How to Design a Graphical Abstract

‘How to Design a Graphical Abstract‘ workshop aims 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.

This workshop is tailored to give you tools and improve your graphical abstract, without having to learn how to use a new software program (like Adobe Illustrator). 

Bring your graphical abstract, share it with the class, work on it and take home a new version! 

GENERAL INFORMATIONS:

It will be held at IPMA, Matosinhos, on May 19th, from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

The workshop will be delivered in english.

This is a free workshop for CIIMAR researchers.

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 trainer. This is a required document, so if you don’t send it to us by May 5th, we will release your spot.

NOTE: The attendance certificate will be issued if the trainee attends at least 80% of the total course time.

If tickets are sold out, you can sign up for the waiting list via the following link (you will be notified in order of registration).

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. 

She completed her PhD in Neuroscience in 2020, in the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme. After that, she enrolled in a Digital Illustration Specialization Course to further develop her visualization and design skills. Worked as a Scientific Graphic Designer at Science Crunchers, a science communication company, where she developed multiple graphical abstracts, article figures, infographics, diagrams, illustrations, visual identity, logos and webdesign for companies, scientific institutions and Horizon 2020 consortia.