1. Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here
Title Goes Here
Insert Department Logo Here
Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here
Department Goes Here, Department Goes Here
Introduction (or Background)
This section should outline the broad issue and specific key variables for study. Include a small number (1-3) references to document current knowledge in the field (put short citations in reference section at end of poster), and discuss how your research will expand this knowledge base.
Note: This text is size 32; for more important pieces (e.g. hypotheses) use size 36
Results (note – headers are at least pt size 40)
The overall layout for this section should be modified from this template to best show off your graphs and other result-related illustrations. You might want a single, large column to accommodate a big map, or perhaps you could arrange 6 figures in a circle in the center of the poster: do whatever it takes to make your results graphically clear. Make your graphs big enough to read from 6’ away.
Paragraph format is fine, but sometimes a simple list of “bullet” points can communicate results more effectively:
data were so non-normal, they were bizarre
9 out of 12 brainectomized rats survived
1 brainectomized rat escaped, killing 12 undergraduates
Control rats completed maze faster, on average, than rats without brains (Fig. 3b) (t = 9.84, df = 21, p = 0.032)
Notes about creating graphs…
For simple graphs use MS Excel, or do the graph directly in PowerPoint.
Graphs done in a scientific graphing programs (e.g. Sigma Plot, Prism, SPSS, Statistica) should be saved as JPEG or TIFF if possible.
Notes about tables...
Avoid using long, numerical tables
Discussion (or Conclusions)
This section is also blue – many people who skim posters jump to this section to find out the story ending.
bullet points can help make this section more easily readable
People often avoid reading long paragraphs of text on posters.
You can include ideas for future research here too if you have room.
Lessons Learned / Impact / How Results are Being Used
More poster making tips:
If you haven’t worked in Ppt before to make posters, everything is adjustable to adapt to your study. Some studies need more room for methods, some have more graphs and pictures, etc.
So, adjust this template to fit your study.
You don’t have to use 3 columns as in this template, but 2-3 columns are easier on readers than one wide column
You can create or delete these text boxes as necessary and change their dimensions by clicking on them and dragging out a corner or side.
Goals / Hypotheses
This section should briefly state your goals or objectives and include major hypotheses. A bulleted list might be appropriate.
I have used a blue background here because if a person is skimming a poster, this is a good place to start and the color will draw attention.
You can change any colors you want (text, background, etc.), but avoid putting text directly on top of any textured backgrounds!
Putting titles on graphs is a huge no-no for manuscripts, but for a poster it really makes your graph instantly understandable to your viewers. E.g., just TELL your viewer what’s so cool or important about the graph…don’t make them hunt for it.
Control (brain intact)
Brainectomized
Maze difficulty index
Time (s)
Rats with brains navigated mazes faster
Figure 1. Avoid keys that force readers to labor through complicated graphs: just label all the lines (as above) and then delete the key provided by your charting software altogether.
Methods & Materials
More tips for making a successful poster…
Re-write your paper into poster format i.e. Simplify everything, avoid data overkill.
Headings should be in upper and lower case, not all capitals.
Never do whole sentences in capitals or underline to stress your point, use bold characters instead.
When laying out your poster leave breathing space around you text. Don’t overcrowd your poster.
Try using photographs or coloured graphs.
Avoid taking images from the Internet – they are low resolution and do not look good on printed posters.
Spell check and get someone else to proof-read.
References
Give short citations: list authors, data and journal for each of your references in the text above.
Notice that the font is smaller here – that is intentional.
Acknowledgements
Some of the above tips and examples came from poster templates at:
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