In order to engage people with your research it’s important to start with a strong abstract. This not only summarises all the main points of your work but also outlines its relevance and what the reader can learn from it.
If you’re interested in taking part in the LSE Student Research Conference then you may be wondering how to write an abstract that stands out. Dr Jillian Terry and Dr Chris Blunt share some useful tips to guide you in this process.
Invite the reader
An abstract should be both informative and academic. However, you must acknowledge that not everyone is familiar with your research area. Providing some general background about the topic of your work and avoiding the use of jargon will make your abstract more accessible to readers from different disciplines.
Be concise
Being able to synthesise your ideas in a clear way and using few words is a valuable skill for writing an abstract. Take the time to choose the right wording and eliminate any unnecessary words. Keep in mind that for the for the LSE Student Research conference the abstract should not exceed 250 words.
Abstract structure
Sentence 1: Introduce the topic to your target audience. In this part you should consider defining the key concepts in your study.
Sentence 2: Define the gap in the literature by briefly describing the main existing theories or arguments about your topic and identifying their limitations.
Sentence 3: Explain how your research can fill in a gap in the knowledge and what value it adds to previous literature.
Sentence 4: Outline the specific details of your project. Include the data, the theories, the methodology and the case studies that you used in your research.
Sentence 5: Clearly state your main argument. This sentence should summarize the key findings of your work and their contribution to the field.
Sentence 6: Last but not least, end your abstract with a strong conclusion that defines the relevance of your study and that entices the reader to continue learning more about your research.
Submit your abstract to the LSE Student Research Conference to showcase your research and improve your communication skills!
* The deadline for abstracts submission has been extended until 3 May.
Visit the conference webpage for more information and to submit your abstract.
Contributed by Carolina Bernal, LSE Student Futures Ambassador.