With the aim to explain what a graphical abstract is and give you design tools and tips on how to create a better, clear and engaging graphical abstract, the ‘How to Design a Graphical Abstract‘ workshop will help you improve your graphical abstract, without having to learn how to use a new software program (like Adobe Illustrator).

• Target audience: Researchers
• Date: May 19th, from 9:30am to 5:30pm
• Location: IPMA, Matosinhos
• Language: English

This is a free workshop for CIIMAR researchers, but prior registration is required through this link.

Registration closes on May 5th.

• For this session, you’ll need to bring your personal computer for the practical activity.
• In addition, you must send your graphical abstract to trainingandcareer@ciimar.u.pt, which will then be shared with the instructor. This is a required document, so if you do not send it to us by May 5th, we will release your spot.

DESCRIPTION:

Objectives: 

By the end of this training, participants, will:

• Understand the importance of a graphical abstract;
• Structure the main message, the layout and storyflow of the graphical abstract;
• Learn design tips about color, salience and elements of style;
• Improve their own graphical abstract, using their preferred digital tool.

Learning outcomes:

• Learn how to structure their scientific images, regarding the main message, layout and storyflow;
• Learn design tips about color, salience and elements of style. All these are translational to designing scientific figures, presentations or posters;
• Improve their own graphical abstract that can be used in their future presentations / posters / article.

Structure:

Morning (9:30am-1pm)

• Brief introduction to what a graphical abstract is
• Presentation of the students’ graphical abstracts. Each participant presents their own work so that everyone becomes familiar with the theme of each abstract and is encouraged to think about the message they want to convey
• Talk: “How to design a graphical abstract”, which includes various tips and best practices for creating a clear and effective graphical abstract

Afternoon (2pm-5:30pm)

• Individual work on rethinking and redesigning their graphical abstract
• Presentation of the new versions of the graphical abstracts (before vs after). The trainer will give feedback on the graphical abstract and suggest alternatives.

Trainer: Rita Félix

Rita Félix is a science communicator, illustrator and designer, with life sciences research experience. Currently working as the Designer and Science Illustrator at CNC-UC.