Developing Effective Posters Mary Gallant SPH 685 March 6, 2015

What is a Poster? A formal type of scientific presentation A way to present information visually An opportunity to share your knowledge with peers and colleagues at a scientific conference or public display An interactive presentation tool

An Effective Poster… Conveys a clear, coherent message; Tells a story Clearly presents objective and main points Is visually appealing Is well organized and draws viewer from left to right Balances text and graphics

Design Tips Leave adequate white space Ensure it is readable from 4-6 feet away Choose fonts carefully – Don’t use too many – Serif font for text ; sans serif for titles / headings Column format works well

Research Posters Title / Student name & affiliation Name of Field Placement/Name of Field Instructor Introduction – Objective of research or experience – Background/literature (include a brief description of what problem is being addressed) – Theoretical Framework/Theory/Conceptual framework (brief explanation) – if appropriate Methods – Describe setting of study, sampling of target population, define variables (themes if qualitative) and analysis strategies Data/Results – tables or charts or diagrams help. – Quantitative: Sample statistics, bivariate/multivariate results, statistical models, etc. – Qualitative: Describe sample, themes and provide quotes that summarize themes Strengths/Limitations of research methods and findings Conclusions - What are the implications of your results and recommendations? Acknowledgments - Partners, colleagues, mentors, etc. References – Should be provided but may be on a different sheet.

Program / Project Posters Title / Student name & affiliation Name of Field Placement/Name of Mentor Introduction – Objective of the program or your experience – Background/literature to support the reason for the program (include a brief description of what problem is being addressed) – Theoretical Framework/Theory/Conceptual framework (brief explanation) Consider a diagram to help Program or process strategy if different than framework (i.e. CBPR Principles, RE- AIM, Intervention Mapping or other development framework) Process Evaluation or other results of evaluation if conducted. If not, Leave out Strengths/Limitations or the program or experience Conclusions - What are the implications of your experience and recommendations? Acknowledgments - Partners, colleagues, mentors, etc. References – Should be provided but may be on a different sheet.

Evaluation Criteria Clear objective Good general knowledge Appropriate research methodology / comprehensive project description and rationale Strengths and limitations of study/project Clear presentation of results Appropriateness of conclusions and recommendations Clarity of poster presentation Clarity of oral presentation