Young GI angle: how to write a good conference abstract

Abstract

Introduction Often the first encounter junior researchers will have with putting their research in writing is by preparing a conference abstract. Abstracts are brief, self-contained statements that adequately summarise the essential infor-mation of a research project. Many conferences select participants of the meeting or the presenters of posters and oral presentations based on abstracts. In many cases three to five reviewers rate the abstracts based on the quality of the presented science, relevance of the subject for the meeting or session, and the clarity of presenta-tion. Also, in some cases the best abstracts are selected for prizes, travel grants or for a separate session together with other outstanding abstracts of the congress. Therefore, writing a good abstract can be the ticket to the most interesting conferences and places. Also, prac-tice with abstract writing will improve your overall writ-ing skills and will help you to think about the essence of your research project and to plan future research. Here we will discuss some general guidelines that will help you to prepare the best possible abstracts. Call for abstracts In many cases the call for abstracts for research con-ferences are posted well ahead of the deadline. It is important to start planning the topic and content of the abstract in time, as preparing a good abstract takes more time than you think. Starting early enables you to get the best possible input from your boss and your peers, but also from other colleagues, that will help you to improve the abstract. Before you start writ-ing pay close attention to the abstract guidelines for the specific conference you have selected, particularly the word or character count and the format. Most confer-ences now use an online submission system, in which you need to copy-paste the abstract text into a box, and it will be automatically checked if the abstract conforms to the length limits. It can prevent last-minute stress if you familiarise yourself with the submission system.