We have tried to answer some of the questions we frequently get about writing an abstract for our conferences, and hope these will be useful for those applying to them, as well as to other conferences.
I am not sure how to write an abstract!
Think of it as an elevator pitch: you want to add the key points that people need to know about the research you are going to present. We should have a clear idea of the scope of your research.
Start with “What?” – your research question, or the main idea that you want to convey in the paper.
Then give us some background about it, list important points to know how to situate your topic – like “When?” And “Where?” Try to be as specific as you can. In a 20 minute presentation, you probably won’t be able to cover large topics like “Europe in the Twentieth Century”.
Then tell us “How?” – your sources and methodology, or how you intend to answer your question. Walk us through what you will analyze during your presentation.
And finally Why? – let us know why this topic is important. Is your research new? Does it provide a different perspective, or shed light on a topic often misrepresented?
Don’t forget to add a title!
Do I have to write more than one abstract?
In ISHA conferences, you often have the opportunity to sign up for more than one workshop, telling us your first, second and third options. Do write different abstracts for each workshop, do not reuse the same one several times. It’s important to show interest for each workshop you are applying to attend, and to show the organizers you have thought about the theme. Applications that repeat the same abstract can be rejected.
How do I decide on a topic?
The first idea seems obvious, but your presentation should be connected to the general theme of the conference, and the theme of the workshop. Be sure to make that connection obvious for a reader as well.
There are many places where you can go for inspiration – you can present using original research you made in graduate school if that is your case, but also present a paper you wrote for a class or write something new inspired by something you read in the news, or found interesting in social media.
How broad should my topic be?
ISHA’s mission is academic exchange and advancement. We encourage participants to think about original, challenging research questions – you do not have to have all the answers, but we prefer stimulating out-of the box ideas and discussions over standard presentations. It’s not a problem if you still have not been able to do original research, and if you want to do a presentation on literature you find interesting – indeed, conferences are great places to experiment with different questions and get inspiration and feedback. It’s a better start though if you are working with different works and coming up with your own questions about them, and not just presenting us an author or book.
A common strategy is to open the scope at the end of the presentation: what other big questions open up by studying this specific case study? What meta-questions are tackled within this case? How to go from here?
How important is it to reach the 300-word limit for the abstract?
If you can say everything relevant about your topic in fewer words, then that’s great! We’re not counting words to make sure you reach 300, and that’s not a deciding factor in accepting your application or not. The word limit is there just to guide you so that your abstract isn’t too short or too long.
I have never applied for a conference before, do I need to have experience?
Everyone had to start somewhere – the experienced seminar participants were also ISHA “newbies” once upon a time. ISHA thinks of itself as a learning opportunity, and we are always happy when people tell us that one of our seminars was their first conference, or their first presentation in English. We try hard to make them a safe space and offer constructive feedback to everyone.
I see that there’s a PhD workshop option, does that mean you’re only expecting PhD students to apply?
ISHA seminars accept a wide variety of students, and that includes everyone – from 1st year BA students to PhD students who are just about to defend their dissertations! If you’re just starting your university education, you don’t have to be anxious about colleagues who are on a “higher” level of their studies. ISHA PhD Workshops also welcome students who are thinking about or in the process of applying for a PhD. Presenting in a PhD workshop is an ideal platform to pitch your initial idea, or ask for feedback on a (written) application. They also are happy to share their experiences and tips, for example on how to get (international) funding for your project.I
I’m nervous about writing in English
One tip we would give you is to write simply: do not try to be fancy schmancy. Academic English tends to be very direct. In many languages, to write academically means long sentences with metaphors, and English is just the opposite. It may sound counter-intuitive for some, but it’s a plus for people who learn English as a second (or third, or fourth) language: there is a lesser chance you’ll get lost in your thoughts if you use simpler structures.
It’s very important to remember also that you’re not writing an essay for an English class. We won’t disqualify your application because it has a few grammatical errors. Focus on writing a clear, easy-to-understand abstract, and that is it!
Should I use British or American English in my abstract?
We aren’t going to judge your preferred style of writing, spelling and/or grammar – just try to be consistent with it.
Now that you know how, don’t hesitate to send an application to our next conference (applications open until February 25), and see you in Belgrade this spring!
Got any more questions about your application? You can email the conference organizers and let them know your thoughts, or join our whatsapp community.
International Students of History Association 