Abstracts are a paradox: tiny in word count, massive in importance. They’re often the first – and sometimes only – thing your reader sees. Whether for a thesis, journal article, or conference, your abstract needs to inform and invite.

Here’s how to make every word count:

1. Start with the “Why”

Begin by framing the research question or problem.

“Antibiotic resistance is rising, yet rapid detection methods remain limited…”
This gives your work urgency and purpose.

2. Outline the “How”

Briefly describe your methods, no detail-dumping. Just enough to show approach and credibility.

“We developed an electrochemical biosensor to identify resistant strains in under 30 minutes.”

3. Highlight the “What”

What did you find? What does it mean? Include one or two key results, and their broader significance.

4. Cut Everything Else

No citations. No tangents. No padding. Your goal isn’t to explain everything – just to hook the reader into reading more.

Need help distilling a full thesis into a crisp abstract? At Deconvolution, we’re here to refine without flattening.