Should you Include a Plain Language Summary?
When submitting your abstract for AGU25, you’ll have the option to include a plain language summary. Though not required, this short, accessible description of your research could be one of the most important parts of your submission—especially when it comes to reaching broader audiences and increasing the visibility of your work.
Why a Plain Language Summary Matters
A plain language summary can:
- Make your science accessible to people outside your specific field, including journalists, educators, students and the science-curious public.
- Broaden the impact of your research by making it easier to share across interdisciplinary and non-scientific platforms.
- Boost your abstract’s visibility, increasing the chances it will be highlighted on AGU’s platforms or picked up by media outlets.
Tips for Writing a Strong Plain Language Summary
Writing a plain language summary may feel daunting, especially if you're used to technical language. But with a bit of structure and clarity, your research can resonate far beyond your field.
Structure your plain language summary around these four key elements:
- Topic Overview (1–3 sentences): Give background for a non-specialist. What’s the broader scientific topic? Why is it important?
- Paper Overview (1–3 sentences): Briefly describe what your study aimed to do and how you did it.
- Findings Summary (1–3 sentences): Share the key takeaways—what you discovered and why it matters.
- Key Takeaways (1–2 sentences): Highlight the relevance of your work to science or society. Why should readers care?
Best Practices
- Use clear, simple language. Write for an undergraduate-level audience.
- Avoid jargon and acronyms. If you must use technical terms, explain them.
- Think about your audience. Consider what will interest people outside your discipline.
- Test your summary. Ask someone unfamiliar with your field to read your plain language summary and explain it back to you.
Should you include a plain language summary with your AGU25 abstract? Absolutely—because it matters. While optional, taking the time to craft a clear, compelling summary can significantly increase the reach, understanding, and impact of your research.