Poster Writing Tips: Abstract guidelines
We're almost done! Abstracts are often the last part of the paper or poster that are written because it serves as the summary of the entire project. Your abstracts will be included in the poster session program to be handed out to all visitors, so let's make them shine. Your abstracts are due to Debbie by email by Noon, Friday, 7/25. Please email Debbie your abstract, poster title, and your full name.
Why do I need an abstract?
One of the reporting requirements of the grant that funds your summer project is that we provide a summary of your summer activities. Giving us an abstract allows us to highlight your research to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. We also publish your abstract and author/title/affiliation information in a program which is given to everyone attending the poster session.
Should I put my abstract in my poster?
Typically, no. When you present your poster at a meeting, you will often be asked to submit an abstract; this abstract is for inclusion in the "meeting catalog," not for on your poster. Leaving your abstract off your poster gives you more space for data and graphics and cuts down on text. That said, your mentor has the final say. If he/she recommends putting an abstract on your poster, heed their advice.
What should my abstract look like?
An abstract is a broad summary of your research in a relatively few number of words. Writing a good abstract is an art. In the abstract you should provide a description of the background of your research project, the hypothesis being tested, methods of collecting data, results gathered, and your conclusions. Your abstract must be between 150 and 200 words, so this has to be done succinctly. Try following this structure: 1-2 sentences of introduction, be sure to emphasize your main question and/or hypotheses; 1-2 sentence of methods, describing the overall approach; 2-3 sentences of results and discussion/interpretation; 1-2 sentences of conclusion/implications/broader impacts. See an example and another example.
