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Annual Research Conference
Each year, Savannah State University conducts a research conference for undergraduate and graduate students to share their research results with SSU and the broader community.
Students from all academic programs at SSU are invited to participate, present their research and scholarly works in the form of poster presentations.
In 2027, we’ll expand presentation formats to include oral presentations for fields in which posters are not typically used.
Event Info and Deadlines
Date of the Event: April 7, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Student Union ballroom and second floor landing
Abstract Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026
Acceptance Notifications Released: March 9, 2026
Poster Submission Deadline: March 25, 2026
What is an Abstract?
An abstract is a brief summary of a research project. Abstracts are short and a word limit of 250 words will be used in this conference. The readers should be able to get a good sense of what the project entailed including the significance of the project, methodology and results.
How is an Abstract used?
Abstracts are used at the beginning of professional publications, to summarize the project for readers. Abstracts also promote research talks and posters at professional and student conferences. In addition, researchers list their research presentations and conference details in their resumes, professional portfolio and curriculum vitae. Sometimes, researchers will share links to their abstracts in published conference abstract books.
Organization of Abstract
Abstracts include the purpose, research methods (procedures), and results. The definitions for these areas are listed below. Please note that it is not recommended to formally separate these sections in your abstract. The entire abstract is typically one paragraph. There may be modifications from this model in areas outside of the sciences, so please consult with your research mentors as you draft your abstract.
- TITLE: (use titled case letters) maximum 60 characters.
- AUTHORS: Please provide the authors and co-authors in order of precedence in the registration form.
- AFFILIATION(S): List the institution(s) where the research was conducted. Provide the affiliation for each author.
- ABSTRACT(paragraph):
- PURPOSE: Introduce the significance of the research, analysis or activity to include objectives, goals and/or purpose.
- METHODS/PROJECT DESIGN: Briefly explain the procedure and strategy used to gather the information presented.
- RESULTS/EXPECTED RESULTS: Explain what you found (or expect to find, if the project is not yet completed). Include data/evidence.
- DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: How do(es) the result(s) address the purpose statement and how do the reported findings contribute to the knowledge in the respective field?
- GRANT SUPPORT: Authors are encouraged to acknowledge grant support for research, if relevant, but not in the abstract body. There will be a text field specific for this purpose on the online application. Please consult with your faculty/research mentor if you are uncertain whether the project was grant supported.
Other Abstract Guidelines
- Maximum of 250 word count (excluding title, authors, and affiliations).
- Tables, charts, and key words are not allowed.
- Define all abbreviations the first time they appear in the abstract.
- Avoid formulas.
- Do not include citations, references or credits.
- Italics should be used only for binomial nomenclature or non-English words.
- Proofread the abstract carefully before submitting. Ask others to read it to review for clarity.
- All abstracts must be approved by Research Mentor/Supervisor prior to submission.
click or scan to access the
Abstract Submission Portal
Poster Submission Guidelines
Once you have submitted your abstract, watch for an acceptance email and work with your mentor to create and edit your poster.
Follow all directions regarding formatting and file saving below and use only the email template provided when submitting your poster.
- SET POSTER SIZE: Paper dimensions should be 36”H x 36”W.
To set poster size in PowerPoint:
Select: Design ➔ Slide Size ➔ Custom Slide Size ➔ enter 36 in. for width and 36 in. for height
Then build your poster after setting the size. The ARC Committee can’t resize and reformat posters.
- FILE NAME: yourMajor_lastname_firstname_ARC2026.pdf. If you are in a Master’s program use the program abbreviation (MSMS, MPA, MSW, MBA) instead of a Major.
- FILE TYPE: Any PowerPoint, Google or Canva Slides must be converted to a pdf prior to submission. Save a copy of your file as a pdf with the file name above to submit for printing.
- DEADLINE: Posters must be submitted no later than Wednesday, March 25, 2026 to be printed by the ARC committee at no cost.
- SUBMISSION: Email your poster as an attachment to [email protected] using the template below.
Subject Line: ARC2026 Poster *yourMajor/degreeProgram* *yourname*
Cc’ your project advisor or instructor
Content:
ARC Committee,
Please find attached my poster titled __________________________. My project advisor, instructor or mentor is ______________________________and is Cc’d here.
Thank you,
Your name
Email
Major or Degree Program
Savannah State University
NOTE: If you have a pre-printed poster from a prior presentation, please consult with [email protected] to discuss whether there is need to print it again or use your existing poster.
