While on the job, academics learn to distil their research into an Abstract, which typically precedes the main text of their paper in a journal or conference proceeding. Such an abstract is targeted at the readers of that journal. Different from this type of Abstract, a lay summary, lay abstract, or plain language summary might be required by your funder, research institute, and even some academic journals. Funding bodies require lay abstracts as a part of grant applications or to monitor progress on a project they are funding. A research institute might require them for press releases or to put them up on their institutional website. Of late, a growing number of journals ask for lay abstracts to increase the visibility of the research they publish.
Importance of a lay summary
- They are a useful way to relay complex information in a simple manner.
- They allow an author’s work to stand out and garner attention.
- They can help raise interest and awareness on a particular topic among non-specialists and researchers from different specialties.
- They provide accountability for the use of funds in research.
- They can help promote the impact of one’s research with more media attention and higher mentions of and citations to the study.
Lay summary vs. Abstract: Similarities
Lay summaries and Abstracts have a similar purpose of communicating your findings to the world. They both are of similar lengths (in the region of 150–300 words). In fact, in terms of overall structure, both are quite similar too. Both begin with an overview and context setting. Next come the aims and how you went about achieving them. Then come the key results, followed by the main takeaways and significance of the work.
Lay summaries vs. Abstracts: Differences
While the framework is more or less the same, an Abstract in a research paper differs from a lay summary in terms of language and presentation, keeping in mind the intended audience.
- An Abstract summarizes the contents of a research article to help the reader, typically a researcher in the same field, quickly grasp the purpose of the text. Meanwhile, a lay summary summarizes the contents of a research article for non-specialist audiences or members of funding body panels (researchers, but from different fields).
- The language used in a lay summary is simple and free of jargon and technical details.
- A lay summary focuses on the relevance of the research, i.e., the “why” and “so what?” rather than the “how?” In other words, there is less emphasis on the methods used.
- Abstracts are nearly always published with work that has already been performed, while a lay summary might be needed before you embark on a project (e.g., as part of your project proposal).
Approaches and tips to write a lay summary
Many researchers find writing a lay summary daunting because it differs from academic writing, which they are used to and skilled at. With practice and experience, however, writing a lay summary can become an effortless and fun exercise! Let’s dive into how to write one.
- First, check the format (length, structure, etc.) required. This is something you would do when writing a scientific Abstract as well.
- Keep your audience in mind and mold the narrative strategically. Try to “talk” to your audience.
- Make the opening sentence count. Explain the purpose of the study and why it is important.
- Keep your sentences clear, concise, and focused. The use of active verbs helps craft shorter sentences.
- Avoid jargon or technical terms; opt for short, simple words. If you need to include essential technical terms, explain them in simple terms, e.g.:
“Pathway” à a series of chemical reactions
“Gene expression” à how genes make proteins that are used by cells
“Cell signaling” à how cells communicate with each other.
Avoid using acronyms unless they are popularly known (e.g., DNA, COVID-19).
- Discuss the applications and relevance of the study using simple, everyday examples where possible. However, maintain a balance so you don’t “dumb down” your work.
- Don’t use sentences lifted verbatim from your paper or research paper Abstract.
- Construct a title that is short and includes keywords and searchable terms. Select keywords and messages that will generate interest among readers and help them understand your work.
- Finally, ask a non-scientist to read your lay summary draft. Ask them which parts were difficult to comprehend. Rework those parts to make them simpler to grasp.
It is worthwhile to read sample lay summaries to get a hang of the structure and flow of such pieces. Impactful yet easy-to-read lay summary examples can be seen here and here.
Final notes
A lay summary or lay abstract uses plain, everyday language to explain complex research in a way that can better connect authors with the general public, researchers from different fields, policymakers, and funders. It is a great idea to have a lay summary ready for conferences, possible press releases, or even sharing on social media. Opening up your work to a whole new, untapped audience will help you increase your visibility and impact as a researcher!
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