Designing and presenting scientific posters

A scientific poster is a concise visual aid that researchers use to present their work at academic conferences or conventions. Posters are the preferred format for visual presentation sessions, by more effectively combining concise text, graphs, tables, and illustrations to convey research issues, the methodology used, the results obtained, and the main conclusions.

Scientific posters follow specific layout and information organization rules, while giving researchers the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with interested parties.

This scientific communication tool often provides doctoral students with their first opportunity to present their work in progress and gather valuable feedback from their peers.

There are two types of posters: those designed for a wider audience and those used for peer presentations.

Posters for a wider audience

• Target audience: fellow researchers in the field
• Aim: to present detailed research results
• Style: more technical, precise data, rigorous methodology

 

Dissemination of knowledge - science festival - poster - understanding normal muscle function. Myology Research Center.

Peer presentation posters

• Target audience: fellow researchers in the field
• Aim: to present detailed research results
• Style: more technical, precise data, rigorous methodology

 

ISME Conference, Leipzig, Germany, August 12-17, 2018 Impact of heavy metal and nutrient pollution on the microbiota of temperate corals from the Mediterranean Sea van de Water J. A. J. M. (Ecophysiology & Ecology Team).  Centre Scientifique de Monaco

The science blogosphere refers to all the blogs dedicated to research output, where scientific ideas are circulated and discussed.

According to Marin Dacos and Pierre Mounier, an academic blog (referred to as a “research notebook” in French), can be defined as follows:

A communication method used in a professional research context and now a common research communication practice.
 
Source: Pierre Mounier, quoted by Mélodie Faury, Le carnet de recherche , Infuse, nos rapports aux sciences, December 5, 2011

Find out more about research blogs in the presentation below.

Scientific mediation examples

Scientific mediation aims to reconcile the wider public with scientific knowledge by building a bridge between science and society. It encourages participation and horizontal rather than top-down approaches (for example, through the recognition of lay knowledge).

We will review a few examples of scientific mediation, also aimed at audiences outside the academic world: podcasts, creating a YouTube channel, publishing an article in The Conversation newspaper, participating in events such as the French Science Festival, etc.

Contributing via Wikimedia

Wikipedia...

Wikipedia is a collaborative, multilingual online encyclopedia launched in 2001. It allows volunteers from around the world to create and edit articles on a wide variety of topics.

For researchers, Wikipedia can be useful as a starting point to get a general overview of a topic, identify reliable sources through cited references, and keep up with the latest updates in various fields.

Why contribute to Wikimedia projects as a researcher?

Knowledge dissemination and sharing 
Promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge and enhancing your reputation within the academic community and beyond for increased visibility. 

Skills development 
Developing skills in science communication and information synthesis. 

Improving content quality 
Researchers can contribute their expertise to improve the reliability and accuracy of articles in their field. 

Networking and collaboration 
Working with other experts, exchanging ideas, and getting useful feedback on their contributions (peer review and consensus processes, skills useful in academia). 

Societal impact 
Having a tangible impact on society by making scientific information accessible to a wider audience and promoting scientific education and culture. 

Scientific monitoring
Keeping up to date with the latest advances in your field.

Limitations and points to consider

Contributing to Wikipedia requires time and patience, particularly when it comes to adapting to the encyclopedia's rules and processes. As in any scientific writing process, the principles of reliability and quality of sources and respect for intellectual property must be observed.

You also need to bear in mind Wikipedia's editorial processes, which are collaborative and decentralized, which can make contributing a complex experience. Researchers must be prepared to discuss, negotiate, and sometimes compromise with other contributors to reach consensus statements.

However, the benefits in terms of knowledge dissemination and professional development can be significant for a young researcher.