Guidelines for an Undergraduate Poster Presentation

NOTE: Before submitting your poster for printing, be sure to check in with your mentors and collaborators to confirm that the content is approved for sharing.

• We love learning about all the amazing research students are participating in but your advisors may not be ready to share parts of your project yet. We highly recommend discussing elements of your poster with your mentor first to make sure you’re all on the same page regarding what your presentation will/can cover!

What Is a Research Poster and Why It Matters

• A research poster is a visual summary of your project designed to communicate your key ideas, methods, and findings in a clear and engaging way. It serves as both a snapshot of your work and a conversation starter in hopes of helping you share your research with peers, faculty, and broader audiences.
• The goal isn’t to include everything you’ve done, but to highlight the most important aspects of your study in a format that’s easy to follow, visually appealing, and sparks curiosity. Whether you’re presenting at a symposium, conference, or campus event, your poster is a chance to showcase your contribution to research and connect with others who share your interests.

Resources to Make Your Poster and General Advice

• BioRender: Free, Easy to Customize and Format Poster Building Tool

  • https://www.biorender.com/poster-builder

• General Advice

  • https://colinpurrington.com/tips/poster-design/
  • https://www.animateyour.science/post/how-to-design-an-award-winning-conference-poster

• Example courtesy of UCSB's Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) office:

  PosterExample.ppt

Understanding Your Audience

• Adapt your content based on your audience—whether they are general attendees, interdisciplinary researchers, or experts in your field. If you won’t always be available to explain your work, make sure the poster is clear and self-explanatory with key findings and conclusions highlighted.
  • Pro Tip: Consider limiting your use of discipline specific jargon and generalize your processes so individuals can follow regardless of their background.

Essential Poster Elements

Title, Authors, and Affiliations

• Use a clear and concise title in a large font (Recommendation: 72 pt or larger if possible).
  • Be creative and make it interesting!