Preparing your abstract
Abstract Guidance Workshop
We will be hosting an Microsoft Teams workshop that will help you understand how to make an efective abstract submission for BCUR.
Date: 29 October, 2026
Time: 14:00 - 15:00 (GMT)
Register for the workshop here.
General requirements
Your abstract should be based on original undergraduate research or creative work and must not exceed 2500 characters.
The list of authors should include all those who have made a significant contribution to the work, along with their affiliations. The presenter(s) attending the conference should be marked with an asterisk (*).
Abstracts must be submitted in PDF format.
What we look for in an abstract?
When assessing your abstract, we look for work that:
- Demonstrates originality and an innovative approach.
- Communicates the aims and significance clearly and effectively.
- Is accessible and understandable to readers from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds.
- Showcases academic or creative merit through academic rigour, critical engagement, or creative excellence.
Writing for a multidisciplinary audience
Your abstract will be read by attendees from a variety of disciplines. We encourage you to:
- Avoid highly specialised terminology and unnecessary technical language where possible.
- Explain essential discipline-specific concepts in a way that is accessible to a wider audience. Assume the reader is unfamiliar with your field of work.
- Focus on communicating the broader relevance and importance of your work.
How to Structure an Abstract
A strong and well-structured abstract should follow these steps to effectively communicate your work:
Choose a Clear Title
1. Select a title that accurately reflects your project and captures the reader's interest. Avoid overly broad or highly technical titles, and ensure your title clearly communicates the focus of your work.
Define the Research Question or Project Aim
2. Your abstract should revolve around a central research aim. Communicate the motivations behind your work and explain how the research question is being addressed effectively.
Describe Your Methodology
3. Provide a brief explanation of the research process you undertook to achieve your project outcomes. This may include data collection techniques, experiments, creative processes, or research methods.
Summarise Findings, Outcomes, or Key Insights
4. Summarise your main findings and outcomes. If your project is ongoing, explain the expected findings and the key ideas developed so far.
Explain Significance and Contribution
5. Explain why your work matters and its influence in your field. Consider how it contributes to your field, addresses a wider issue, challenges existing ideas, or opens new avenues for future research or practice.
Abstract Writing Process
Drafting
Focus on communicating the key details of your project and establishing a strong overall structure before fully fleshing out your work. Consider the following questions:
- What is my project about?
- How did I approach the research question or aims?
- What did I discover, expand on, or create?
- Why do these findings have significance?
Editing
Go back over your draft and strengthen your abstract by:
- Ensuring every sentence contributes to your overall message. Avoid unnecessary explanations or repetition of ideas.
- Improving clarity and flow by reading your work aloud.
- Proofreading to correct any grammatical errors.
Refining
Try to gain an outside perspective by asking someone from another discipline to read your abstract. We recommend:
- Double-checking that the abstract remains within the 250-word limit.
- Asking others to read your work aloud to check flow and coherence.
- Asking yourself whether the main message of your work is clearly communicated.
- Considering whether the significance of your work is apparent to a wider audience.