Scientist¿s Guide to Poster Presentations

Scientific information is increasingly being communicated at both national and international scientific conferences in the form of poster presentations. A recent international conference, for example, which involved nearly 500 delegates from over 50 different countries, included information presented in 331 posters. Recent experience has shown, however, that the presentational stan­ dard of such posters, even at the international level, varies immensely. Individuals presenting well-designed, eye-catching, and engaging post­ ers are at a distinct advantage in promoting their scientific information. In doing so, they also promote themselves as credible scientists, as well as promoting the reputation of their establishments and countries of origin. However, producing a poster of high quality requires considerable plan­ ning and the acquisition of specific presentational skills. This book provides detailed practical guidance on all aspects of pre­ senting scientific information in the form of posters. It is assumed that the presenter has access, either at home, at work, or through libraries, to a computer or word processor, a color printer, and photocopiers. The book is intended to help scientists to gain poster presentational skills in a man­ ner that enables adoption of an individualistic style of presenting infor­ mation in a credible fashion. The book has relevance internationally and is primarily targeted at research workers, including postgraduate students and all scientific professionals who are required to present visual commu­ nication of scientific information.