How to Design your Poster

Your poster should be prepared using PowerPoint or a similar tool. “Idaho posters should be 36″ x 42″; all other sites should be 24″ x 36″. Posters may be in either landscape or portrait orientation.”

Your poster is a summary of the work you have done. It should include a short introduction and background of your study, the study design and methods used, the results, a brief discussion of the significance of your findings, and a summary/conclusion. We recognize that completing a research project does not always fit neatly into a minimum of an 8-week block. In this case, it is okay to present preliminary data in your poster if final data is not available. Don’t forget to include the title of the project, your name, your III Faculty Mentor’s name, and the department. Reach out to your III Faculty Mentor on creating your poster and show them the final product before printing.

To get started, please use this template which includes instructions on each section.

See these poster examples from prior Poster Sessions:

  1. Clinical Research Poster example (winner of a Best Poster Award)
  2. Community Health Poster example 
  3. Basic Science Poster example

General Tips:

  • Develop a short, results-oriented title to convey results and attract attention.
  • Use visual elements to tell your story: photographs, graphs, and drawings.
  • Minimize text, using just enough to provide context and explain your visual elements and conclusions.
  • Maintain a large, easy-to-read font throughout the poster.
  • Use appropriate headings to organize your poster and guide viewers.
  • Keep your poster bright, colorful, and uncluttered.
  • Be prepared to speak about your poster at the Poster Session. Make sure you are with your poster during your assigned time.

Scholarship of Discovery