How to Create a Research Poster: Poster Basics
What is a Research Poster?
Posters are widely used in the academic community, and most conferences include poster
presentations in their program. Research posters summarize information or research
concisely and attractively to help publicize it and generate discussion.
The poster is usually a mixture of a brief text mixed with tables, graphs, pictures, and other
presentation formats. At a conference, the researcher stands by the poster display while
other participants can come and view the presentation and interact with the author.
What makes a good poster?
Important information should be readable from about 10 feet away
Title is short and draws interest
Word count of about 300 to 800 words
Text is clear and to the point
Use of bullets, numbering, and headlines make it easy to read
Effective use of graphics, color and fonts
Consistent and clean layout
Includes acknowledgments, your name and institutional affiliation
Where do I begin?
Answer these three questions:
1. What is the most important/interesting/astounding finding from my research project?
2. How can I visually share my research with conference attendees? Should I use charts,
graphs, photos, images?
3. What kind of information can I convey during my talk that will complement my
poster?
