I Have the Abstract: How Do I Make It into a Poster?

Transcription

1 I Have the Abstract: How Do I Make It into a Poster? Michelle E. Stofa Research Communications Manager Nemours/Alfred I. dupont Hospital for Children Wilmington, Delaware

2 Overview General guidelines Parts of poster IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion) Text (font, sizes, and spacing) Tables and figures Placement of materials on poster Color Photos Transport and travel Electronic posters Examples of error-enhanced and corrected posters

3 General Guidelines Meeting requirements ( need to know before you go ) Poster number Contact information Layout and size Supplies Placement of logos Permission to use Resolution Sources Location on poster Top left is prime spot

4 General Guidelines (continued) Sizes Standard size 48 x 96 (can t exceed space) PowerPoint limitations (36 x 56 ) Orientation Landscape vs. portrait (overseas: portrait) Other sizes (meeting-specific) Printing Paper types (plain, matte, gloss) Cloth Printing services and costs (timing, format) Most frequently asked question: how many slides make a poster?

5 Parts of a Poster: Title Bar Title Brief Avoid Discussion of, Results of Make interesting Authors: include credentials Institutions: include city and state (and if overseas, include USA) Size: don t be stingy 72 pt title, pt for authors, institutions

6 Parts of a Poster: Abstract Placed top left (first to be read) Should match submission Error corrections allowed Structured or unstructured (omit headings unless required) Abstract should be able to stand alone Spell out abbreviations at first use Can be smaller font

7 Parts of a Poster (IMRAD): Introduction and Methods Introduction: what is known on subject, leads into what is missing (how your project fills this gap) Abbreviations: spell out first use again Consider audience Methods (what you did or what you plan to do) IRB Statement should be first sentence (if required)

8 Parts of a Poster: Results and Discussion Results (most important part) Findings Figures and tables (more information to follow) Reporting of data Don t repeat information in figures and in text Discussion/Conclusion Why your study or project is important Other Sections

9 Parts of a Poster: References References Simple formatting Less cluttered is best Example: Smith A. Study of adolescent scoliosis. J Pediatr 2002;30: Consider clarity when citing in text Smaller font If listing references, cite all in text Complete document Consider audience

10 Text Seen from at least 6 feet away 30 pt Helvetica/Arial (sans serif font) for text (24-26 pt minimum) Avoid Times Roman (or any serif font) Limit justification Limit indentations Bullets better than paragraphs (consistent style) Title spacing and font size of headings Overall best layout: equal parts text and figures Open space is our friend *More space above headings than below, title headings a few points larger than main text

11 Figures and Tables How many? Avoid smaller than 5x7 when printed Cite all in text Color Consistent: 2-4 colors, same color family Can use colors found in logo, photos Keep it simple Format (with PowerPoint defaults) Boxes: best to omit unless needed for groups Consistent sizing of charts, etc. (check percentage when sizing and pasting)

12 Figure and Tables (continued) Legends and titles (and numbers) All figures have legends (usually at bottom) All tables have titles (usually on top) Limit table rules (especially vertical) Table colors (always use color, even if just a colored box around table) Figures and tables: the meaning should be clear without main text Inserting into poster Copy figure first without text elements, add titles last to make all consistent Copy, Paste Special will be snapshot, so no changes Centering always works

13 Photos HIPAA and permissions Permission statement for patient photos Masking Photos (and figures) from the Internet Stock photos from professional sources Sizing for poster Consider figures/photos will be enlarged Suggested: 300 dpi If no figures add one, or some

14 Transport, Other Details Mailing tubes FedEx/mailing Sending ahead to hotel: arrival date and confirmation are important Security when traveling Return after meeting (can mail back) Handouts Can print on regular printer, use scale to fit

15 Electronic Posters More meetings are requesting e-posters Same tips/suggestions apply Usually dark background/white text No longer size requirement: ratio requirement HD television screens 16:9 Uploaded ahead of meeting (as early as one month before printed poster)

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17 Corrected 1

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19 Corrected 2

20 Summary Layout, text, figures: keep it simple Use color, plenty of open space 50% text, 50% figures: white space Easy-to-read, attractive presentation Contact Information: Michelle E. Stofa Nemours/Alfred I. dupont Hospital for Children ph: , fax: