Should You Incude Posters That You Didn't Present

Should You Include Posters You Didn't Present at a Conference? A Guide for Researchers

Including posters you didn't present at a conference in your publication record raises questions about academic integrity and the accurate representation of your research contributions. While there's no universally accepted answer, this article explores the ethical and practical considerations to help you decide. The key takeaway? Transparency is paramount.

Understanding the Dilemma:

The decision to list a poster not presented at a conference hinges on context. Simply adding it to a CV or publication list without explanation can be misleading. It suggests a level of participation and peer review that didn't occur. This can negatively impact your reputation if discovered. However, there are instances where including such a poster might be justifiable, provided full disclosure and accurate context are maintained.

Arguments Against Inclusion:

• Misrepresentation: Listing unpresented posters suggests a higher level of conference participation and peer review than actually happened. This is ethically problematic and could be viewed as academic dishonesty. Reviewers and future employers rely on accurate representations of your accomplishments.
• Diluted Impact: Including unpresented work might dilute the impact of your actual presented research. Focus on showcasing your most significant and peer-reviewed contributions.
• Potential for Misunderstanding: Readers might assume a level of scrutiny and feedback that wasn't provided if the poster wasn't actually presented and discussed at the conference.

Arguments For (with caveats):

• Showcase of Ongoing Research: If the poster represents work in progress or a project that you intend to present at a future conference, including it with a clear note (e.g., "Poster prepared for [Conference Name], but not presented due to [Reason]") can be acceptable. This demonstrates your ongoing research efforts.
• Internal University/Departmental Posters: Some universities hold internal poster sessions or competitions. Including these in a portfolio or CV dedicated to your university work may be appropriate, especially if they received recognition or awards. However, clearly distinguish them from externally presented work.
• Part of a Larger Project: If the unpresented poster was a component of a larger project resulting in a publication or presented work, it could be mentioned as "related work" or "supporting material" with a clear explanation.

Best Practices for Transparency:

• Explicitly State Non-Presentation: Always clearly indicate that the poster was not presented at the conference. Use descriptive language like "poster prepared for..." or "poster developed for...".
• Provide Context: Explain the reason for non-presentation (e.g., scheduling conflicts, last-minute cancellations, funding issues). Honesty is crucial.
• Separate Presented and Unpresented Work: If possible, categorize presented and unpresented work separately in your CV or publication list to prevent confusion.
• Consider the Audience: Tailor your CV or publication list to the specific audience and context. A university internal CV might have different requirements than a CV submitted for a job application.

Conclusion:

The decision to include posters you didn't present is a nuanced one. While highlighting ongoing research or related work might be justifiable with full transparency, falsely representing work as presented is ethically problematic. Prioritize honesty and accuracy in your representation of your achievements to maintain your academic integrity and build a strong reputation. Remember, your credibility is your most valuable asset.