Increasingly, academic dissertations and papers require a lay summary as well as a scientific abstract. It is important to distinguish between the style and content of the scientific abstract and the lay summary. These sections serve different purposes and are intended for different audiences. In this blog, I aim to help you write both effectively, supported by examples. Scientific Abstract The scientific abstract is written for experts, researchers and professionals in your field. It is a concise summary of your research that includes the background, methods, key findings, and implications. The language used is technical and generally assumes the reader has a good understanding of the subject. What to Include in the Abstract: Background/Context: Briefly explain the problem your research addresses. Aim: State the specific objectives of the study. Methods: Summarise the methods used, including any important experimental techniques or data sources. Results: Clearly outline the main findi
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