Phoenix Stem
Abstract Guidelines
What is a research abstract?
An abstract is a concise summary of a larger research project. It should address all the major points of the project, providing an overview of the research topic, question, methods, results, and significance. The abstract is a snapshot that captures a reader's attention and--although it can stand alone as a representation of the project--invites readers to learn more by viewing your poster or attending your presentation.
What should a research abstract include?
You will likely want to include:
- Background, context, and purpose (the "big picture" in which your research fits)
- Your question, hypothesis, or goal
- The methods and research design you employed/are employing
- Results, products, outcomes (achieved or anticipated)
- Implications and significance: for your field, for future work, for your viewers
What is the format of a research abstract?
The length and format of research abstracts can vary depending on the requirements of a particular conference or journal.
For the Phoenix STEM Conference, the requirements are:
- Include a short, descriptive title, capitalized in title case
- Make it only one paragraph
- Have no section breaks, footnotes, or illustrations
- Adhere to a limit of 300 words.
- Pitch your abstract to an educated non-specialist audience (minimize jargon, spell out acronyms)
Should I show my abstract to my mentor?
YES! It is very important that your faculty mentor review and approve your abstract. Your abstract will be publicly available, so you and your mentor should work together to ensure that the abstract presents your work appropriately and does not raise any intellectual-property concerns. Your mentor will need to approve your abstract with us before you can be accepted to present at the Phoenix STEM Conference.
Want some examples of abstracts?