Academic Posters

Lecture Outline
• Poster function
• Elements of poster
• Structure / layout
• Text
• Font
• Colour
• Graphics
• Referencing
• Appearance
Marie McEntee
School of Environment

Academic Posters

Careful integration of effective:

graphics

and

written communication

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 Poster Function
Posters contain a brief discussion of the important
elements of your work

The poster presents a:

Discussion/Outline of Research
or
Results of research

Understanding the Poster Medium Audience Centered

All posters must be designed with the audience in mind

• Audience centred
• Present the material in an understandable manner
• Eye Catching
• Explain implications and applications of the research
• Brief
• Why do they need to know this research?
• Coherent

• Simple - focused

• Academic Integrity - Well supported evidence/referencing

Communicating Complex Information

Translated Information for
Specialist audiences
General Audiences

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 “The fundamentals of science are
essentially simple and maybe expressed
in a language comprehensible to
everyone.”
Albert Einstein

Results of Research

3
 Elements of a Poster
Title and Subheadings
Author/Institution/Dept
Abstract/Aims/Objective
Introduction

Discussion
This section can be divided in whatever way you choose
using the more traditional “scientific approach” or using
novel section headings of your choice

Conclusion
References/acknowledgements

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 Structure and Layout Structure and Layout

Most audiences will scan a poster by

All posters should have:
firstly
• A clearly stated research question/area
Reading the title, research question & introduction
• A clear sense of direction then
• Clear subheadings Looking at the pictures/graphics
finally
• Clear divisions between each section
Moving to the conclusion

Heading Heading
Sub-heading Sub-heading

Detail Introduction
Introduction

Background

Background

Detail Detail

References/acknowle References
dgements

Heading ? ? ? Heading
Sub-heading? ? ?
Background Detail Detail
Introduction Introduction Background
? ?
? ?

?
Detail ?

?
Detail

References References

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 Text Visibility of text
• Recommended Word limit: 750 words

• EDITING SKILLS (see handout) - Apply the 6Cs • Title………………………………. 80 - 96 points

• Use plenty of white space

» Use short sentences • Author/Institution……………… 20 - 36 points

» Use some bullet points (but don’t overuse)

• Headings………………………….Max 48 points
• Consider spacing text 1.5 lines apart & Consider how you justify your text

• Use upper and lower case for body text

• Subheadings………………………24 - 36 points
• Include important elements only

• All presented information must stand alone • Body Text……………………. ………14 - 20 points

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 Text

• Use upper and lower case for body text

• Include important elements only

• All presented information must stand alone

• Clear / concise / concrete language should be used

• Avoid jargon

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 Fonts
• Fonts should be clear and simple
• Avoid fonts consisting of thin strokes
• Avoid “decorative” fonts
• Use bold typeface for headings
• Make sure body text is visible on background

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 Colour

• Keep it simple - use only a few colours

• Be careful about colour combinations

• Colour can be used to enhance the central message

10
 Graphics
A picture speaks a 1000 words

• Highlight trends and comparisons with simplified

charts, graphs and diagrams
• Avoid overwhelming audience with too many
numbers or complicated graphs
• Ensure all graphics are clearly visible
• Link visuals to the text in an easily understood
manner

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™Man the biggest polluter.

Referencing/Acknowledgements
• Adequately acknowledge sources

• Acknowledge sources for graphs and pictures on the actual

graphic

• Include correct and consistent in text referencing

• Reference list must be complete and correctly presented

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