How to Prepare a Lay Abstract

It’s important to prepare a summary in simple, non-technical language to tell the story of your research.

This summary – known as a ‘lay abstract’ – should be distinct from the scientific one (not copy and paste), no more than 250-300 words. 

Why do this?

A lay abstract helps to:

  • demonstrate accountability to contributors, funders
  • highlight the relevance of research in an accessible, easy-to-read format
  • raise awareness about dermatologic research
  • increase research participation by potential patients
  • explain research to people who don’t have a background in science, or in your research

 

The CDF requires this capsule summary so that we can profile it on the website to potential sponsors and funders, and to media.

 

Checklist

  • The first sentence is often all people read, so make it count. Explain what your research aims to achieve, then how you’re going to do it and the context.
  • Discuss the applications and benefits, making them relevant to everyday life — as if you were talking to a family member. Provide examples.
  • Use active verb tense.
  • Keep sentences short, clear and focused.
  • Avoid jargon or technical terms. Opt for short, simple words.
  • Ask a non-scientist to read it over.

 

The (UK) Stroke Association’s helpful plain-language guide

Scientific terms Simplified phrases
Pathway — a series of chemical reactions Participate in – take part
Expression – how genes make products (e.g. proteins) that can be used by cells Prior to – before
Signalling – ways that cells communicate with each other Discontinue – stop

 

Apoptosis – how cells die In the event of – if
Efficacy of X – how well X works Duration – time
End point – something that is measured in a clinical trial and is the trial goal Inform – tell
Mutation – sudden, permanent change in the genetic makeup of a cell Scheduled to undergo – due to have
Drug target – something in the body that is changed by a drug to give a desirable effect Accordingly, consequently – so
Neurons – nerves With reference to, with regard to – about
Probability – how likely X is to happen If this is the case – if so
  In the event of – if
  For the purpose of – to