A scholarly poster is a communication tool that combines graphics with a small amount of text into an instructive and visually pleasing presentation of research findings. Posters can initiate conversations and exchange of ideas between the presenter and the viewing audience.
A poster session is a way to present research findings to many individuals in a casual way. Typically poster sessions take place at professional meetings or conferences, although many institutions of higher learning hold poster sessions to highlight the work of their students. Sessions typically take place in large rooms and attendees circulate among the displays. Authors remain near their posters and can hold discussions with those who indicate an interest.
Your poster will reflect the quality of your research. This guide will help you to design and present one that is effective.
You may be required to develop a poster as a requirement for a research course. But there are other reasons to take on the challenge. The process can help focus your thoughts for producing a manuscript for publication. Presenting a poster at a meeting helps with networking and “developing a name” for yourself. It can lead to collaboration opportunities. And, not least, it can justify institutional funding to attend a meeting.