Presentations & Posters

An academic poster is a visual representation of research designed to communicate key aspects of a study to an audience at conferences, seminars, or public events. It summarises the research problem, methodology, findings, and conclusions in a concise, engaging, and accessible format.

Unlike traditional papers or presentations, academic posters allow viewers to quickly grasp the essentials of the research and engage in direct discussions with the presenter. They combine text, visuals, and design to make complex information understandable and impactful.


Academic Poster Template Guidelines


1. Poster Purpose

An academic poster is a visual summary of your research for conference audiences. It should:

  • Be self-explanatory without requiring you to present every detail.
  • Highlight key aspects: Problem, Method, Findings, and Conclusions.
  • Include visuals like graphs, charts, and figures to make complex information accessible.

2. Poster Dimensions

  • Standard academic poster size: A0 (841mm x 1189mm), portrait or landscape format.
  • Ensure it is readable from 2–3 metres away.

3. Title and Author Information

  • Title: Large, bold font, 60–90pt, centred at the top. Use a concise, informative title.
  • Authors: Include full names, affiliations (e.g., University of Glasgow, School of [Name]).
  • Logo: Add the Healthy Working Lives Group logo to the top-right corner.
  • Font: Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Helvetica).

Example:
“ANALYSING NURSING STRESS AND RETENTION IN NHS SCOTLAND”
Dr Simon Harold Walker, University of Glasgow, School of Health and Wellbeing


4. Academic Poster Sections

Your poster must have clearly defined sections, organised logically. Use columns to maintain structure (typically 2–3 columns).

a. Introduction/Problem

  • Brief background of the topic.
  • State the research problem, aim, or hypothesis.
  • Use 1–2 concise paragraphs (no more than 150 words).

b. Methodology

  • Summarise how the research was conducted. Include:
    • Study design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods).
    • Data collection (e.g., interviews, surveys, archives).
    • Tools/approaches (e.g., statistical software, historical analysis).
  • Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate methods.

c. Results/Findings

  • Present key findings using visuals:
    • Graphs, tables, charts (well-labelled and readable).
    • Include figure captions below (e.g., Figure 1: Findings by cohort).
  • Use bullet points to summarise key trends or insights.

d. Discussion/Evaluation

  • Interpret findings and relate them to the research aim.
  • Address any unexpected results or limitations.
  • Use simple, academic language to explain findings.

e. Conclusions

  • Summarise the main takeaways or recommendations.
  • Highlight the research’s contribution or practical applications.
  • Include future directions if relevant.

f. References

  • Include key references at the bottom in a smaller font size (20–24pt).
  • Use a standard academic referencing style (e.g., APA, Harvard).

5. Visual Design Guidelines

  • Colour Scheme: Use University of Glasgow branding colours (navy blue, grey, and white).
  • Font Size:
    • Section headings: 36–44pt, bold.
    • Body text: 28–32pt.
    • Figure captions: 20–24pt.
  • Images/Graphs:
    • Use high-resolution visuals (300dpi or higher).
    • Ensure all visuals are clearly labelled with titles/captions.

Tip: White space is your friend—avoid overcrowding! Balance text and visuals.


6. Layout Example


7. Checklist for Academic Posters

Title is clear and engaging.
Text is concise, readable, and jargon-free.
Visuals enhance understanding and are high quality.
Key sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, References.
Colours and fonts are professional and consistent.
Proofread for spelling and formatting errors.


8. Tips for Conference Day

  • Practice summarising your poster in 2–3 minutes for attendees.
  • Bring handouts or a QR code for further reading.
  • Stand by your poster to answer questions and engage with delegates.

By following these guidelines, your poster will meet academic standards while ensuring clarity and impact at the conference.

Presentations

Call for Presentations: HWLG PPIE Conference

Submission Deadline: 10 January 2025

The Healthy Working Lives Group invites submissions for 15-minute academic presentations at our upcoming Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Conference. This event focuses on fostering collaborative research and amplifying diverse voices in workplace health and wellbeing.


Presentation Themes

We welcome abstracts related to (but not limited to) the following areas:

  • Innovative Engagement Practices: Creative methodologies for involving diverse communities in research.
  • Embedding PPIE in Research Design: Case studies and lessons learned from successful collaborations.
  • Evaluating Impact: Measuring the value and outcomes of PPIE initiatives.
  • Digital Engagement: Using technology to enhance participation and accessibility.
  • Inclusive Methodologies: Engaging marginalised or underrepresented groups.
  • Policy Influence: Translating PPIE insights into actionable change.

Submission Guidelines

  • Abstract Length: Maximum 250 words.
  • Include:
    • Title
    • Author(s)
    • Affiliation(s)
    • Format (Oral Presentation, Poster, or Workshop)
    • Alignment with conference themes
  • Submit to: shw-healthyworkinglivesgroup@glasgow.ac.uk

Who Should Apply?

We encourage submissions from:

  • Researchers and academics incorporating PPIE into their work.
  • Patients, public contributors, and advocacy groups.
  • Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders.

Key Dates

  • Registration Opens: open now
  • Abstract Submission Deadline: 10 January 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: 24 January 2025

Join us in advancing collaborative research and shaping the future of workplace health. Submit your abstract today!