a self-service 36 x 48 poster printing at Thompson Library on the first floor for $14.00. Please visit their  Poster Printing Instructions webpage  for additional steps.

Poster Printing Instructions (Print from PowerPoint Desktop App) - ​​​

1. Log into a library desktop computer (do not use a personal computer).

2. Open the file you would like print - I personally suggest saving the PowerPoint to a PDF and saving the PDF to the desktop on the PC. Then proceed using the PDF File from the desktop.

3. Open the “change the printer” dropdown menu, click “see more” and choose Thompson 160 Plotter.

4. Click the printer properties link just below the printer dropdown menu.

5. Use the dropdown menu to choose the size of your poster, by clicking the “see more” option. a. Arch B – 12 x 18 - $3.80 b. Arch C – 18 x 24 - $5.00 c. Arch D – 24 x 36 - $8.00 d. Arch E – 36 x 48 - $14.00 DO NOT SELECT OVERSIZE ARCH and ensure option says “Arch _” not just B, C, D, or E.

6. Click the layout/output tab and have settings at “landscape” and “rotation: 90 degrees.”  Please note that your poster will be cut off if you skip this step.

7. Click okay, then click print. Type your last name.#.

8. Posters can be printed at the Plotter printers in Thompson 160 and Thompson 122. Swipe your BuckID or type in your last name.# to release the poster.

For questions, please contact us at  [email protected] .

• Nov 14, 2023

How to effectively incorporate citations into your scientific poster

Imagine this: You're fervently collating your latest research into a visually compelling scientific poster. You’ve written your attention-grabbing title , picked a cohesive colour scheme , and planned a logical layout for your content. ✨

Suddenly, you encounter a problem — what do you do about citations and references? 🤔

You have so many “essential” papers, your poster is sure to look cluttered. So, should you include them?

It’s a divisive subject! A recent poll we conducted on LinkedIn revealed a striking split among our audience: 60% believed yes, posters should have references, while the other 40% thought no.

We believe references and citations on scientific posters are optional, not mandatory! But if you choose to include them, we have 3 simple tips to create a clean, reader-friendly and award-winning design . 🔬

The problem with citations and references

We understand that references can demonstrate credibility and integrity, and provide a thread for those interested to pull at for additional information.

However, it's also true that they can turn your poster into a hot mess if not handled properly. 🫣

Disrupt the flow of text. 📝

Fragment your sentences. 💔

Clutter your poster reducing negative space. 🫨

Decrease readability. 😵‍💫

And reduce visual appeal. 🙅🏽‍♀️

The challenge of including citations without compromising readability and aesthetics is real. AND we get it! Formatting citations and references can be a nightmare at the best of times!

And this task only becomes that much harder when you apply it to a scientific poster, with limited space.

Tip 1: Choose your in-text citation style wisely

Unlike a journal article, the referencing style for a scientific conference poster is often not dictated. So the choice is up to you!

And what a difference it can make. Let's take a look.👇

Avoid (author, date) in-text citation styles for a scientific poster.

While (author, date) citation styles are common, they can easily clutter and disrupt the smooth flow of text on your scientific poster!

Some common styles are:

APA (American Psychological Association)

Harvard referencing

MLA (Modern Language Association)

And the list goes on.

Don’t get us wrong, these styles certainly have their place. In fact, they are often required for journal submissions and University assessments. But here is the problem, they take up too much space! So we recommend you steer clear of all (author, date) in-text citation styles for scientific posters.

Use footnotes, endnotes or a numbered citation style instead!

Just like a well-placed puzzle piece 🧩 footnotes, endnotes and numbered citations seamlessly integrate into the text, offering the necessary source information without overloading the text. ✨

So, what’s the difference between a footnote, endnote and numbered citation, you ask?

Well when it comes to a scientific poster a footnote and an endnote are indistinguishable. A footnote appears at the bottom of the page containing the sentence to which it refers. Whilst endnotes are lists at the end of the document , similar to a reference list or bibliography.

Since a scientific poster is only one page, both terms can be used interchangeably.

A numbered citation style, such as Vancouver referencing, has the same principle. And can either be written in line with the text within rounded brackets (1) or using superscript¹.

As you can see, that small little superscript number does not overwhelm the sentence, drastically increase the amount of text or clutter the poster. However it does still provide appropriate recognition to previous work and give both you and the reader essential sources to refer to, if needed.

We recommend to use footnotes, endnotes or a numbered citation style, for your scientific poster.

Tip 2: Use only 3-4 essential references

This may be the most important tip! We recommend limiting the number of references to a maximum of 3 to 4, focusing on the most impactful and relevant sources to your research. 🔬

There are two main ways to do this:

Reduce the amount of content on your poster! ✅ Distil your introduction, methods and conclusion down to the core points and avoid introducing too many new concepts. This makes your poster more accessible and automatically decreases the number of references required. Talk about win win!

Reduce the number of references per finding! ✅ In contrast to a manuscript or a literature review, where you cite every single paper that has came to the same conclusion, instead just cite the first original paper, or the most impactful to your work. This will limit the number of necessary citations and references.

Tip 3: Format your reference list to be as concise as possible

Unfortunately, your reference list can get long—wayy too long—taking up valuable real estate on your poster if you are not careful. 🙃

Here are our top tips to minimise your reference list:

Reduce the number of references We said it before, and we’ll say it again! Limit yourself to 3 or 4 necessary references. This will, as you guessed, give you more space in your reference list.

Keep text small As long as it’s readable the text of your reference list can be smaller than your body text, if needed.

Stick to the essentials Format your references to be as concise as possible and include only the necessary information, such as:

✍🏻 First author

📗 Journal details

So, there you have it! Creating a clean, clutter-free poster with appropriate citations is entirely achievable. 🙌 The key lies in selecting the right style to seamlessly incorporate them into your scientific poster, reserving citations for only the absolutely essential references and formatting your reference list to be super-duper concise.

Still feel like you want some extra help?

We’ve only just scratched the surface on what makes a clean and clutter-free poster!

Here at Animate Your Science, we’ve developed a whole online course: How to Design an Award-Winning Scientific Poster to take you through the key design principles of designing a poster. With nothing but positive reviews from academics all over the world, we think you will love our award-winning formula too.

You can go at your own pace, with only 3 hours of learning across 33 video lessons, you can arm yourself with the skills and knowledge to create your own captivating scientific posters. As a bonus, we also include 8 templates & downloads for you! 🤩

Learn more about our online scientific poster here or contact our team today to maximise your research poster’s impact. ✨

Related Posts

How to Design an Award-Winning Scientific Conference Poster

Best examples of scientific posters

How to deliver an engaging scientific poster presentation: Dos and Don’ts!

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