URC Abstract Requirements

The abstract is a concise, single-paragraph summary of your presentation’s purpose, main points, method, findings, and conclusions. Please ensure your research advisor has reviewed and approved your abstract.

Abstracts should:

• Clearly state the central research question and/or purpose of the project.
• Provide a description of your research context and the previous literature or research studies (no actual citations required) that informs your area of inquiry.
• Provide a brief description of the research/project methodology.
• State the findings, conclusions, or expected results of your research.
• Explain the overall contribution of your research and why the research is important.
• Include text only (no images or graphics).
• Be well-written and well-organized with no spelling or grammatical errors.
• Abstract must be reviewed and approved by your research advisor.

Other formatting guidelines and information:

• References are allowed within abstracts, but not required.
• The form will not process all formatting and special characters (e.g., scientific symbols). Use plain text format for your abstract.
• Abstracts are usually 200 words long with no paragraph breaks. The required minimum is 200 words, and the maximum is 250 words.

Note: The title and author(s) of your abstract will appear EXACTLY as they are entered in the abstract submission form. Please double-check punctuation and spelling before submitting.

Resources

UNC Charlotte students may attend How to Write an Abstract workshops offered through the Office of Undergraduate Research or make an appointment for one-on-one assistance at the Writing Resource Center.