Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) is the premier platform for scientific exchange in gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and GI surgery. With thousands of abstracts submitted each year, standing out can be a challenge. An effective abstract captures both the reviewer’s attention and conveys the research’s importance in a concise and compelling way.
As an abstract reviewer, I have seen firsthand the common pitfalls and strengths that make an abstract outstanding. Here are my top 10 tips to help your DDW abstract stand out and leave a long-lasting impression on the reviewers.
1. Read and Follow DDW Submission Guidelines
Before drafting, review the DDW abstract submission guidelines closely. Adhering to word limits, formatting specifications and category selection will prevent automatic rejection and demonstrate professionalism. Guidelines change yearly, so stay updated on new requirements.
2. Start With a Clear and Focused Title
The title should be concise yet descriptive, giving a snapshot of your study’s core focus. Aim for around 10-12 words, emphasizing your findings or research question. Avoid jargon, overly technical terms, and vague phrases like “A Study of…” or “Investigation of…” Instead, prioritize specific keywords that directly reflect your work.
3. Use Structured Formatting for Readability
A well-structured, easy-to-read abstract stands out.
- Prioritize the core sections: Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
- Avoid dense paragraphs; reviewers often appreciate abstracts with a clear layout that helps them quickly locate key points.
- Remember that your reviewers are typically experts, but they may not be specialists in your specific area. Avoid overly technical terms that could alienate readers outside your niche.
- Use clear, simple language to describe complex ideas.
4. Emphasize Novelty and Impact
A successful DDW abstract presents new insights or approaches. Consider what makes your study unique — whether it’s a new therapeutic target, a novel clinical/endoscopic finding, or a population analysis with meaningful results? Highlight these aspects to show reviewer why your work adds value.
5. Avoid Common Pitfalls in Study Design Description
Abstract reviewers often look for methodological rigor, so ensure your study design is clearly explained and relevant. Avoid over-explaining basic methodologies or omitting details on statistical analysis or controls. Address any study limitations concisely; honesty here shows a mature understanding of your work.
6. Provide Concrete Data in the Results Section
An abstract without concrete data loses its impact and reviewer’s attention. Present clear, quantitative results to show the strength of your findings. Avoid vague statements like “significant improvement” or “substantial reduction” — use actual figures and statistical values (e.g., p-values, confidence intervals) to back up your claims.
Reporting significance without statistical backing is a common error. When mentioning findings as “significant,” always support them with actual values (e.g., p < 0.05). Avoid over-interpretation—stick to what the data supports, even if the results are exploratory.
7. Limit Abbreviations and Avoid Jargon
Overuse of abbreviations and jargon can make the text difficult to read. Stick to commonly accepted abbreviations such as EGD, EUS, ERCP and define any specialized terms the first time they appear. Only use abbreviations if they enhance clarity and readability. Every word in your abstract counts; avoid unnecessary filler and instead focus on details that add value. Reviewers appreciate succinct, clear language, especially for complex methods or findings. Go through each section to see if you can replace vague language with specifics.
8. Proofread for Grammar, Clarity and Consistency
Simple grammar mistakes and lack of clarity may result in abstract rejection. Proofread carefully, ideally getting feedback from colleagues. Pay attention to spelling, grammar and consistent use of terminology. Double-check any numbers, as mistakes in data can lead to rejection.
9. Highlight Your Clinical Relevance
In the conclusion, briefly mention the potential clinical implications of your findings. This connects your research to the broader goals of DDW and can help catch the eye of reviewers looking for high-impact submissions.
10. Consider Visual Aids
Consider adding graphics and/or tables to visually communicate your key findings. Graphs, charts, or tables can convey complex data in an accessible way, making it easier for reviewers to grasp the study’s impact quickly.
By following these tips and crafting a clear, engaging, and scientifically rigorous abstract, you can make a strong impression on reviewers. Ultimately, a well-prepared abstract maximizes your chances of acceptance and helps propel your work into the spotlight. Best of luck with your submission!
