How to Create a Research Poster

Posters are commonly used in the academic community, and most conferences include poster presentations in their program. Research posters summarize information or research briefly and attractively to help the researcher to generate the discussion. 

The poster is usually a mixture of 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.

When designing a poster, you should ask yourself three questions:

1. What is my research project's most important/interesting/impactful finding?
2. How can I visually share my research with conference attendees? Should I use charts, graphs, photos, or images?
3. What kind of information can I convey during my lightning talk or "pitch" that will complement my poster?

Your poster presentation presents an opportunity to talk about your research and interact with others, make new connections, and an opportunity to receive feedback and ideas from peers. Some other benefits to presenting your research in a poster include:

• Visual Communication: Posters allow for complex information to be presented visually, making it easier for viewers to grasp key concepts quickly.
• Engagement: They provide an opportunity for face-to-face interactions, fostering discussions that can lead to valuable feedback and new ideas.
• Networking: Presenting at conferences or events helps researchers connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.
• Share Your Research: Posters can reach a broader audience, increasing the visibility of the research and its findings.
• Professional Development: Participation in poster sessions can be a valuable addition to a CV or resume, showcasing engagement in the academic community. Creating and presenting a poster enhances your skills in summarizing research, design, and public speaking. Preparing for questions from the audience encourages deeper understanding and refinement of research.

• Informal Setting: Poster sessions are typically held in large rooms with many presenters. You’ll stand by your poster, and attendees will walk around, stopping to talk to presenters whose research interests them. Unlike formal presentations, poster sessions are more conversational and allow back-and-forth discussions.
• Quiet Time: You might not be presenting continuously. It’s common to have a quiet moment between interactions, especially in larger sessions. Use that time to observe other posters or practice your summary for when people stop by.
• Engaging with a Range of Attendees: Expect to interact with a mix of people: Experts in your field, peers, and non-experts. Be ready to explain your research at different levels, depending on the background of your audience. You might get challenging questions from specialists or be asked to give a quick overview for non-experts.
• Receiving Feedback: Poster sessions are interactive, so attendees will likely ask questions and offer feedback on your work. This constructive feedback may help you refine your research or gain new perspectives. You may receive comments that challenge your work, so be prepared to defend your methodology and conclusions respectfully.
• Networking Opportunities: Poster sessions are great for networking. You’ll meet other researchers, potential collaborators, or even future employers. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and exchange contact information with attendees who show interest in your work.

Prepare for the poster session:

• Professionalism and Confidence: While the atmosphere is generally informal, maintaining professionalism is important. You’re representing your work and possibly your institution, so dress appropriately, be approachable, and engage confidently with those who show interest.
• Delivering Quick Summaries: You’ll often need a quick 1–3 minute summary of your research, focusing on key points like your hypothesis, methods, and main findings. Make sure you’ve rehearsed this “elevator pitch.” Be prepared to explain in more detail if someone shows a deeper interest.
• Takeaway Materials: Some attendees may ask for more information. Consider having a few printed copies or a QR code that takes people to your abstract or a handout with key details and your contact information. This can make follow-up conversations easier.
• Judging (if applicable): If the session is part of a competition, judges may come to evaluate your poster. Be prepared to go into more depth about your research and answer more specific or technical questions.