How to Write a Conclusion Section for Scientific Manuscripts: a Guide for Researchers

Most researchers know the power of a great introduction: it draws readers in, sets expectations, and signals the value of what’s to come. But the conclusion? Too often, it’s written in a hurry, is a re-statement of the abstract, and stripped of the weight it deserves. The truth is, your conclusion is the final word your reader will hear from you; the moment that can either fade quickly or resonate long after they’ve closed the paper. Done well, it not only wraps up your study but also elevates its meaning. And that’s why the conclusion matters far more than many writers realize.

Why the conclusion matters more than most researchers think

Purpose of a research paper conclusion

The conclusion wraps up your study in a way that helps readers understand why your research matters. It’s not just a recap — it’s your final chance to interpret findings, explain their significance, and show how they fit into the bigger picture.

The role of the conclusion in academic impact

Many readers skim introductions and jump straight to the conclusion. If your conclusion is weak, your entire paper risks being forgotten. A strong conclusion gives your work staying power — and can even inspire future studies.

The core elements of a strong conclusion

Think of your conclusion as a structured reflection on your study, built around five key elements.

1 – Restate the research problem and purpose

Keep it simple, allow the reader to recalibrate themselves. You’re not introducing new ideas here — you’re reminding the reader why the research was undertaken in the first place.

Example:

• “This study examined the relationship between daily screen time and sleep quality among adolescents in urban high schools.”

2 – Summarize key findings without repeating the results section

Don’t re-list all your data, focus only on one or two key takehomes.

Example:

• “Findings indicated that students with more than three hours of daily screen exposure reported significantly poorer sleep quality compared to those with less than two hours.”

3 – Highlight the significance and implications

Implications and significance will connect your study to real-world relevance or theoretical advancement. This is where you will answer the question: So what?

Example:

• “These results suggest that reducing evening screen time could be a simple yet effective strategy to improve adolescent sleep health, with potential benefits for academic performance and mental well-being.”

4 – Acknowledge limitations

No research is perfect. Briefly mention constraints so readers understand the scope of your conclusions; being transparent here builds trust. Even if there is a separate limitation section, if there is one core limitation (e.g. limited by observational nature) it can be helpful to acknowledge it here to build trust. A core limitation often forms a natural transition to future directions.

Example:

• “This study relied on self-reported screen time, which may be subject to recall bias.”

5 – Suggest future research directions

Give the next researcher (or even the reader) a place to start. This shows that your study contributes to an ongoing conversation, not a final word.

Example:

• “Future research could explore longitudinal effects of screen time reduction on sleep patterns across diverse adolescent populations.”

How to write an focused and memorable conclusion

Avoid new data or arguments

The conclusion is for wrapping up, not introducing fresh material.

Keep it concise but impactful

Aim for 5–8 sentences for a standard research paper — long enough to be meaningful, short enough to avoid repetition.

Maintain academic tone

Even if you’re passionate about your topic, keep the tone neutral. Avoid overly emotional language that may be perceived as biased.

Avoid repeating the abstract verbatim

Your conclusion is not simply a rewording of the abstract. It is the 'essence' of your study you want the reader to wake away with.

Overloading with citations or statistics

Don't include citations or heavy statistics in the conclusion. Clearly communicate the 'take home' you want your readers to walk away with.

Final thoughts for writing an impactful conclusion

A good conclusion doesn’t just signal the end — it reinforces why your research matters. By restating your problem, summarizing key findings, highlighting significance, acknowledging limitations, and pointing toward the future, you give your work lasting value.

When in doubt, ask yourself: If a reader only read my conclusion, would they understand what I studied, why it matters, and what should happen next? If the answer is yes, you’ve done it right.

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