An Informational Session For the

Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

at the

Qualcomm Institute, the University of California, San Diego branch of the

California Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technology

Ashley M. RichterCenter of Interdisciplinary Science

for Art, Architecture, and Archaeology

•What is a Research Poster?

•Planning a Research Poster

•Building a Research Poster•Printing a Research Poster•EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH POSTERS

•Presenting a Research Poster

A research poster is a mixture of abstract text briefs mixed with tables, graphs,

pictures, maps and other data presentation formats.

Title

Abstract

Flow Charts

Visual Context/Map

Road Map of Project Development

Diagrams

Names & Organizations

Brief Text Blurbs

Research posters are presented by the

researcher(s) standing by their poster display

while other participants come by and interact briefly with the author

Research posters summarize information or

research concisely and attractively to help

publicize it and generate discussion;

Research posters are widely used throughout

ALL branches of the academic and scientific community and are a common vehicle

for rapid research dissemination at ALL tiers of work: from student presentations through to

professional conferences

It’s not about “dumbing it down”

It’s about being able to break it down. Be Engaging and THEN be erudite

If you can explain your technical details and particular

breed of Science and make it

sound easy you are

winningDon’t get caught up in the ivory tower- you’ll starve

The Public at large(and remember: the

mainstream is starting to love science)

The Middle Ground/The Dilettantes

(possible funders & backing entities)

Interdisciplinary Professionals

(your collaborators)

The Professional in your Field

(your colleagues)

Your Posters & Presentations

should reflect tiers of dissemination:

YOUR*Formatting

*Color Choices &* Graphics

ChoicesMATTER!

*Who is your audience? (which tiers)

*When is the presentation?

*How big should the poster be?

*Are there any specific technical instructions that should be followed?

*But more important that anything else: when is the poster printing due date?

OUTLINE #1:TitleAuthor name(s), affiliation(s)IntroductionRelated work (discussion, not citations)MethodsResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences

OUTLINE #2:TitleAuthor name(s), affiliation(s)BackgroundDefinition of problemPossible solutionsRationale for choice of one solutionImplementationEvaluation

Pretend you are writing a paper:

Except you also get to decorate it..

What kind of information can I convey during my

talk that will complement my poster?

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?

ASK YOURSELF:

Determine a clear entry point for readers, and a logical visual

flow for other graphics.

Once you’ve identified key points, consider: What will

communicate your key points most clearly

Find a focal point in your story that will help draw your viewers in: a key flowchart or diagram,

or simply a clear main title.

Use a VECTOR GRAPHICS toolExamples:

*Microsoft Powerpoint, *Adobe Illustrator, *OpenOffice Impress

Pixel based graphics tools do NOT scale well to poster size (eg, Photoshop, Gimp)

* Group related information.

*Use numbering or arrows if linked content should be read in a particular order.

*Avoid either oversimplifying (too little useful information) or overcomplicating (too much information).

*Make sure important graphics or information stand out clearly in your design.

*Use margins to give your content room to breathe

Be Professional but be

Alluring

Before sending to printer, save poster as PDF (eg, CutePDF) and verify poster size and resolution of text

and images.

As you place your text and media content: keep

zooming in & out to evaluate their visual impact and any

crowding issues

It’s much easier to build if you have everything ready so you only have to build a

collage of text & images

Don’t forget your logos!

*Need to be printed professionally

*Can be expensive

*Must be sure of your document before you send it to the printer

It’s not about “dumbing it down”

It’s about being able to break it down. Be Engaging and THEN be erudite

If you can explain your technical details and particular

breed of Science and make it

sound easy you are

winningDon’t get caught up in the ivory tower- you’ll starve

The Public at large(and remember: the

mainstream is starting to love science)

The Middle Ground/The Dilettantes

(possible funders & backing entities)

Interdisciplinary Professionals

(your collaborators)

The Professional in your Field

(your colleagues)

Your Posters & Presentations

should reflect tiers of dissemination:

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