Poster Presentation: Definition & Guide

You may be wondering, "What is a research poster actually called?" The term you're looking for is 'research poster'. However, it's often referred to by several other names, depending on the context and field of study. Let's explore these terms and where they're typically used.

Research posters are a mainstay of academic conferences, serving as a visual summary of your research findings. They're often required in the final stages of a degree program or as part of a journal submission. Let's delve deeper into the various terms used for these informative displays.

Frequently Used Terms

Without a doubt, the most common term is 'research poster'. This blanket term is universally understood in the academic community. However, there are other terms that might be more specific to a particular field or situation.

In psychology and neuroscience, for instance, you might hear the term 'poster presentation'. Similarly, in engineering and physical sciences, 'poster session' is commonly used. In medical conferences, 'poster' often suffices, as in 'Please display your poster.'

Informative Posters

In educational settings, especially in primary and secondary schools, posters aren't just confined to research. Informative posters are often used as teaching aids. Here, the term 'bulletin board display' or simply 'display' might be used.

For example, a fourth-grade teacher might say, "Let's create a bulletin board display about the water cycle to help our class learn."

Poster Presentations vs. Scientific Posters

In some contexts, 'poster presentation' is specifically used to differentiate from 'scientific poster'. The latter refers to a poster that ESRC (Economic & Social Research Council) has funded, which is geared towards a specific audience and follows certain formatting guidelines.

Meanwhile, a poster presentation could refer to any poster used at a conference or seminar, with no strict regulation on content or format.

What's in a Name?

Despite the varied terminology, the essence of a research poster remains the same: a concise visual representation of your research, packed with information and data. The key is to make it engaging, easy to understand, andAbove all, ensure your poster effectively communicates your research and grabs the attention of passersby.

The next time you hear someone asking about a 'poster session' or an 'informative poster', you'll know they're referring to the same thing. Clear communication and understanding of these terms can help foster productive conversation and collaboration among researchers.