Academic & Scientific Poster Presentation

This book presents the first comprehensive study on poster presentations and practices, linking elements such as function, mechanism and perception with underlying theory, in order to show how posters really work. It also discusses principles of communication and engagement, and for the first time allows us to consider how our conference activities fit with our professional practices. For the first time, the main literature, theory and developments related to poster presentation are assembled in a single work. Practical advice is provided for those who wish to present a poster, and also for those who fund and host conference events. In providing the quantitative and qualitative evidence that has been lacking in studies of poster presentation (and conferences in general), this book reveals the true scope and cost of conference activities, and highlights their importance as a major mechanism of scientific communication, practice and development. In looking to stimulate change in this area, it prompts the reader to consider how effective conference activities really are, and whether we can afford not to pay immediate attention to the issues which are raised. So, despite a main focus on conference posters, this book also asks readers to consider how conference activities as a whole can be developed to form a new form of academic currency - one that cost-effectively serves the needs of their communities, produces a measurable output, and achieves commensurate recognition and reward for its users. This guide will help to promote effective poster compilation and presentation for both novice and experienced presenters. As well as filling a gap in the literature on academic and scientific conferences, educators, employers and conference organizers may also use this book to guide how poster presentations are used in their activities and events, and to stimulate further study in what is a provenly a massive but understudied area of professional practice.