How I got started

What interesting abstracts did for me

Most young scientists dream with a call for papers!

When you're doing your postdoc, often the first chance you get to get your name associated with your area and your work, is to present at a conference. I was very present in those things. I liked them, and often won prizes. 🏆

Look, it's me! My feet are in the Pacific! 😊

How? With a good abstract, how else?  

See here the citation for the one below.

Let's explore how I got to attend conferences with paid travel expenses (university funding), hotel money (invititation to speak at a special symposium by a learned society), and a well deserved holiday (money from a research recognition award). 💰

Step 1 - Intriguing title:

VEGF knockdown in muscle improves recovery of blood flow and arteriolargenesis after ischaemia

I'm telling people the opposite of what would be intuitive and expected. 😲

You know... to engage them!

Step 2: Be clear, and tell them what you're going to tell them

I highlighted the background and setting in blue. 

In purple are the research model and the hypothesis.

The concise methodology is in green. 

The bulk of the text is where the meat is -- the results in yellow. This is what makes or breaks your abstract. Remember, this is a learned audience, they want to learn new things.

The final sentence, in pink, is the take-home message.

Step 3: Back it up with your presentation

Show up. Take a poster. Make a presentation. Go to the sessions that interest you. Ask questions. Oh... and talk to people like they are people. Not colleagues or collaborators.

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