We’re thrilled about your interest in our upcoming EDI & Culture Conference at the School of Clinical Medicine. We’re committed to making this event as inclusive and accessible as possible. As part of our aim to capture a diverse range of voices and experiences, we are encouraging everyone to consider submitting an abstract.   Firstly, what is an abstract? In the simplest terms, an abstract is a brief summary of a larger work, such as a project, research study, or initiative. For our conference, it’s your opportunity to share your efforts towards promoting EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) and a positive culture within your respective areas.   It’s natural to feel daunted by the prospect of submitting an abstract, particularly if it’s your first time. But fear not, here’s a practical guide to help demystify the process:  

1. Background: Provide context for your work. Why is it important? What issues does it address?
2. Methods: Discuss the steps you’ve taken or will take to execute your work.
3. Findings: Share the results or outcomes (if available). If the work is ongoing, discuss preliminary findings or expected outcomes.
4. Conclusions: What are the implications of your work? How does it contribute to the field of EDI and positive culture?
5. Learning point(s): Highlight the key takeaways from your work. What would you like others to learn from it?

  Here are some additional tips:  

• Keep it Simple: Avoid jargon, complex terms, or industry-specific acronyms that might not be universally understood. The goal is to communicate effectively, not to impress with big words.

• Be Precise: Ensure your abstract accurately reflects your work. Be honest about your findings, even if they are preliminary or not what you initially expected.

• Relevance to EDI and Culture: Highlight how your work promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion or how it contributes to a positive culture in your environment.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Share your abstract with colleagues, friends, or family. Feedback is valuable, and this practice will also help you be more confident in presenting your work.

Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect on the first try. Writing an abstract, like most things, gets better with practice. Remember, it’s not about intimidating professional terminology, but sharing valuable insights from your own experiences. This is your chance to contribute to the discourse on EDI and Culture, and we eagerly anticipate your unique perspective.   We are all a part of this journey, and your voices are important in shaping the future of our Clinical School. We can’t wait to hear your stories.