Preparing An Effective Scientific Poster

Preparing An

Effective Scientific

Poster

UMBC COLLEGE OF NAT UR A L AND MAT HEMAT ICAL SCI ENCES

Why scientific posters?

“Criticism and testing are of the

essence of our work. This means that

science is a fundamentally social activity,

which implies that it depends on good

communication.”

-Hermann Bondi

Quoted by Robert A. Day in How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper. The Oryx Press (1998) p. ix.

Why give scientific posters?

To serve as a basis for communication with researchers and

the public

To convey findings in scientific research

To share ideas with colleagues

To serve as an alternative to longer oral presentations

To learn how to organize and effectively present research

data

Steps to a Poster Session

1. Conduct Research

2. Write & Revise Abstract

3. Review Abstract (by Mentor)

4. Submit Abstract

5. Prepare Presentation

6. Present Research

Steps to a Poster Session

1. Conduct Research

2. Write & Revise Abstract

3. Review Abstract (by Mentor)

4. Submit Abstract

5. Prepare Presentation

6. Present Research

Steps to a Poster Session

1. Conduct Research

2. Write & Revise Abstract

3. Review Abstract (by Mentor)

4. Submit Abstract

5. Prepare Presentation

6. Present Research

ABSTRACTS

Many presentation venues require

presenters to submit abstracts as part of the

registration process.

LENGTH: 300 words or less

SUGGESTED CONTENT:

Abstracts may differ by discipline but typically includes:

 Background

 Research question/problem

 Approach and experiments

 Conclusion

Abstract Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/abstract-requirements

Title, Authors & Affiliations

Body of the Abstract:

background, research question,

approach and experiments, and conclusion

Acknowledgment Statement:

specifically recognize funding support of

the research project. Program

coordinators, directors and/or research

mentors can provide this information

Abstract Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/abstract-requirements/

ABSTRACT TEMPLATE

ABSTRACT FORMATTING

Abstract Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/abstract-requirements/

File Type

Abstracts must be generated in MS Word (.doc or .

docx).

File Name

Please title the abstract file as follows, the presenter

’s entire last

name, followed by the first initial of their first name plus the word

“

Abstract”. Example: “SmithJAbstract.doc”

Page Format

8.5″ x 11″ page with 1

-inch margins and 12-

point Times New Roman

font.

Page Limit

1 page for complete abstract.

Title

The abstract title should be in all CAPITAL letters

Authors

The presenting author’

s name (student) should be underlined. The

presenting undergraduate author should be first author and the

research mentor should be the last author. Any coauthors should be

included between the first and last authors. Affiliations should be

included for all authors/coauthors and noted using superscript

numbers.

ABSTRACT FORMATTING

Abstract Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/abstract-requirements/

Affiliations

Provide the affiliation for each author. Use superscript

numbers to identify which author is associated with the

listed affiliations. An author may have more than one

affiliation.

The format for affiliations should be as follows: Department of XXX,

PresenterInstitutionName

, StreetAddress, City, State (abbreviation)

ZIPCODE. Example: Department of Biological Sciences, UMBC, 1000

Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250

Body of Abstract

Maximum word count is 300.

(Title, authors, affiliations and acknowledgment statement are

not included in word limit). Paragraphs must be indented using

a tab.

acknowledgment

Statement

This should specifically recognize funding support of the

research project. Program coordinators, directors and/or

research mentors can provide this information.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

All abstracts must be reviewed and approved by each student’s research

mentor or by an individual authorized by the mentor to review and

approve the abstract.

The mentors must confirm in writing that have reviewed and approved

the abstract with the understanding that the abstract will appear in an

event program book and may be posted online. [ONLINE FORM]

Program officials must review and submit the abstracts of students in

their programs

PAY ATTENTION TO THE ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE - IT IS A

GOOD IDEA TO SUBMIT BEFORE THE DEADLINE.

Abstract Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/abstract-requirements/

ABSTRACTS TAKE TIME….

Students should show their abstracts

to their research mentors first so

there is sufficient time to edit the

abstract before submission.

Talk about this now so that you

know what deadline to use for your

mentor’s review of your work to

ensure you meet the SURF abstract

submission deadline.

Steps to a Poster Session

1. Conduct Research

2. Write & Revise Abstract

3. Review Abstract (by Mentor)

4. Submit Abstract

5. Prepare Presentation

6. Present Research

Effective posters share the

following traits:

• Viewer-friendly style with large (not small) typeface &

informative subheadings

• Small offerings of information vs. long paragraphs of text

• Logical and orderly progression of presentation of

information

• Summary statement(s) of key aspects

• Easily understood language with no jargon or undefined

acronyms

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

ELEMENTS OF A POSTER

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

TITLE: think big

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

Can you read the title from

15-20 feet away?

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

The Title of a Poster is the

First Thing a Visitor Sees

The goal is to be professional

and attract visitors to your poster.

AUTHORS

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

Authors:

Researchers who worked on the project.

Primary Investigator.

Affiliations:

Follow the guidelines provided for the abstract

submission.

The format for affiliations should be as follows: Department

of XXX, PresenterInstitutionName, StreetAddress, City, State

(abbreviation) ZIPCODE. Example: Department of Biological

Sciences, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER CONTENT:

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

For SURF, we

suggest making

the poster

presentation

understandable to

educated

laypersons.

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER CONTENT:

IMAGES v TEXT

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

• Minimize Text

• Maximize Illustrations and Cartoons

(Hint: A poster is not a research paper.)

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER CONTENT:

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

• Include the one main

point you would like

a visitor to remember

about your research.

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER CONTENT:

BE CONCISE

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

• Avoid long blocks of text

• Use small chunks of

information

(Hint: Edit, Edit, Edit to get to the

core messages of the poster.)

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER CONTENT:

TECHNICAL TERMS

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

Define all technical terms

used throughout a poster

(Hint: An element listing these definitions

can be very helpful to visitors.)

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

Explain What??

jar  gon –

“The specialized language of a trade, profession,

or similar group2”…

ac  ro  nym –

“A word formed from the initial letters of a

name3”…

Webster’s II New College Dictionary, Houghton Mifflin Company. (1999) pg.592.

Ibid, p. 11

POSTER CONTENT:

SUMMARY OF YOUR RESEARCH

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

• Include a summary of the poster’s most

important points

• Use bullets and/or boldface to

emphasize important information

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

acknowledgment:

This study was supported in part by the Howard

Hughes Medical Institute program, the NIH/NIGMS

MARC U*STAR T34 08663 National Research Service

Award to UMBC and a National Eye Institute grant to

P.R.R. (R01EY019053).

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

• Organizations and agencies that contributed to the

project, especially through funding support and

Individuals who contributed to the project

Often placed in the lower right section of a poster:

FROM CONTENT TO LAYOUT

Title

Author & Affiliations

Introduction

Background

Statement of the research

problem

Formula(s) - it is best to

use figures when possible

Data/Results and Analysis

Conclusions

References

Acknowledgments

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

Where does the information

go on the poster?

What is the best format?

Various formats can be used successfully

There is no single “ideal” format for poster presentations

• PROGRAM OPTIONS

Microsoft PowerPoint

LaTeX, can be helpful in creating a professional

display

• SIZE REQUIREMENTS

Each event has different requirements.

• SURF

Maximum Size: 36”W x 42”L

Formats: one sheet posters or multiple panel posters

TEMPLATES available online surf.umbc.edu

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER LAYOUT

Know the size requirements for each poster

• SURF maximum poster size is

36” wide by 42” high or

• 92 cm w x 107 cm long

• Plan the layout of the elements

• It is not necessary to fill all of the space

do not “clutter” your poster

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

Vertical - sequential elements in columns

Two Basic Poster Layouts

Horizontal - sequential information in rows

Two Basic Poster Layouts

Which layout

is best

Vertical

Horizontal

Poster Layout

Vertical

When information is

presented in columns, this

layout enables the poster

elements to be viewed in

progression and helps to

prevent traffic jams.

Vertical

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

Poster Layout

When the layout is

finalized, consider

sketching it on a

piece of paper to use

as a helpful reminder

when creating the

poster.

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

FONTS and COLORS

TITLES:

90 pt for long titles; 100 pt for short titles

Typical Affiliation line:

65-70 pt

TEXT:

24-36 pt

TEXT COLORS:

Use normal, dark colors. No light colors.

BACKGROUND:

Avoid dark background colors - they

waste ink, take much longer to print and

dry, etc.

Dark text on light

background

Light text on

dark background

Title

Affiliation

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

MINIMUM FONT SIZE

Use a

minimum

font size of

If it is too small, people will move to

next poster

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER LAYOUT

Helpful Hint:

The most important

elements of a poster should

be displayed at the viewer’s

eye level - which is often

about one foot from the

top of the poster board.

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

POSTER TYPE

MULTI-PANEL POSTER

Multiple components

8.5” x 11” sheets

color printer

Banner

Professional Printer

.pdf File

template available

SINGLE PANEL POSTER

Traditional Format

.pdf File

Professional Printer

The maximum poster size for SURF is

36-inches wide by 42-inches high

Tips for Effective Posters

For Multiple Panel Posters:

Mount each element on a piece of

colored cardboard. Some presenters use

page protectors, which guard against

moisture and allow for quick revisions.

Consider having a 36” banner printed

with your title information for your

presentation. (Template online)

(Hint: Some presenters number the

backs of the mounted elements in

sequential order)

Note: The blue background in the

diagram depicts the poster display

board, where the panels are displayed

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

BANNER

with Title, Authors & Affiliations

Panel

Tips for Effective Posters

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

Use the 36”w x 42”h

template available on the

CNMS SURF website.

For One Sheet Posters:

Vertical

Sample Layout for One Sheet Poster

Tips for Effective Posters

Read over your work for

errors and omissions

Use the spell check

feature on your computer

POSTER PRINTING

There is no time to reprint posters – get it right

the first time

ON CAMPUS PRINTING:

File Type: .PDF files

Text: Use dark, not light, colors

Background: Avoid dark colors

More Questions? Call Mr. Ford at x5-2257 for help.

CNMS Research Graphics reserves the

right to edit poster size and color

Poster Requirements & Templates surf.umbc.edu/poster-template

Important: If another shop or resource is used for poster printing, please be

sure to check on the amount of time required to complete and pick up the

finished product. It is a good idea to pick it up at least a couple of days before

the Summer Undergraduate Research Fest to avoid problems.

Steps to a Poster Session

1. Conduct Research

2. Write & Revise Abstract

3. Review Abstract (by Mentor)

4. Submit Abstract

5. Prepare Presentation

6. Present Research

Presenting the Poster

• Prepare a 10-30 second introduction to your research to

engage visitors

• Explain why your research project matters, especially to

the general population

• If there is interest, offer a quick tour of one-to-two

minutes

• Remember to point to relevant poster elements during

the quick tour

• Remember to emphasize your “take-home” message in a

30-second summary.

Getting Ready to Present

• Dress in business attire (no jeans)

• Please no chewing gum

• Plan to stand beside your poster during your entire

scheduled session – don’t block the view of your work

• Be aware of all visitors

• Relax and enjoy the opportunity to share your research

project

Optional …

• Business cards to offer to interested visitors

• Additional supporting data available in a booklet for

visitor review

• Copies of the poster as handouts

• Email address with the title/author information

Steps to a Poster Session

1. Conduct Research

2. Write & Revise Abstract

3. Review Abstract (by Mentor)

4. Submit Abstract

5. Prepare Presentation

6. Present Research

What to Expect at SURF

8:30 am

Poster Set-up & Presenter Check-in Begins

University Center Ballroom Lobby, 3rd Floor

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Introductions & Oral Presentations

10:30 am – 12:00 noon

Poster Presentations

10:30 am – 11:15 am – Poster Session I

11:15 am – 12:00 noon – Poster Session II

12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

Mentor Recognition and Closing

A good poster gives information with or without the presenter

Two types of posters…

One Visitor…

Or Many…

Make eye contact with all visitors…to let them know that

you appreciate talking with them.

Important Notes

Participants will use the SURF website to register for the

CNMS Summer Undergraduate Research Fest at UMBC

Abstracts must be reviewed and submitted before the

submission deadline.

Research Mentors, UMBC faculty and all guests are asked to use the

website to register their planned attendance as soon as possible.

Important Notes

UMBC Summer Undergraduate Research Fest

Location: 3

Floor of University Center, Ballroom

Free Parking: Lot #22

Website: surf.umbc.edu

Details and poster assignments will be posted on the SURF website closer

to the event.

Finally

The Internet offers a treasure trove of

information about creating effective scientific

posters

Seek advice from your research mentor and

members of your research group as your

poster reflects their work

Practice giving your poster presentation with

colleagues

Special thanks to Zoe Warwick, Ph.D. and Stephen Miller, Ph.D. for the assistance provided to prior versions of

this presentation. Presentation created by Kathy Lee Sutphin - updated June 13, 2017.

Remember, it is essential for you to ask and receive

permission in advance from your mentor for any and

all additional presentations of your summer research.

This is critical!