New Researcher Posters

The Society welcomes single-authored posters from graduate students at an early stage of pursuing their PhD, i.e. having completed at least one year of full-time PhD study by the time of the conference.  Graduate students who have previously presented a poster will be eligible to apply to present a paper in the New Researcher session in a subsequent year, but may present in the poster session only once during their graduate career.

The poster session will be held on Saturday after lunch and during the Saturday afternoon tea/coffee break.  It offers students an excellent opportunity to showcase and gain feedback on early-stage work in a supportive environment.  Those wishing to be considered for inclusion in the programme must submit an application, via the online system (www.ehs.org.uk), by 23 November 2020.  This should provide:

  • A firm title.
  • An abstract of 300-500 words. *
  • A current C.V.

*The abstract should explain the background to the poster; the questions addressed; the sources and methods employed; and likely conclusions.

The Economic History Society is able to offer a financial contribution to assist new researchers to attend the conference, when this is not available from their institution.  Any monies awarded would not cover travelling expenses.

Any queries should please be directed to the administrator.

Detailed guidance notes can be found below.

Guidance Notes for New Researcher Poster Presenters
  • A prize of £100 will be awarded for the best poster. PhD students presenting a sole-authored poster are eligible for the prize.  Poster presenters will be responsible for providing an electronic copy of their poster in advance of the conference, together with a copy of the abstract submitted in response to the call for posters.  This is to allow the panel that will judge the posters to review them in advance of the conference.
  • If selected for the poster session, presenters will be responsible for bringing a printed version of their poster (A0 size, vertically-oriented, and in colour) with them to the conference. Materials for displaying the posters (i.e. poster stands) will be provided by the EHS.
  • Limit the text to roughly one-fourth of the poster space, and use ‘visuals’ (graphs, photographs, schematics, maps, etc.) to tell your ‘story’.
  • Text should be under 800 words. Be prepared to give a brief (2-3 minute) oral introduction to the project and answer questions.
  • A banner displaying your poster title, name, and department should be positioned at top-centre of the board.
  • Leave some open space in the design. An open layout is less tiring to the eye and mind.
  • Make it clear to the audience how to view/read the poster. The poster generally should read from left to right, and top to bottom. Numbering the individual panels, or connecting them with arrows, is a standard ‘guidance system’.
  • Simplicity is essential. Keep to the point, and don’t try to cover too many things.
  • Tell the audience what question you are asking, why it is interesting, and what answer you propose.
  • Think of your poster as an advertisement of your paper, not as the paper itself. Your goal is to engage people in conversation.
  • Use a minimum font size of 26 pt. for the body of the text, and 46 pt. for the main title.
  • Cite and reference any sources of information other than your own, just as you would do with a research paper. The ‘References Cited’ is placed at the end of the poster.
  • The posters will be displayed for most of the conference. There will be designated times when poster presenters are asked to be with their posters.
  • Do not forget to bring along handouts that summarize your presentation; these should include your name, affiliation and email address.
  • For a more radical design that may help you engage better with participants at the poster session, see the following video: https://youtu.be/1RwJbhkCA58