How to…
write a great abstract
FROM THE ORGANISERS
Dr Geertje van Keulen
Prokaryotic Division
Vague abstracts lacking detail or abstracts that
are too convoluted are the usual culprits when not
selecting an abstract for an oral presentation.
Dr Kim Hardie
Prokaryotic Division
In a good abstract, the point of the research
is clear; the fact that something has actually
been discovered using a robust technique and
an appreciation of subsequent applicability or
extension for the work is evident.
STRUCTURE
Abstracts should be 200–250 words in length.
Background – This should be around two sentences summarising the
scientific basis of your work.
Methods – This should be the second longest section of your abstract,
outlining the methods used to achieve your results.
Results – This should take up the majority of your abstract, and detail your
findings, which should be stated objectively and include specific reference
to the data you have obtained.
Conclusion – This should be two sentences setting your results in context
with the wider research area.
TOP TIPS
1	 Make sure your title is informative – this is your first chance
to engage the reader.
2	 Focus on the novel aspect of your research:
why should you have the chance to present your work?
3	 Be concise.
Use clear, scientific language.
4	 Don’t include figures in your abstract, instead refer to your
data and describe statistical tests.
If you’re thinking of submitting an abstract to the Annual Conference or a Focused Meeting,
here are some guidelines to give you the best chance of it being accepted.
The abstract is the only information that session organisers have when deciding to accept
your work for presentation as an offered oral or poster. If accepted, it will also be published
in the conference abstract book – so think carefully about what you want to include.
Remember: fellow delegates will plan their conference on the basis of abstracts of interest,
so it’s important to lay your work out in a way that will encourage others to visit your poster
or attend your talk while still remaining objective about the data.
To find out more about abstract requirements, see
www.microbiologysociety.org/conferences
You can find out more about the Society and the benefits of
becoming a member at www.microbiologysociety.org/membership
@MicrobioSoc