Research Paper Summarizer
How to write an effective research paper summary, for abstracts, lay summaries, and conference presentations. Plus how to check yours is ready.
No account required · Results in <2 minutes · PDF, Word & LaTeX
Types of research paper summaries
Research papers require different types of summaries for different audiences. The abstract is a technical summary for peer researchers. A lay summary (increasingly required by journals and funders) explains the research in non-specialist language. An author summary (used by PLOS journals) describes the broad significance of the work. Conference abstracts are shorter, often structured differently. This guide covers how to write each type effectively.
Summary types and their requirements
Abstract (150–300 words)
Technical summary for peer researchers covering background, methods, results, conclusions.
Lay summary (100–200 words)
Plain-language summary for general audiences and funding bodies; avoids jargon.
Author summary
Used by PLOS journals; explains broad significance and context for non-specialists.
Conference abstract
Usually shorter (150 words); focuses on objective, approach, and main results.
Social media summary
Twitter/LinkedIn-sized description of your work for public engagement.
Checks relevant to this topic
Part of our 80+ automated checks
Abstract completeness
All required summary elements present.
Word count
Summary within target word limit.
Clarity
Summary avoids undefined jargon.
Key result present
Main finding is stated explicitly.
The practical edge your peers already use
Across disciplines and career stages, researchers reduce bottlenecks and submit with confidence: clearer drafts, easier guideline compliance, and less back and forth with co‑authors and reviewers.
I use it to review my students' papers. It instantly highlights typos, missing references, and unclear sections, helping me focus my feedback on the quality of the research instead of surface errors.
Ilyass
Professor in Mechanical Engineering, ÉTS Montréal
I relied on it throughout my thesis to strengthen my writing. It suggested clearer phrasing, improved flow between sections, and ensured my references were complete before the final deadline.
Manon
Master's Student in Speech Therapy
I write research in both Portuguese and English, and it adapts perfectly to either language. It provided precise feedback in Portuguese, helping me maintain academic tone and consistency across my drafts.
Afonso
PhD Candidate, UFPE
It gave excellent advice on how to rephrase and present ideas more clearly and concisely. The suggestions helped me refine my arguments and make my research more impactful.
Félix
Postdoc Researcher, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology
A round of suggestions helped to generally refine the text of my paper and, moreover, to present some of its key points in a more focused form.
Oleg
Professor, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
I use it to review my students' papers. It instantly highlights typos, missing references, and unclear sections, helping me focus my feedback on the quality of the research instead of surface errors.
Ilyass
Professor in Mechanical Engineering, ÉTS Montréal
I relied on it throughout my thesis to strengthen my writing. It suggested clearer phrasing, improved flow between sections, and ensured my references were complete before the final deadline.
Manon
Master's Student in Speech Therapy
I write research in both Portuguese and English, and it adapts perfectly to either language. It provided precise feedback in Portuguese, helping me maintain academic tone and consistency across my drafts.
Afonso
PhD Candidate, UFPE
It gave excellent advice on how to rephrase and present ideas more clearly and concisely. The suggestions helped me refine my arguments and make my research more impactful.
Félix
Postdoc Researcher, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology
A round of suggestions helped to generally refine the text of my paper and, moreover, to present some of its key points in a more focused form.
Oleg
Professor, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Frequently asked questions
In academic publishing, 'abstract' typically refers to the technical structured summary at the beginning of a paper. 'Summary' is more general, it can refer to abstracts, lay summaries, or informal descriptions of a paper's content.
Not all journals, but the requirement is growing. PLOS journals, many open-access journals, and most funding bodies (NIH, RCUK, ERC) require lay summaries for publicly funded research.