Lesson 9.2 Mission: Build, print, and submit your scientific poster

You will build your poster from the SPHERE A1 template (PowerPoint and Affinity Publisher versions both supplied). Use the template. Posters built outside the template will be returned for re-formatting. The template enforces the seven mandatory blocks, the 40% white space rule, the two-font limit, and the SPHERE branding bar at the bottom.

Your data comes from your Alqueva pod’s processed dataset (Stage 8, Pillar 2). You may not use AI-generated data of any kind — this is fabrication and is misconduct under the SPHERE Honour Code.

Process and milestones:

Day 1: Title + hero figure draft. Title is 14 words or fewer, declarative, with the finding embedded. Hero figure finalised: axes, units, error bars, caption.
Day 2: Question/Method/Result text drafted, each section under its word limit. Read every section out loud — if it does not survive being read aloud, rewrite it.
Day 3: Conclusions and limits. Name three things your data does not support, alongside the one or two things it does.
Day 4: Layout in the template. Apply the white-space and font rules.
Day 5: Internal review by your tutor + one cohort peer. Revise.
Day 6: Submit print-ready PDF (A1, 300 dpi, embedded fonts) for tutor sign-off.
Day 7: Print at A1 (cohort budget covers one print per pod). Pin in the SPHERE virtual gallery and the local school’s display board.

ℹ️ Submission note. Pillar 3 has two submission events: this lesson (poster file) and Lesson 9.3 (90-second oral defence). Both are required for badge unlock.
💡 Bella’s tip: Cut every word your poster does not need. Cut again. Cut a third time. White space is not the absence of content; it is the presence of confidence.

📝 Activity: Click Submit Pillar 3a — Scientific Poster and upload your poster file (PDF, interactive PDF, or accessible deck). Tick the self-assessment checklist. Tutor feedback returned within 5 days.