conclusion definition in research paper

How to Write a Conclusion for Research Papers (with Examples)

The conclusion of a research paper is a crucial section that plays a significant role in the overall impact and effectiveness of your research paper. However, this is also the section that typically receives less attention compared to the introduction and the body of the paper. The conclusion serves to provide a concise summary of the key findings, their significance, their implications, and a sense of closure to the study. Discussing how can the findings be applied in real-world scenarios or inform policy, practice, or decision-making is especially valuable to practitioners and policymakers. The research paper conclusion also provides researchers with clear insights and valuable information for their own work, which they can then build on and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

The research paper conclusion should explain the significance of your findings within the broader context of your field. It restates how your results contribute to the existing body of knowledge and whether they confirm or challenge existing theories or hypotheses. Also, by identifying unanswered questions or areas requiring further investigation, your awareness of the broader research landscape can be demonstrated.

Remember to tailor the research paper conclusion to the specific needs and interests of your intended audience, which may include researchers, practitioners, policymakers, or a combination of these.

Table of Contents

What is a conclusion in a research paper, summarizing conclusion, editorial conclusion, externalizing conclusion, importance of a good research paper conclusion, how to write a conclusion for your research paper, research paper conclusion examples.

• How to write a research paper conclusion with Paperpal? 

Frequently Asked Questions

A conclusion in a research paper is the final section where you summarize and wrap up your research, presenting the key findings and insights derived from your study. The research paper conclusion is not the place to introduce new information or data that was not discussed in the main body of the paper. When working on how to conclude a research paper, remember to stick to summarizing and interpreting existing content. The research paper conclusion serves the following purposes: 1

• Warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem.
• Recommend specific course(s) of action.
• Restate key ideas to drive home the ultimate point of your research paper.
• Provide a “take-home” message that you want the readers to remember about your study.

Types of conclusions for research papers

In research papers, the conclusion provides closure to the reader. The type of research paper conclusion you choose depends on the nature of your study, your goals, and your target audience. I provide you with three common types of conclusions:

A summarizing conclusion is the most common type of conclusion in research papers. It involves summarizing the main points, reiterating the research question, and restating the significance of the findings. This common type of research paper conclusion is used across different disciplines.

An editorial conclusion is less common but can be used in research papers that are focused on proposing or advocating for a particular viewpoint or policy. It involves presenting a strong editorial or opinion based on the research findings and offering recommendations or calls to action.

An externalizing conclusion is a type of conclusion that extends the research beyond the scope of the paper by suggesting potential future research directions or discussing the broader implications of the findings. This type of conclusion is often used in more theoretical or exploratory research papers.

Align your conclusion’s tone with the rest of your research paper. Start Writing with Paperpal Now!  

The conclusion in a research paper serves several important purposes:

• Offers Implications and Recommendations : Your research paper conclusion is an excellent place to discuss the broader implications of your research and suggest potential areas for further study. It’s also an opportunity to offer practical recommendations based on your findings.
• Provides Closure : A good research paper conclusion provides a sense of closure to your paper. It should leave the reader with a feeling that they have reached the end of a well-structured and thought-provoking research project.
• Leaves a Lasting Impression : Writing a well-crafted research paper conclusion leaves a lasting impression on your readers. It’s your final opportunity to leave them with a new idea, a call to action, or a memorable quote.

Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper is essential to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you create and know what to put in the conclusion of a research paper: 2

• Research Statement : Begin your research paper conclusion by restating your research statement. This reminds the reader of the main point you’ve been trying to prove throughout your paper. Keep it concise and clear.
• Key Points : Summarize the main arguments and key points you’ve made in your paper. Avoid introducing new information in the research paper conclusion. Instead, provide a concise overview of what you’ve discussed in the body of your paper.
• Address the Research Questions : If your research paper is based on specific research questions or hypotheses, briefly address whether you’ve answered them or achieved your research goals. Discuss the significance of your findings in this context.
• Significance : Highlight the importance of your research and its relevance in the broader context. Explain why your findings matter and how they contribute to the existing knowledge in your field.
• Implications : Explore the practical or theoretical implications of your research. How might your findings impact future research, policy, or real-world applications? Consider the “so what?” question.
• Future Research : Offer suggestions for future research in your area. What questions or aspects remain unanswered or warrant further investigation? This shows that your work opens the door for future exploration.
• Closing Thought : Conclude your research paper conclusion with a thought-provoking or memorable statement. This can leave a lasting impression on your readers and wrap up your paper effectively. Avoid introducing new information or arguments here.
• Proofread and Revise : Carefully proofread your conclusion for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and that your conclusion is coherent and well-structured.

Write your research paper conclusion 2x faster with Paperpal. Try it now!

Remember that a well-crafted research paper conclusion is a reflection of the strength of your research and your ability to communicate its significance effectively. It should leave a lasting impression on your readers and tie together all the threads of your paper. Now you know how to start the conclusion of a research paper and what elements to include to make it impactful, let’s look at a research paper conclusion sample.

How to write a research paper conclusion with Paperpal?

A research paper conclusion is not just a summary of your study, but a synthesis of the key findings that ties the research together and places it in a broader context. A research paper conclusion should be concise, typically around one paragraph in length. However, some complex topics may require a longer conclusion to ensure the reader is left with a clear understanding of the study’s significance. Paperpal, an AI writing assistant trusted by over 800,000 academics globally, can help you write a well-structured conclusion for your research paper. 

• Sign Up or Log In: Create a new Paperpal account or login with your details.  
• Navigate to Features : Once logged in, head over to the features’ side navigation pane. Click on Templates and you’ll find a suite of generative AI features to help you write better, faster.  
• Generate an outline: Under Templates, select ‘Outlines’. Choose ‘Research article’ as your document type.  
• Select your section: Since you’re focusing on the conclusion, select this section when prompted.  
• Choose your field of study: Identifying your field of study allows Paperpal to provide more targeted suggestions, ensuring the relevance of your conclusion to your specific area of research. 
• Provide a brief description of your study: Enter details about your research topic and findings. This information helps Paperpal generate a tailored outline that aligns with your paper’s content. 
• Generate the conclusion outline: After entering all necessary details, click on ‘generate’. Paperpal will then create a structured outline for your conclusion, to help you start writing and build upon the outline.  
• Write your conclusion: Use the generated outline to build your conclusion. The outline serves as a guide, ensuring you cover all critical aspects of a strong conclusion, from summarizing key findings to highlighting the research’s implications. 
• Refine and enhance: Paperpal’s ‘Make Academic’ feature can be particularly useful in the final stages. Select any paragraph of your conclusion and use this feature to elevate the academic tone, ensuring your writing is aligned to the academic journal standards. 

By following these steps, Paperpal not only simplifies the process of writing a research paper conclusion but also ensures it is impactful, concise, and aligned with academic standards. Sign up with Paperpal today and write your research paper conclusion 2x faster .  

The research paper conclusion is a crucial part of your paper as it provides the final opportunity to leave a strong impression on your readers. In the research paper conclusion, summarize the main points of your research paper by restating your research statement, highlighting the most important findings, addressing the research questions or objectives, explaining the broader context of the study, discussing the significance of your findings, providing recommendations if applicable, and emphasizing the takeaway message. The main purpose of the conclusion is to remind the reader of the main point or argument of your paper and to provide a clear and concise summary of the key findings and their implications. All these elements should feature on your list of what to put in the conclusion of a research paper to create a strong final statement for your work.

A strong conclusion is a critical component of a research paper, as it provides an opportunity to wrap up your arguments, reiterate your main points, and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here are the key elements of a strong research paper conclusion: 1. Conciseness : A research paper conclusion should be concise and to the point. It should not introduce new information or ideas that were not discussed in the body of the paper. 2. Summarization : The research paper conclusion should be comprehensive enough to give the reader a clear understanding of the research’s main contributions. 3 . Relevance : Ensure that the information included in the research paper conclusion is directly relevant to the research paper’s main topic and objectives; avoid unnecessary details. 4 . Connection to the Introduction : A well-structured research paper conclusion often revisits the key points made in the introduction and shows how the research has addressed the initial questions or objectives. 5. Emphasis : Highlight the significance and implications of your research. Why is your study important? What are the broader implications or applications of your findings? 6 . Call to Action : Include a call to action or a recommendation for future research or action based on your findings.

The length of a research paper conclusion can vary depending on several factors, including the overall length of the paper, the complexity of the research, and the specific journal requirements. While there is no strict rule for the length of a conclusion, but it’s generally advisable to keep it relatively short. A typical research paper conclusion might be around 5-10% of the paper’s total length. For example, if your paper is 10 pages long, the conclusion might be roughly half a page to one page in length.

In general, you do not need to include citations in the research paper conclusion. Citations are typically reserved for the body of the paper to support your arguments and provide evidence for your claims. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule: 1. If you are drawing a direct quote or paraphrasing a specific source in your research paper conclusion, you should include a citation to give proper credit to the original author. 2. If your conclusion refers to or discusses specific research, data, or sources that are crucial to the overall argument, citations can be included to reinforce your conclusion’s validity.

The conclusion of a research paper serves several important purposes: 1. Summarize the Key Points 2. Reinforce the Main Argument 3. Provide Closure 4. Offer Insights or Implications 5. Engage the Reader. 6. Reflect on Limitations

Remember that the primary purpose of the research paper conclusion is to leave a lasting impression on the reader, reinforcing the key points and providing closure to your research. It’s often the last part of the paper that the reader will see, so it should be strong and well-crafted.

• Makar, G., Foltz, C., Lendner, M., & Vaccaro, A. R. (2018). How to write effective discussion and conclusion sections. Clinical spine surgery, 31(8), 345-346.
• Bunton, D. (2005). The structure of PhD conclusion chapters.  Journal of English for academic purposes ,  4 (3), 207-224.

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

Related Reads:

• 5 Reasons for Rejection After Peer Review
• Ethical Research Practices For Research with Human Subjects

7 Ways to Improve Your Academic Writing Process

• Paraphrasing in Academic Writing: Answering Top Author Queries

Preflight For Editorial Desk: The Perfect Hybrid (AI + Human) Assistance Against Compromised Manuscripts

You may also like, how to cite in apa format (7th edition):..., how to write your research paper in apa..., how to choose a dissertation topic, how to write a phd research proposal, how to write an academic paragraph (step-by-step guide), research funding basics: what should a grant proposal..., how to write an abstract in research papers..., how to write dissertation acknowledgements, how to write the first draft of a..., mla works cited page: format, template & examples.

• USC Libraries
• Research Guides

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

• 9. The Conclusion
• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Independent and Dependent Variables
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Reading Research Effectively
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Applying Critical Thinking
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Research Process Video Series
• Executive Summary
• The C.A.R.S. Model
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tiertiary Sources
• Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Insiderness
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Writing Concisely
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Generative AI and Writing
• USC Libraries Tutorials and Other Guides
• Bibliography

The conclusion is intended to help the reader understand why your research should matter to them after they have finished reading the paper. A conclusion is not merely a summary of the main topics covered or a re-statement of your research problem, but a synthesis of key points derived from the findings of your study and, if applicable based on your analysis, explain new areas for future research. For most college-level research papers, two or three well-developed paragraphs is sufficient for a conclusion, although in some cases, more paragraphs may be required in describing the key findings and highlighting their significance.

Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

Importance of a Good Conclusion

A well-written conclusion provides important opportunities to demonstrate to the reader your understanding of the research problem. These include:

• Presenting the last word on the issues you raised in your paper . Just as the introduction gives a first impression to your reader, the conclusion offers a chance to leave a lasting impression. Do this, for example, by highlighting key findings in your analysis that advance new understanding about the research problem, that are unusual or unexpected, or that have important implications applied to practice.
• Summarizing your thoughts and conveying the larger significance of your study . The conclusion is an opportunity to succinctly re-emphasize  your answer to the "So What?" question by placing the study within the context of how your research advances past studies about the topic.
• Identifying how a gap in the literature has been addressed . The conclusion can be where you describe how a previously identified gap in the literature [first identified in your literature review section] has been addressed by your research and why this contribution is significant.
• Demonstrating the importance of your ideas . Don't be shy. The conclusion offers an opportunity to elaborate on the impact and significance of your findings. This is particularly important if your study approached examining the research problem from an unusual or innovative perspective.
• Introducing possible new or expanded ways of thinking about the research problem . This does not refer to introducing new information [which should be avoided], but to offer new insight and creative approaches for framing or contextualizing the research problem based on the results of your study.

Bunton, David. “The Structure of PhD Conclusion Chapters.” Journal of English for Academic Purposes 4 (July 2005): 207–224; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion. San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  General Rules

The general function of your paper's conclusion is to restate the main argument . It reminds the reader of your main argument(s) strengths and reiterates the most important evidence supporting those argument(s). Do this by clearly summarizing the context, background, and the necessity of examining the research problem in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found in the literature. However, make sure that your conclusion is not simply a repetitive summary of the findings. This reduces the impact of the argument(s) you have developed in your paper.

When writing the conclusion to your paper, follow these general rules:

• Present your conclusions in clear, concise language. Re-state the purpose of your study, then describe how your findings differ or support those of other studies and why [i.e., describe what were the unique, new, or crucial contributions your study made to the overall research about your topic].
• Do not simply reiterate your findings or the discussion of your results. Provide a synthesis of arguments presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem and the overall objectives of your study.
• Indicate opportunities for future research if you haven't already done so in the discussion section of your paper. Highlighting the need for further research provides the reader with evidence that you have an in-depth awareness of the research problem but that further analysis should take place beyond the scope of your investigation.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is presented well:

• If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize the argument for your reader.
• If, prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the end of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
• Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from the data [this is opposite of the introduction, which begins with general discussion of the context and ends with a detailed description of the research problem]. 

The conclusion also provides a place for you to persuasively and succinctly restate the research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with all the information about the topic . Depending on the discipline you are writing in, the concluding paragraph may contain your reflections on the evidence presented. However, the nature of being introspective about the research you have conducted will depend on the topic and whether your professor wants you to express your observations in this way. If asked to think introspectively about the topic, do not delve into idle speculation. Being introspective means looking within yourself as an author to try and understand an issue more deeply, not to guess at possible outcomes or make up scenarios not supported by the evidence.

II.  Developing a Compelling Conclusion

Although an effective conclusion needs to be clear and succinct, it does not need to be written passively or lack a compelling narrative. Strategies to help you move beyond merely summarizing the key points of your research paper may include any of the following:

• If your paper addresses a critical, contemporary problem, warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem proactively based on the evidence presented in your study.
• Recommend a specific course or courses of action that, if adopted, could address a specific problem in practice or in the development of new knowledge leading to positive change.
• Cite a relevant quotation or expert opinion already noted in your paper in order to lend authority and support to the conclusion(s) you have reached [a good source would be from a source cited in your literature review].
• Explain the consequences of your research in a way that elicits action or demonstrates urgency in seeking change.
• Restate a key statistic, fact, or visual image to emphasize the most important finding of your paper.
• If your discipline encourages personal reflection, illustrate your concluding point by drawing from your own life experiences.
• Return to an anecdote, an example, or a quotation that you presented in your introduction, but add further insight derived from the findings of your study; use your interpretation of results from your study to recast it in new or important ways.
• Provide a "take-home" message in the form of a succinct, declarative statement that you want the reader to remember about your study.

III. Problems to Avoid

Failure to be concise Your conclusion section should be concise and to the point. Conclusions that are too lengthy often have unnecessary information in them. The conclusion is not the place for details about your methodology or results. Although you should give a summary of what was learned from your research, this summary should be relatively brief, since the emphasis in the conclusion is on the implications, evaluations, insights, and other forms of analysis that you make. Strategies for writing concisely can be found here .

Failure to comment on larger, more significant issues In the introduction, your task was to move from the general [topic studied within the field of study] to the specific [the research problem]. However, in the conclusion, your task is to move the discussion from specific [your research problem] back to a general discussion framed around the implications and significance of your findings [i.e., how your research contributes new understanding or fills an important gap in the literature]. In short, the conclusion is where you should place your research within a larger context [visualize the structure of your paper as an hourglass--start with a broad introduction and review of the literature, move to the specific method of analysis and the discussion, conclude with a broad summary of the study's implications and significance].

Failure to reveal problems and negative results Negative aspects of the research process should never be ignored. These are problems, deficiencies, or challenges encountered during your study. They should be summarized as a way of qualifying your overall conclusions. If you encountered negative or unintended results [i.e., findings that are validated outside the research context in which they were generated], you must report them in the results section and discuss their implications in the discussion section of your paper. In the conclusion, use negative or surprising results as an opportunity to explain their possible significance and/or how they may form the basis for future research.

Failure to provide a clear summary of what was learned In order to discuss how your research fits within your field of study [and possibly the world at large], you need to summarize briefly and succinctly how it contributes to new knowledge or a new understanding about the research problem. This element of your conclusion may be only a few sentences long, but it often represents the key takeaway for your reader.

Failure to match the objectives of your research Often research objectives in the social and behavioral sciences change while the research is being carried out due to unforeseen factors or unanticipated variables. This is not a problem unless you forget to go back and refine the original objectives in your introduction. As these changes emerge they must be documented so that they accurately reflect what you were trying to accomplish in your research [not what you thought you might accomplish when you began].

Resist the urge to apologize If you've immersed yourself in studying the research problem, you presumably should know a good deal about it [perhaps even more than your professor!]. Nevertheless, by the time you have finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you have produced. Repress those doubts! Don't undermine your authority as a researcher by saying something like, "This is just one approach to examining this problem; there may be other, much better approaches that...." The overall tone of your conclusion should convey confidence to the reader concerning the validity and realiability of your research.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8; Concluding Paragraphs. College Writing Center at Meramec. St. Louis Community College; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Freedman, Leora  and Jerry Plotnick. Introductions and Conclusions. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Leibensperger, Summer. Draft Your Conclusion. Academic Center, the University of Houston-Victoria, 2003; Make Your Last Words Count. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin Madison; Miquel, Fuster-Marquez and Carmen Gregori-Signes. “Chapter Six: ‘Last but Not Least:’ Writing the Conclusion of Your Paper.” In Writing an Applied Linguistics Thesis or Dissertation: A Guide to Presenting Empirical Research . John Bitchener, editor. (Basingstoke,UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), pp. 93-105; Tips for Writing a Good Conclusion. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion. San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Writing Conclusions. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Writing: Considering Structure and Organization. Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College.

Writing Tip

Don't Belabor the Obvious!

Avoid phrases like "in conclusion...," "in summary...," or "in closing...." These phrases can be useful, even welcome, in oral presentations. But readers can see by the tell-tale section heading and number of pages remaining that they are reaching the end of your paper. You'll irritate your readers if you belabor the obvious.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8.

Another Writing Tip

New Insight, Not New Information!

Don't surprise the reader with new information in your conclusion that was never referenced anywhere else in the paper. This is why the conclusion rarely has citations to sources that haven't been referenced elsewhere in your paper. If you have new information to present, add it to the discussion or other appropriate section of the paper. Note that, although no new information is introduced, the conclusion, along with the discussion section, is where you offer your most "original" contributions in the paper; the conclusion is where you describe the value of your research, demonstrate that you understand the material that you have presented, and position your findings within the larger context of scholarship on the topic, including describing how your research contributes new insights to that scholarship.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina.

• << Previous: Limitations of the Study
• Next: Appendices >>
• Last Updated: Aug 29, 2024 11:05 AM
• URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide

Organizing Academic Research Papers: 9. The Conclusion

• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Executive Summary
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tertiary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Annotated Bibliography
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• How to Manage Group Projects
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Essays
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Acknowledgements

The conclusion is intended to help the reader understand why your research should matter to them after they have finished reading the paper. A conclusion is not merely a summary of your points or a re-statement of your research problem but a synthesis of key points. For most essays, one well-developed paragraph is sufficient for a conclusion, although in some cases, a two-or-three paragraph conclusion may be required.

Importance of a Good Conclusion

A well-written conclusion provides you with several important opportunities to demonstrate your overall understanding of the research problem to the reader. These include:

• Presenting the last word on the issues you raised in your paper . Just as the introduction gives a first impression to your reader, the conclusion offers a chance to leave a lasting impression. Do this, for example, by highlighting key points in your analysis or findings.
• Summarizing your thoughts and conveying the larger implications of your study . The conclusion is an opportunity to succinctly answer the "so what?" question by placing the study within the context of past research about the topic you've investigated.
• Demonstrating the importance of your ideas . Don't be shy. The conclusion offers you a chance to elaborate on the significance of your findings.
• Introducing possible new or expanded ways of thinking about the research problem . This does not refer to introducing new information [which should be avoided], but to offer new insight and creative approaches for framing/contextualizing the research problem based on the results of your study.

Conclusions . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion . San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008.

Structure and Writing Style

https://writing.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/535/2018/07/conclusions_uwmadison_writingcenter_aug2012.pdf I.  General Rules

When writing the conclusion to your paper, follow these general rules:

• State your conclusions in clear, simple language.
• Do not simply reiterate your results or the discussion.
• Indicate opportunities for future research, as long as you haven't already done so in the discussion section of your paper.

The function of your paper's conclusion is to restate the main argument . It reminds the reader of the strengths of your main argument(s) and reiterates the most important evidence supporting those argument(s). Make sure, however, that your conclusion is not simply a repetitive summary of the findings because this reduces the impact of the argument(s) you have developed in your essay.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is appropriate:

• If the argument or point of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize the argument for your reader.
• If, prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the end of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
• Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from the data.

The conclusion also provides a place for you to persuasively and succinctly restate your research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with all the information about the topic . Depending on the discipline you are writing in, the concluding paragraph may contain your reflections on the evidence presented, or on the essay's central research problem. However, the nature of being introspective about the research you have done will depend on the topic and whether your professor wants you to express your observations in this way.

NOTE : Don't delve into idle speculation. Being introspective means looking within yourself as an author to try and understand an issue more deeply not to guess at possible outcomes.

II.  Developing a Compelling Conclusion

Strategies to help you move beyond merely summarizing the key points of your research paper may include any of the following.

• If your essay deals with a contemporary problem, warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem.
• Recommend a specific course or courses of action.
• Cite a relevant quotation or expert opinion to lend authority to the conclusion you have reached [a good place to look is research from your literature review].
• Restate a key statistic, fact, or visual image to drive home the ultimate point of your paper.
• If your discipline encourages personal reflection, illustrate your concluding point with a relevant narrative drawn from your own life experiences.
• Return to an anecdote, an example, or a quotation that you introduced in your introduction, but add further insight that is derived from the findings of your study; use your interpretation of results to reframe it in new ways.
• Provide a "take-home" message in the form of a strong, succient statement that you want the reader to remember about your study.

III. Problems to Avoid Failure to be concise The conclusion section should be concise and to the point. Conclusions that are too long often have unnecessary detail. The conclusion section is not the place for details about your methodology or results. Although you should give a summary of what was learned from your research, this summary should be relatively brief, since the emphasis in the conclusion is on the implications, evaluations, insights, etc. that you make. Failure to comment on larger, more significant issues In the introduction, your task was to move from general [the field of study] to specific [your research problem]. However, in the conclusion, your task is to move from specific [your research problem] back to general [your field, i.e., how your research contributes new understanding or fills an important gap in the literature]. In other words, the conclusion is where you place your research within a larger context. Failure to reveal problems and negative results Negative aspects of the research process should never be ignored. Problems, drawbacks, and challenges encountered during your study should be included as a way of qualifying your overall conclusions. If you encountered negative results [findings that are validated outside the research context in which they were generated], you must report them in the results section of your paper. In the conclusion, use the negative results as an opportunity to explain how they provide information on which future research can be based. Failure to provide a clear summary of what was learned In order to be able to discuss how your research fits back into your field of study [and possibly the world at large], you need to summarize it briefly and directly. Often this element of your conclusion is only a few sentences long. Failure to match the objectives of your research Often research objectives change while the research is being carried out. This is not a problem unless you forget to go back and refine your original objectives in your introduction, as these changes emerge they must be documented so that they accurately reflect what you were trying to accomplish in your research [not what you thought you might accomplish when you began].

Resist the urge to apologize If you've immersed yourself in studying the research problem, you now know a good deal about it, perhaps even more than your professor! Nevertheless, by the time you have finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you have produced. Repress those doubts!  Don't undermine your authority by saying something like, "This is just one approach to examining this problem; there may be other, much better approaches...."

Concluding Paragraphs. College Writing Center at Meramec. St. Louis Community College; Conclusions . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Freedman, Leora  and Jerry Plotnick. Introductions and Conclusions . The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Leibensperger, Summer. Draft Your Conclusion. Academic Center, the University of Houston-Victoria, 2003; Make Your Last Words Count . The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Tips for Writing a Good Conclusion . Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion . San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Writing Conclusions . Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Writing: Considering Structure and Organization . Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College.

Writing Tip

Don't Belabor the Obvious!

Avoid phrases like "in conclusion...," "in summary...," or "in closing...." These phrases can be useful, even welcome, in oral presentations. But readers can see by the tell-tale section heading and number of pages remaining to read, when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your readers if you belabor the obvious.

Another Writing Tip

New Insight, Not New Information!

Don't surprise the reader with new information in your Conclusion that was never referenced anywhere else in the paper. If you have new information to present, add it to the Discussion or other appropriate section of the paper.  Note that, although no actual new information is introduced, the conclusion is where you offer your most "original" contributions in the paper; it's where you describe the value of your research, demonstrate your understanding of the material that you’ve presented, and locate your findings within the larger context of scholarship on the topic.

• << Previous: Limitations of the Study
• Next: Appendices >>
• Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023 11:58 AM
• URL: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803
• QuickSearch
• Library Catalog
• Databases A-Z
• Publication Finder
• Course Reserves
• Citation Linker
• Digital Commons
• Our Website

Research Support

• Ask a Librarian
• Appointments
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
• Research Guides
• Databases by Subject
• Citation Help

Using the Library

• Reserve a Group Study Room
• Renew Books
• Honors Study Rooms
• Off-Campus Access
• Library Policies
• Library Technology

User Information

• Grad Students
• Online Students
• COVID-19 Updates
• Staff Directory
• News & Announcements
• Library Newsletter

My Accounts

• Interlibrary Loan
• Staff Site Login

FIND US ON  

How to write a strong conclusion for your research paper

Last updated

17 February 2024

Reviewed by

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Writing a research paper is a chance to share your knowledge and hypothesis. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your many hours of research and prove your ability to write convincingly.

Ideally, by the end of your research paper, you'll have brought your readers on a journey to reach the conclusions you've pre-determined. However, if you don't stick the landing with a good conclusion, you'll risk losing your reader’s trust.

Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper involves a few important steps, including restating the thesis and summing up everything properly.

Find out what to include and what to avoid, so you can effectively demonstrate your understanding of the topic and prove your expertise.

• Why is a good conclusion important?

A good conclusion can cement your paper in the reader’s mind. Making a strong impression in your introduction can draw your readers in, but it's the conclusion that will inspire them.

• What to include in a research paper conclusion

There are a few specifics you should include in your research paper conclusion. Offer your readers some sense of urgency or consequence by pointing out why they should care about the topic you have covered. Discuss any common problems associated with your topic and provide suggestions as to how these problems can be solved or addressed.

The conclusion should include a restatement of your initial thesis. Thesis statements are strengthened after you’ve presented supporting evidence (as you will have done in the paper), so make a point to reintroduce it at the end.

Finally, recap the main points of your research paper, highlighting the key takeaways you want readers to remember. If you've made multiple points throughout the paper, refer to the ones with the strongest supporting evidence.

• Steps for writing a research paper conclusion

Many writers find the conclusion the most challenging part of any research project . By following these three steps, you'll be prepared to write a conclusion that is effective and concise.

• Step 1: Restate the problem

Always begin by restating the research problem in the conclusion of a research paper. This serves to remind the reader of your hypothesis and refresh them on the main point of the paper. 

When restating the problem, take care to avoid using exactly the same words you employed earlier in the paper.

• Step 2: Sum up the paper

After you've restated the problem, sum up the paper by revealing your overall findings. The method for this differs slightly, depending on whether you're crafting an argumentative paper or an empirical paper.

Argumentative paper: Restate your thesis and arguments

Argumentative papers involve introducing a thesis statement early on. In crafting the conclusion for an argumentative paper, always restate the thesis, outlining the way you've developed it throughout the entire paper.

It might be appropriate to mention any counterarguments in the conclusion, so you can demonstrate how your thesis is correct or how the data best supports your main points.

Empirical paper: Summarize research findings

Empirical papers break down a series of research questions. In your conclusion, discuss the findings your research revealed, including any information that surprised you.

Be clear about the conclusions you reached, and explain whether or not you expected to arrive at these particular ones.

• Step 3: Discuss the implications of your research

Argumentative papers and empirical papers also differ in this part of a research paper conclusion. Here are some tips on crafting conclusions for argumentative and empirical papers.

Argumentative paper: Powerful closing statement

In an argumentative paper, you'll have spent a great deal of time expressing the opinions you formed after doing a significant amount of research. Make a strong closing statement in your argumentative paper's conclusion to share the significance of your work.

You can outline the next steps through a bold call to action, or restate how powerful your ideas turned out to be.

Empirical paper: Directions for future research

Empirical papers are broader in scope. They usually cover a variety of aspects and can include several points of view.

To write a good conclusion for an empirical paper, suggest the type of research that could be done in the future, including methods for further investigation or outlining ways other researchers might proceed.

If you feel your research had any limitations, even if they were outside your control, you could mention these in your conclusion.

After you finish outlining your conclusion, ask someone to read it and offer feedback. In any research project you're especially close to, it can be hard to identify problem areas. Having a close friend or someone whose opinion you value read the research paper and provide honest feedback can be invaluable. Take note of any suggested edits and consider incorporating them into your paper if they make sense.

• Things to avoid in a research paper conclusion

Keep these aspects to avoid in mind as you're writing your conclusion and refer to them after you've created an outline.

Dry summary

Writing a memorable, succinct conclusion is arguably more important than a strong introduction. Take care to avoid just rephrasing your main points, and don't fall into the trap of repeating dry facts or citations.

You can provide a new perspective for your readers to think about or contextualize your research. Either way, make the conclusion vibrant and interesting, rather than a rote recitation of your research paper’s highlights.

Clichéd or generic phrasing

Your research paper conclusion should feel fresh and inspiring. Avoid generic phrases like "to sum up" or "in conclusion." These phrases tend to be overused, especially in an academic context and might turn your readers off.

The conclusion also isn't the time to introduce colloquial phrases or informal language. Retain a professional, confident tone consistent throughout your paper’s conclusion so it feels exciting and bold.

New data or evidence

While you should present strong data throughout your paper, the conclusion isn't the place to introduce new evidence. This is because readers are engaged in actively learning as they read through the body of your paper.

By the time they reach the conclusion, they will have formed an opinion one way or the other (hopefully in your favor!). Introducing new evidence in the conclusion will only serve to surprise or frustrate your reader.

Ignoring contradictory evidence

If your research reveals contradictory evidence, don't ignore it in the conclusion. This will damage your credibility as an expert and might even serve to highlight the contradictions.

Be as transparent as possible and admit to any shortcomings in your research, but don't dwell on them for too long.

Ambiguous or unclear resolutions

The point of a research paper conclusion is to provide closure and bring all your ideas together. You should wrap up any arguments you introduced in the paper and tie up any loose ends, while demonstrating why your research and data are strong.

Use direct language in your conclusion and avoid ambiguity. Even if some of the data and sources you cite are inconclusive or contradictory, note this in your conclusion to come across as confident and trustworthy.

• Examples of research paper conclusions

Your research paper should provide a compelling close to the paper as a whole, highlighting your research and hard work. While the conclusion should represent your unique style, these examples offer a starting point:

Ultimately, the data we examined all point to the same conclusion: Encouraging a good work-life balance improves employee productivity and benefits the company overall. The research suggests that when employees feel their personal lives are valued and respected by their employers, they are more likely to be productive when at work. In addition, company turnover tends to be reduced when employees have a balance between their personal and professional lives. While additional research is required to establish ways companies can support employees in creating a stronger work-life balance, it's clear the need is there.

Social media is a primary method of communication among young people. As we've seen in the data presented, most young people in high school use a variety of social media applications at least every hour, including Instagram and Facebook. While social media is an avenue for connection with peers, research increasingly suggests that social media use correlates with body image issues. Young girls with lower self-esteem tend to use social media more often than those who don't log onto social media apps every day. As new applications continue to gain popularity, and as more high school students are given smartphones, more research will be required to measure the effects of prolonged social media use.

What are the different kinds of research paper conclusions?

There are no formal types of research paper conclusions. Ultimately, the conclusion depends on the outline of your paper and the type of research you’re presenting. While some experts note that research papers can end with a new perspective or commentary, most papers should conclude with a combination of both. The most important aspect of a good research paper conclusion is that it accurately represents the body of the paper.

Can I present new arguments in my research paper conclusion?

Research paper conclusions are not the place to introduce new data or arguments. The body of your paper is where you should share research and insights, where the reader is actively absorbing the content. By the time a reader reaches the conclusion of the research paper, they should have formed their opinion. Introducing new arguments in the conclusion can take a reader by surprise, and not in a positive way. It might also serve to frustrate readers.

How long should a research paper conclusion be?

There's no set length for a research paper conclusion. However, it's a good idea not to run on too long, since conclusions are supposed to be succinct. A good rule of thumb is to keep your conclusion around 5 to 10 percent of the paper's total length. If your paper is 10 pages, try to keep your conclusion under one page.

What should I include in a research paper conclusion?

A good research paper conclusion should always include a sense of urgency, so the reader can see how and why the topic should matter to them. You can also note some recommended actions to help fix the problem and some obstacles they might encounter. A conclusion should also remind the reader of the thesis statement, along with the main points you covered in the paper. At the end of the conclusion, add a powerful closing statement that helps cement the paper in the mind of the reader.

Should you be using a customer insights hub?

Do you want to discover previous research faster?

Do you share your research findings with others?

Do you analyze research data?

Start for free today, add your research, and get to key insights faster

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 18 April 2023

Last updated: 27 February 2023

Last updated: 22 August 2024

Last updated: 5 February 2023

Last updated: 16 August 2024

Last updated: 9 March 2023

Last updated: 30 April 2024

Last updated: 12 December 2023

Last updated: 11 March 2024

Last updated: 4 July 2024

Last updated: 6 March 2024

Last updated: 5 March 2024

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Latest articles

Related topics, .css-je19u9{-webkit-align-items:flex-end;-webkit-box-align:flex-end;-ms-flex-align:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;row-gap:0;text-align:center;max-width:671px;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}}@media (max-width: 799px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}} decide what to .css-1kiodld{max-height:56px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-1kiodld{display:none;}} build next, decide what to build next, log in or sign up.

Get started for free

In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

• What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
• What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
• Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
• What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
• What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

• a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
• a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
• an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
• fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
• picture_as_pdf Conclusions

Welcome to the new OASIS website! We have academic skills, library skills, math and statistics support, and writing resources all together in one new home.

• Walden University
• Faculty Portal

Writing a Paper: Conclusions

Writing a conclusion.

A conclusion is an important part of the paper; it provides closure for the reader while reminding the reader of the contents and importance of the paper. It accomplishes this by stepping back from the specifics in order to view the bigger picture of the document. In other words, it is reminding the reader of the main argument. For most course papers, it is usually one paragraph that simply and succinctly restates the main ideas and arguments, pulling everything together to help clarify the thesis of the paper. A conclusion does not introduce new ideas; instead, it should clarify the intent and importance of the paper. It can also suggest possible future research on the topic.

An Easy Checklist for Writing a Conclusion

It is important to remind the reader of the thesis of the paper so he is reminded of the argument and solutions you proposed.

Think of the main points as puzzle pieces, and the conclusion is where they all fit together to create a bigger picture. The reader should walk away with the bigger picture in mind.

Make sure that the paper places its findings in the context of real social change.

Make sure the reader has a distinct sense that the paper has come to an end. It is important to not leave the reader hanging. (You don’t want her to have flip-the-page syndrome, where the reader turns the page, expecting the paper to continue. The paper should naturally come to an end.)

No new ideas should be introduced in the conclusion. It is simply a review of the material that is already present in the paper. The only new idea would be the suggesting of a direction for future research.

Conclusion Example

As addressed in my analysis of recent research, the advantages of a later starting time for high school students significantly outweigh the disadvantages. A later starting time would allow teens more time to sleep--something that is important for their physical and mental health--and ultimately improve their academic performance and behavior. The added transportation costs that result from this change can be absorbed through energy savings. The beneficial effects on the students’ academic performance and behavior validate this decision, but its effect on student motivation is still unknown. I would encourage an in-depth look at the reactions of students to such a change. This sort of study would help determine the actual effects of a later start time on the time management and sleep habits of students.

Related Webinar

Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

• Previous Page: Thesis Statements
• Next Page: Writer's Block
• Office of Student Disability Services

Walden Resources

Departments.

• Academic Residencies
• Academic Skills
• Career Planning and Development
• Customer Care Team
• Field Experience
• Military Services
• Student Success Advising
• Writing Skills

Centers and Offices

• Center for Social Change
• Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
• Office of Degree Acceleration
• Office of Research and Doctoral Services
• Office of Student Affairs

Student Resources

• Doctoral Writing Assessment
• Form & Style Review
• Quick Answers
• ScholarWorks
• SKIL Courses and Workshops
• Walden Bookstore
• Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
• Student Safety/Title IX
• Legal & Consumer Information
• Website Terms and Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility
• Accreditation
• State Authorization
• Net Price Calculator
• Cost of Attendance
• Contact Walden

Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV © 2024 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.

Transcription Service for Your Academic Paper

Start Transcription now

Editing & Proofreading for Your Research Paper

Get it proofread now

Online Printing & Binding with Free Express Delivery

Configure binding now

• Academic essay overview
• The writing process
• Structuring academic essays
• Types of academic essays
• Academic writing overview
• Sentence structure
• Academic writing process
• Improving your academic writing
• Titles and headings
• APA style overview
• APA citation & referencing
• APA structure & sections
• Citation & referencing
• Structure and sections
• APA examples overview
• Commonly used citations
• Other examples
• British English vs. American English
• Chicago style overview
• Chicago citation & referencing
• Chicago structure & sections
• Chicago style examples
• Citing sources overview
• Citation format
• Citation examples
• College essay overview
• Application
• How to write a college essay
• Types of college essays
• Commonly confused words
• Definitions
• Dissertation overview
• Dissertation structure & sections
• Dissertation writing process
• Graduate school overview
• Application & admission
• Study abroad
• Master degree
• Harvard referencing overview
• Language rules overview
• Grammatical rules & structures
• Parts of speech
• Punctuation
• Methodology overview
• Analyzing data
• Experiments
• Observations
• Inductive vs. Deductive
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative
• Types of validity
• Types of reliability
• Sampling methods
• Theories & Concepts
• Types of research studies
• Types of variables
• MLA style overview
• MLA examples
• MLA citation & referencing
• MLA structure & sections
• Plagiarism overview
• Plagiarism checker
• Types of plagiarism
• Printing production overview
• Research bias overview
• Types of research bias
• Example sections
• Types of research papers
• Research process overview
• Problem statement
• Research proposal
• Research topic
• Statistics overview
• Levels of measurment
• Frequency distribution
• Measures of central tendency
• Measures of variability
• Hypothesis testing
• Parameters & test statistics
• Types of distributions
• Correlation
• Effect size
• Hypothesis testing assumptions
• Types of ANOVAs
• Types of chi-square
• Statistical data
• Statistical models
• Spelling mistakes
• Tips overview
• Academic writing tips
• Dissertation tips
• Sources tips
• Working with sources overview
• Evaluating sources
• Finding sources
• Including sources
• Types of sources

Your Step to Success

Transcription Service for Your Paper

Printing & Binding with 3D Live Preview

Research Paper Conclusion – A Comprehensive Guide

How do you like this article cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Composing the conclusions for research papers plays a significant intellectual demand in academic writing. The final paragraphs of a paper ought to encompass the essence of the study, avoiding the appearance of redundancy. An effectively constructed conclusion has the capacity to enhance and strengthen the overall integrity of your research paper . This article delves into the importance of research paper conclusions, the methodology for crafting one, and provides a comprehensive guide.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Research Paper Conclusion — In a Nutshell
• 2 Definition: Research paper conclusion
• 3 Research paper conclusion – Step 1
• 4 Research paper conclusion – Step 2
• 5 Research paper conclusion – Step 3
• 6 Research paper conclusion examples

Research Paper Conclusion — In a Nutshell

• Keep your thesis , essential ideas, and facts brief in a research paper conclusion.
• Avoid starting with “in conclusion” or “in summary” as they are redundant.
• If you’re overwhelmed, stick to a basic summary format.

Definition: Research paper conclusion

A research paper conclusion wraps up your ideas and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

Research paper conclusion goals are to:

• Summarize the paper’s research problem .
• Recap your arguments or findings.
• Provide significant takeaways from your paper.

The research paper conclusion depends on whether your work delivers empirical research results or builds an argument from sources .

The steps below illustrate how to write a reasonable research paper conclusion.

Printing Your Thesis With BachelorPrint

• High-quality bindings with customizable embossing
• 3D live preview to check your work before ordering
• Free express delivery

Configure your binding now!

to the print shop

Research paper conclusion – Step 1

Summarizing the research question :

Reiterating your research problem is the first order of business for your research paper conclusion. You will have already spent a lot of time discussing this issue in the body, so now you can step back and look at the overall perspective.

You shouldn’t restate a problem precisely as it was introduced. Find a unique technique to loop back to the problem from the body’s details.

✓ Phrases to use

An argumentation paper suggesting new steps to lessen agriculture’s environmental impact might say:

✓ Although the significance of cattle in climate change is well-known, countries like the Netherlands fail to address it with urgency.

An empirical paper on Instagram and body image might state the situation this way:

✓ As social media becomes a more significant part of young people’s daily life, it is vital to comprehend the influence on their evolving sense of self.

✗ Phrases to avoid

Avoid beginning your conclusion with terms such as “In conclusion” or “To conclude,” as these are too obvious and can make your writing appear unsophisticated. Your conclusion’s content and placement should make its role evident without needing extra signposting.

✗ In conclusion,…

✗ To conclude…

✗ In summary,…

Research paper conclusion – Step 2

Summarizing the content:

After refocusing on the problem, outline how the study addressed it and what conclusions it reached.

This may entail restating your thesis and reasoning or summarizing overall findings, depending on the type of your research work.

Argumentative paper

An argumentative paper’s thesis statement is delivered in the paper’s introduction and expresses the paper’s central assertion. Restating the thesis and demonstrating its development throughout the article is essential to every research paper conclusion.

Summarize the body’s primary arguments and how they prove your thesis. If your argument is controversial, you may present counterarguments and explain why your thesis holds up.

Don’t discuss your proof or propose fresh ideas; outline your argument.

Empirical paper

This is the section of an empirical paper where you should summarize your significant findings. Don’t go into detail (you’ve already delivered your detailed results and discussion), but clearly state your research questions.

Describe your key findings, even if they were not what you expected or desired, and explain how they led to your conclusion.

Research paper conclusion – Step 3

The implications:

After summarizing major arguments or facts, the conclusion considers broader ramifications. This includes conveying the practical or theoretical implications from your study as a call to action or future research proposals.

Argumentative papers typically conclude with a powerful thesis statement. In the event of a practical argument, make a call to action :

“What steps do you believe the individuals or organizations involved should take in response to your argument?”

Suppose your issue is more theoretical and inappropriate for a call to action. In that case, the research paper conclusion should convey the argument’s relevance by proposing a new understanding of the topic or setting the basis for future research.

In the research paper conclusion of an empirical article, you can either make recommendations for practice (such as in clinical or policy papers) or make suggestions for further research.

Regardless of the extent of your research, there is always a potential for additional exploration into related topics, and you will frequently uncover new questions and issues during the research process.

Conclude your work on an optimistic note by proposing how you or other researchers could expand on this issue in the future and address any shortcomings of the current paper.

Research paper conclusion examples

The tabs below exhibit argumentative and empirical research paper conclusions.

What should I include in a research paper conclusion?

A research paper conclusion should include these elements:

• Problem restatement
• An overview of your main points
• A brief overview of study implications

Can I present new arguments in a research paper conclusion?

No, the research paper conclusion isn’t the place for new arguments or proof. You may be tempted to keep a strong argument for last, but research papers have a more formal framework.

All your facts and justifications should be in the body of the paper. The research paper conclusion should recap and reflect on previous evidence and arguments, not propose new ones.

How long should a research paper conclusion be?

An excellent research paper conclusion needs at least one paragraph. A lengthy document will likely need multiple paragraphs to conclude adequately.

They did such an excellent job printing my dissertation! I got it fast and...

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.

• External Media

Individual Privacy Preferences

Cookie Details Privacy Policy Imprint

Here you will find an overview of all cookies used. You can give your consent to whole categories or display further information and select certain cookies.

Accept all Save

Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.

Show Cookie Information Hide Cookie Information

Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website.

Content from video platforms and social media platforms is blocked by default. If External Media cookies are accepted, access to those contents no longer requires manual consent.

Privacy Policy Imprint

Topic Guide - Developing Your Research Study

• Purpose of Guide
• Flaws to Avoid
• Independent and Dependent Variables
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Reading Research Effectively
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• APA 7th Edition
• Executive Summary
• The C.A.R.S. Model
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tiertiary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study

Importance of a Good Conclusion

Structure and writing style, writing tip, another writing tip.

• 10. Proofreading Your Paper
• Writing Concisely
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Annotated Bibliography
• Types of Structured Group Activities
• Group Project Survival Skills
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Study
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Bibliography

The conclusion is intended to help the reader understand why your research should matter to them after they have finished reading the paper. A conclusion is not merely a summary of the main topics covered or a re-statement of your research problem, but a synthesis of key points and, if applicable, where you recommend new areas for future research. For most college-level research papers, one or two well-developed paragraphs is sufficient for a conclusion, although in some cases, three or more paragraphs may be required.

Conclusions . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

A well-written conclusion provides you with important opportunities to demonstrate to the reader your understanding of the research problem. These include:

• Presenting the last word on the issues you raised in your paper . Just as the introduction gives a first impression to your reader, the conclusion offers a chance to leave a lasting impression. Do this, for example, by highlighting key findings in your analysis or result section or by noting important or unexpected implications applied to practice.
• Summarizing your thoughts and conveying the larger significance of your study . The conclusion is an opportunity to succinctly answer [or in some cases, to re-emphasize]  the "So What?" question by placing the study within the context of how your research advances past research about the topic.
• Identifying how a gap in the literature has been addressed . The conclusion can be where you describe how a previously identified gap in the literature [described in your literature review section] has been filled by your research.
• Demonstrating the importance of your ideas . Don't be shy. The conclusion offers you the opportunity to elaborate on the impact and significance of your findings.
• Introducing possible new or expanded ways of thinking about the research problem . This does not refer to introducing new information [which should be avoided], but to offer new insight and creative approaches for framing or contextualizing the research problem based on the results of your study.

Bunton, David. “The Structure of PhD Conclusion Chapters.” Journal of English for Academic Purposes 4 (July 2005): 207–224; Conclusions . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion . San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Conclusions . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

I.  General Rules

The function of your paper's conclusion is to restate the main argument . It reminds the reader of the strengths of your main argument(s) and reiterates the most important evidence supporting those argument(s). Do this by stating clearly the context, background, and necessity of pursuing the research problem you investigated in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found in the literature. Make sure, however, that your conclusion is not simply a repetitive summary of the findings. This reduces the impact of the argument(s) you have developed in your essay.

When writing the conclusion to your paper, follow these general rules:

• State your conclusions in clear, simple language. Re-state the purpose of your study then state how your findings differ or support those of other studies and why [i.e., what were the unique or new contributions your study made to the overall research about your topic?].
• Do not simply reiterate your results or the discussion of your results. Provide a synthesis of arguments presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem and the overall objectives of your study
• Indicate opportunities for future research if you haven't already done so in the discussion section of your paper. Highlighting the need for further research provides the reader with evidence that you have an in-depth awareness of the research problem.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is presented well:

• If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize the argument for your reader.
• If, prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the end of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
• Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from the data.

The conclusion also provides a place for you to persuasively and succinctly restate your research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with all the information about the topic . Depending on the discipline you are writing in, the concluding paragraph may contain your reflections on the evidence presented, or on the essay's central research problem. However, the nature of being introspective about the research you have done will depend on the topic and whether your professor wants you to express your observations in this way.

NOTE : If asked to think introspectively about the topics, do not delve into idle speculation. Being introspective means looking within yourself as an author to try and understand an issue more deeply, not to guess at possible outcomes or make up scenarios not supported by evidence.

II.  Developing a Compelling Conclusion

Although an effective conclusion needs to be clear and succinct, it does not need to be written passively or lack a compelling narrative. Strategies to help you move beyond merely summarizing the key points of your research paper may include any of the following strategies:

• If your essay deals with a contemporary problem, warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem.
• Recommend a specific course or courses of action that, if adopted, could address a specific problem in practice or in the development of new knowledge.
• Cite a relevant quotation or expert opinion already noted in your paper in order to lend authority to the conclusion you have reached [a good place to look is research from your literature review].
• Explain the consequences of your research in a way that elicits action or demonstrates urgency in seeking change.
• Restate a key statistic, fact, or visual image to emphasize the ultimate point of your paper.
• If your discipline encourages personal reflection, illustrate your concluding point with a relevant narrative drawn from your own life experiences.
• Return to an anecdote, an example, or a quotation that you presented in your introduction, but add further insight derived from the findings of your study; use your interpretation of results to recast it in new or important ways.
• Provide a "take-home" message in the form of a strong, succinct statement that you want the reader to remember about your study.

III. Problems to Avoid

Failure to be concise Your conclusion section should be concise and to the point. Conclusions that are too lengthy often have unnecessary information in them. The conclusion is not the place for details about your methodology or results. Although you should give a summary of what was learned from your research, this summary should be relatively brief, since the emphasis in the conclusion is on the implications, evaluations, insights, and other forms of analysis that you make. Strategies for writing concisely can be found here .

Failure to comment on larger, more significant issues In the introduction, your task was to move from the general [the field of study] to the specific [the research problem]. However, in the conclusion, your task is to move from a specific discussion [your research problem] back to a general discussion [i.e., how your research contributes new understanding or fills an important gap in the literature]. In short, the conclusion is where you should place your research within a larger context [visualize your paper as an hourglass--start with a broad introduction and review of the literature, move to the specific analysis and discussion, conclude with a broad summary of the study's implications and significance].

Failure to reveal problems and negative results Negative aspects of the research process should never be ignored. Problems, drawbacks, and challenges encountered during your study should be summarized as a way of qualifying your overall conclusions. If you encountered negative or unintended results [i.e., findings that are validated outside the research context in which they were generated], you must report them in the results section and discuss their implications in the discussion section of your paper. In the conclusion, use your summary of the negative results as an opportunity to explain their possible significance and/or how they may form the basis for future research.

Failure to provide a clear summary of what was learned In order to be able to discuss how your research fits back into your field of study [and possibly the world at large], you need to summarize briefly and succinctly how it contributes to new knowledge or a new understanding about the research problem. This element of your conclusion may be only a few sentences long.

Failure to match the objectives of your research Often research objectives in the social sciences change while the research is being carried out. This is not a problem unless you forget to go back and refine the original objectives in your introduction. As these changes emerge they must be documented so that they accurately reflect what you were trying to accomplish in your research [not what you thought you might accomplish when you began].

Resist the urge to apologize If you've immersed yourself in studying the research problem, you presumably should know a good deal about it [perhaps even more than your professor!]. Nevertheless, by the time you have finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you have produced. Repress those doubts! Don't undermine your authority by saying something like, "This is just one approach to examining this problem; there may be other, much better approaches that...." The overall tone of your conclusion should convey confidence to the reader.

Assan, Joseph. Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing . Department of Geography, University of Liverpool; Concluding Paragraphs . College Writing Center at Meramec. St. Louis Community College; Conclusions . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Freedman, Leora  and Jerry Plotnick. Introductions and Conclusions . The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Leibensperger, Summer. Draft Your Conclusion . Academic Center, the University of Houston-Victoria, 2003; Make Your Last Words Count . The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Tips for Writing a Good Conclusion . Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion . San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Writing Conclusions . Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Writing: Considering Structure and Organization . Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College.

Don't Belabor the Obvious!

Avoid phrases like "in conclusion...," "in summary...," or "in closing...." These phrases can be useful, even welcome, in oral presentations. But readers can see by the tell-tale section heading and number of pages remaining to read, when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your readers if you belabor the obvious.

New Insight, Not New Information!

Don't surprise the reader with new information in your conclusion that was never referenced anywhere else in the paper. If you have new information to present, add it to the discussion or other appropriate section of the paper. Note that, although no actual new information is introduced, the conclusion, along with the discussion section, is where you offer your most "original" contributions in the paper; the conclusion is where you describe the value of your research, demonstrate that you understand the material that you’ve presented, and locate your findings within the larger context of scholarship on the topic, including describing how your research contributes new insights or value to that scholarship.

Assan, Joseph. Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing . Department of Geography, University of Liverpool; Conclusions . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina.

• << Previous: Limitations of the Study
• Next: Appendices >>
• Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022 8:49 AM
• URL: https://leeuniversity.libguides.com/research_study_guide

Reference management. Clean and simple.

How to write an excellent thesis conclusion [with examples]

Restate the thesis

Review or reiterate key points of your work, explain why your work is relevant, a take-away for the reader, more resources on writing thesis conclusions, frequently asked questions about writing an excellent thesis conclusion, related articles.

At this point in your writing, you have most likely finished your introduction and the body of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper . While this is a reason to celebrate, you should not underestimate the importance of your conclusion. The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable.

A good conclusion will review the key points of the thesis and explain to the reader why the information is relevant, applicable, or related to the world as a whole. Make sure to dedicate enough of your writing time to the conclusion and do not put it off until the very last minute.

This article provides an effective technique for writing a conclusion adapted from Erika Eby’s The College Student's Guide to Writing a Good Research Paper: 101 Easy Tips & Tricks to Make Your Work Stand Out .

While the thesis introduction starts out with broad statements about the topic, and then narrows it down to the thesis statement , a thesis conclusion does the same in the opposite order.

• Restate the thesis.
• Review or reiterate key points of your work.
• Explain why your work is relevant.
• Include a core take-away message for the reader.

Tip: Don’t just copy and paste your thesis into your conclusion. Restate it in different words.

The best way to start a conclusion is simply by restating the thesis statement. That does not mean just copying and pasting it from the introduction, but putting it into different words.

You will need to change the structure and wording of it to avoid sounding repetitive. Also, be firm in your conclusion just as you were in the introduction. Try to avoid sounding apologetic by using phrases like "This paper has tried to show..."

The conclusion should address all the same parts as the thesis while making it clear that the reader has reached the end. You are telling the reader that your research is finished and what your findings are.

I have argued throughout this work that the point of critical mass for biopolitical immunity occurred during the Romantic period because of that era's unique combination of post-revolutionary politics and innovations in smallpox prevention. In particular, I demonstrated that the French Revolution and the discovery of vaccination in the 1790s triggered a reconsideration of the relationship between bodies and the state.

Tip: Try to reiterate points from your introduction in your thesis conclusion.

The next step is to review the main points of the thesis as a whole. Look back at the body of of your project and make a note of the key ideas. You can reword these ideas the same way you reworded your thesis statement and then incorporate that into the conclusion.

You can also repeat striking quotations or statistics, but do not use more than two. As the conclusion represents your own closing thoughts on the topic , it should mainly consist of your own words.

In addition, conclusions can contain recommendations to the reader or relevant questions that further the thesis. You should ask yourself:

• What you would ideally like to see your readers do in reaction to your paper?
• Do you want them to take a certain action or investigate further?
• Is there a bigger issue that your paper wants to draw attention to?

Also, try to reference your introduction in your conclusion. You have already taken a first step by restating your thesis. Now, check whether there are other key words, phrases or ideas that are mentioned in your introduction that fit into your conclusion. Connecting the introduction to the conclusion in this way will help readers feel satisfied.

I explored how Mary Wollstonecraft, in both her fiction and political writings, envisions an ideal medico-political state, and how other writers like William Wordsworth and Mary Shelley increasingly imagined the body politic literally, as an incorporated political collective made up of bodies whose immunity to political and medical ills was essential to a healthy state.

Tip: Make sure to explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research.

Although you can encourage readers to question their opinions and reflect on your topic, do not leave loose ends. You should provide a sense of resolution and make sure your conclusion wraps up your argument. Make sure you explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research and how your research intervenes within, or substantially revises, existing scholarly debates.

This project challenged conventional ideas about the relationship among Romanticism, medicine, and politics by reading the unfolding of Romantic literature and biopolitical immunity as mutual, co-productive processes. In doing so, this thesis revises the ways in which biopolitics has been theorized by insisting on the inherent connections between Romantic literature and the forms of biopower that characterize early modernity.

Tip: If you began your thesis with an anecdote or historical example, you may want to return to that in your conclusion.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as:

• a call to action
• a recommendation
• a gesture towards future research
• a brief explanation of how the problem or idea you covered remains relevant

Ultimately, you want readers to feel more informed, or ready to act, as they read your conclusion.

Yet, the Romantic period is only the beginning of modern thought on immunity and biopolitics. Victorian writers, doctors, and politicians upheld the Romantic idea that a "healthy state" was a literal condition that could be achieved by combining politics and medicine, but augmented that idea through legislation and widespread public health measures. While many nineteenth-century efforts to improve citizens' health were successful, the fight against disease ultimately changed course in the twentieth century as global immunological threats such as SARS occupied public consciousness. Indeed, as subsequent public health events make apparent, biopolitical immunity persists as a viable concept for thinking about the relationship between medicine and politics in modernity.

Need more advice? Read our 5 additional tips on how to write a good thesis conclusion.

The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable. To write a great thesis conclusion you should:

The basic content of a conclusion is to review the main points from the paper. This part represents your own closing thoughts on the topic. It should mainly consist of the outcome of the research in your own words.

The length of the conclusion will depend on the length of the whole thesis. Usually, a conclusion should be around 5-7% of the overall word count.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as a question, warning, or call to action. Depending on the topic, you can also end with a recommendation.

In Open Access: Theses and Dissertations you can find thousands of completed works. Take a look at any of the theses or dissertations for real-life examples of conclusions that were already approved.

The Conclusion: How to End a Scientific Report in Style

• First Online: 26 April 2023

Cite this chapter

• Siew Mei Wu 3 ,
• Kooi Cheng Lee 3 &
• Eric Chun Yong Chan 4  

1023 Accesses

Sometimes students have the mistaken belief that the conclusion of a scientific report is just a perfunctory ending that repeats what was presented in the main sections of the report. However, impactful conclusions fulfill a rhetorical function. Besides giving a closing summary, the conclusion reflects the significance of what has been uncovered and how this is connected to a broader issue. At the very least, the conclusion of a scientific report should leave the reader with a new perspective of the research area and something to think about.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save.

• Get 10 units per month
• Download Article/Chapter or eBook
• 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
• Cancel anytime
• Available as PDF
• Read on any device
• Instant download
• Own it forever
• Available as EPUB and PDF
• Durable hardcover edition
• Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
• Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Writing and publishing a scientific paper

Too good to be true?

Conclusions

Goh, Z.-H., Tee, J. K., &amp; Ho, H. K. (2020). An Evaluation of the in vitro roles and mechanisms of silibinin in reducing pyrazinamide and isoniazid-induced hepatocellular damage. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21 , 3714–3734. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21103714

Article   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Swales, J. M., &amp; Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic writing for graduate students (3rd ed.). University of Michigan Press.

Book   Google Scholar  

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Centre for English Language Communication, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Siew Mei Wu & Kooi Cheng Lee

Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Eric Chun Yong Chan

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Siew Mei Wu .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

School of Chemical and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Susan Rowland

School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Louise Kuchel

Appendix 1: Tutorial Notes for Conclusion Activity

1.1 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the tutorial, you should be able to:

Identify and demonstrate understanding of the roles of Conclusion section of research reports

Analyze the rhetorical moves of Conclusion and apply them effectively in research reports

1.2 Introduction

The Conclusion of a paper is a closing summary of what the report is about. The key role of a Conclusion is to provide a reflection on what has been uncovered during the course of the study and to reflect on the significance of what has been learned (Craswell &amp; Poore, 2012). It should show the readers why all the analysis and information matters.

Besides having a final say on the issues in the report, a Conclusion allows the writer to do the following:

Demonstrate the importance of ideas presented through a synthesis of thoughts

Consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of the findings

Propel the reader to a new view of the subject

Make a good final impression

End the paper on a positive note

(University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2019)

In other words, a Conclusion gives the readers something to take away that will help them see things differently or appreciate the topic in new ways. It can suggest broader implications that will not only interest the readers, but also enrich their knowledge (Craswell &amp; Poore, 2012), and leave them with something interesting to think about (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2019).

1.3 About the Conclusion Section

In most universities, undergraduate students, especially those in the last year of their programs, are required to document their research work in the form of a research report. The process of taking what you have done in the lab or from systematic review, and writing it for your academic colleagues is a highly structured activity that stretches and challenges the mind. Overall, a research paper should appeal to the academic community for whom you are writing and should cause the reader to want to know more about your research.

As an undergraduate student in your discipline, you have the advantage of being engaged in a niche area of research. As such, your research is current and will most likely be of interest to scholars in your community.

A typical research paper has the following main sections: introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. The other front and back matters of a research paper are the title, abstract, acknowledgments, and reference list. This structure is commonly adopted and accepted in the scientific fields. The research report starts with a general idea. The report then leads the reader to a discussion on a specific research area. It then ends with applicability to a bigger area. The last section, Conclusion, is the focus of this lesson.

The rhetorical moves of a Conclusion reflect its roles (see Fig. 54.1 ). It starts by reminding the reader of what is presented in the Introduction. For example, if a problem is described in the Introduction, that same problem can be revisited in the Conclusion to provide evidence that the report is helpful in creating a new understanding of the problem. The writer can also refer to the Introduction by using keywords or parallel concepts that were presented there.

Rhetorical moves of Conclusion (the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center,2019)

Next is a synthesis and not a summary of the outcomes of the study. Ideas should not simply be repeated as they were in the earlier parts of the report. The writer must show how the points made, and the support and examples that were given, fit together.

In terms of limitations, if it is not already mentioned in the Discussion section, the writer should acknowledge the weaknesses and shortcomings in the design and/or conduct of the study.

Finally, in connecting to the wider context, the writer should propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or pose questions for further study. This can redirect readers’ thoughts and help them apply the information and ideas in the study to their own research context or to see the broader implications of the study.

1.4 Linguistic Features of the Conclusion Section

In terms of linguistic features, the use of tense in the Conclusion section is primarily present where the writer’s voice, position, and interpretation are prominent. This is followed by the use of the future tense in sharing what is ahead and some use of past when referring to the study that was done. As summarized by Swales and Feak (2012), Table 54.1 presents the frequency of use of the present tense and past tense in a research report.

1.5 Writing the Conclusion Section

Often, writing a Conclusion is not as easy as it first seems. Using the Question and Answer approach, below is a description of what is usually included in the Conclusion section.

How long should the Conclusion be?

One or two paragraphs comprising 1 sentence summarizing what the paper was about

Two to three sentences summarizing and synthesizing the key findings related to the thesis or objectives of the study

One sentence on limitations (if not in Discussion)

One to two sentences highlighting the significance and implications

One sentence on potential directions for further research

Should the objective be referred to in a Conclusion?

An effective Conclusion reiterates the issue or problem the hypothesis or objective(s) set out to solve. It is important to remind the readers what the hypothesis or objective(s) of the report are and to what extent they are addressed

How far should the Conclusion reflect the Introduction?

Referring to points made in the Introduction in the conclusion ties the paper together and provides readers with a sense of closure.

How much summarizing should there be in a Conclusion?

The conclusion can loosely follow the organization of your paper to parallel, but the focus should be on the paper’s analysis rather than on the organization.

Should newly found information be added to a Conclusion?

Well-written conclusions do not bring in new information or analysis; instead, they sum up what is already contained in the paper.

(Bahamani et al., 2017; Markowsky, 2010)

1.6 Task: Analysing a Conclusion Section

Consider Examples 1 to 4. How do the writers communicate the following information?

Restatement of objective(s)

Refection of outcome(s)

Acknowledgment of limitations, if any

Connection to wider context

“According to this study, the use of educational models, such as a Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) that most people are associated with the process of decision-making in higher education will be beneficial. Moreover, in the preparation, development and implementation of training programs, factors like increased perceived susceptibility, and perceived benefits should be dealt with and some facilities should be provided to facilitate or resolve the barriers of doing the Pap smear test as much as possible.”

(Bahamani et al., 2016)

“Community pharmacists perceived the NMS service as being of benefit to patients by providing advice and reassurance. Implementation of NMS was variable and pharmacists’ perceptions of its feasibility and operationalisation were mixed. Some found the logistics of arranging and conducting the necessary follow-ups challenging, as were service targets. Patient awareness and understanding of NMS was reported to be low and there was a perceived need for publicity about the service. NMS appeared to have strengthened existing good relationships between pharmacists and GPs. Some pharmacists’ concerns about possible overlap of NMS with GP and nurse input may have impacted on their motivation. Overall, our findings indicate that NMS provides an opportunity for patient benefit (patient interaction and medicines management) and the development of contemporary pharmacy practice.”

(Lucas &amp; Blenkinsopp, 2015)

“In this review, we discussed several strategies for the engineering of RiPP pathways to produce artificial pep-tides bearing non-proteinogenic structures characteristic of peptidic natural products. In the RiPP pathways, the structures of the final products are defined by the primary sequences of the precursor genes. Moreover, only a small number of modifying enzymes are involved, and the enzymes function modularly. These features have greatly facilitated both in vivo and in vitro engineering of the pathways, leading to a wide variety of artificial derivatives of naturally occurring RiPPs. In principle, the engineering strategies introduced here can be interchangeably applied for other classes of RiPP enzymes/pathways. Post-biosynthetic chemical modification of RiPPs would be an alternative approach to further increase the structural variation of the products [48–50]. Given that new classes of RiPP enzymes have been frequently reported, and that genetic information of putative RiPP enzymes continues to arise, the array of molecules feasible by RiPP engineering will be further expanded. Some of the artificial RiPP derivatives exhibited elevated bioactivities or different selectivities as compared with their wild type RiPPs. Although these precedents have demonstrated the pharmaceutical relevance of RiPP ana-logs, the next important step in RiPP engineering is the development of novel RiPP derivatives with artificial bioactivities. In more recent reports [51 __,52 __,53 __], the integration of combinatorial lanthipeptide biosynthesis with in vitro selection or bacterial reverse two-hybrid screening methods have successfully obtained artificial ligands specific to certain target proteins. Such approaches, including other strategies under investigation in laboratories in this field, for constructing and screening vast RiPP libraries would lead to the creation of artificial bioactive peptides with non-proteinogenic structures in the near feature.”

(Goto &amp; Suga, 2018)

“Our study is the first to assess and characterise silibinin’s various roles as an adjuvant in protecting against PZA- and INH-induced hepatotoxicity. Most promisingly, we demonstrated silibinin’s safety and efficacy as a rescue adjuvant in vitro , both of which are fundamental considerations in the use of any drug. We also identified silibinin’s potential utility as a rescue hepatoprotectant, shed important mechanistic insights on its hepatoprotective effect, and identified novel antioxidant targets in ameliorating ATT-induced hepatotoxicity. The proof-of-concept demonstrated in this project forms the ethical and scientific foundation to justify and inform subsequent in vivo preclinical studies and clinical trials. Given the lack of alternative treatments in tuberculosis, the need to preserve our remaining antibiotics is paramount. The high stakes involved necessitate future efforts to support our preliminary work in making silibinin clinically relevant to patients and healthcare professionals alike.”

(Goh, 2018)

1.7 In Summary

To recap, in drafting the Conclusion section, you should keep in mind that final remarks can leave the readers with a long-lasting impression of the report especially on the key point(s) that the writer intends to convey. Therefore, you should be careful in crafting this last section of your report.

1.8 References

Bahamani, A. et al. (2017). The Effect of Training Based on Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) on Rural Females’ Participation in Pap smear. BJPR, 16 , 6. Retrieved from http://www.journalrepository.org/media/journals/BJPR_14/2017/May/Bahmani1662017BJPR32965.pdf

Craswell G., &amp; Poore, M. (2012). Writing for Academic Success, 2nd. London: Sage.

Goh, Z-H. (2018). An Evaluation of the Roles and Mechanisms of Silibinin in Reducing Pyrazinamide- and Isoniazid-Induced Hepatotoxicity . Unpublished Final Year Project. National University of Singapore: Department of Pharmacy.

Goto, Y., &amp; Suga, H. (2018). Engineering of RiPP pathways for the production of artificial peptides bearing various non-proteinogenic structures. Current Opinion in Chemical Biology , 46 , 82–90.

Lucas, B., &amp; Blenkinsopp, A. (2015). Community pharmacists’ experience and perceptions of the New Medicines Serves (NMS). IJPP , 23 , 6. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijpp.12180/full

Markowski (2010). WPPD Evaluation form for capstone paper . Retrieved from https://cop-main.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu/files/2010/12/Capstone-Paper-Checklist-and-Reviewer-Evaluation-Form.pdf

Swales, J.M., &amp; Feak, C.B. (2012). Academic writing for graduate students , 3 rd ed. Michigan: University of Michigan Press.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The Writing Center. (2019). Conclusions . Retrieved from https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/

Appendix 2: Quiz for Conclusion Activity

Instructions

There are 6 questions in this quiz. Choose the most appropriate answer among the options provided.

What does the Conclusion section of a scientific report do?

It provides a recap of report, with reference to the objective(s).

It gives a closure to what has been discussed in relation to the topic.

It shares future direction(s) and in doing so connects to a wider context.

It propels the reader to have an enhanced understanding of the topic.

i, ii, and iii

i, ii and iv

ii, iii and iv

i, ii, iii and iv

The first rhetorical move of the Conclusion section is restatement of objective(s). It …

reminds the reader the objective(s) of the report.

restates reason(s) of each objective of the report.

revisits issue(s) presented requiring investigation.

reiterates the importance of the research project.

The second rhetorical move of the Conclusion section is reflection of outcome(s). It …

summarizes all the findings of the research project.

synthesizes outcomes of the research project.

is a repeat of important ideas mentioned in the report.

shows how key points, evidence, and support fit together.

In connecting to a wider context, the authors …

remind the reader of the importance of the topic.

propose a course of action for the reader.

pose a question to the reader for further research.

direct the reader to certain direction(s).

Following is the Conclusion section of a published article.

“In summary, we have assessed and characterised silibinin’s various roles as an adjuvant in protecting against PZA- and INH-induced hepatotoxicity. Our in vitro experiments suggest that silibinin may be safe and efficacious as a rescue adjuvant, both fundamental considerations in the use of any drug. Further optimisation of our in vitro model may also enhance silibinin’s hepatoprotective effect in rescue, prophylaxis, and recovery. Using this model, we have gleaned important mechanistic insights into its hepatoprotective effect and identified novel antioxidant targets in ameliorating HRZE-induced hepatotoxicity. Future directions will involve exploring the two main mechanisms by which silibinin may ameliorate hepatotoxicity; the proof-of-concept demonstrated in this project will inform subsequent in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. Given the lack of alternative treatments in tuberculosis, the need to preserve our remaining antibiotics is paramount. These high stakes necessitate future efforts to support our preliminary work, making silibinin more clinically relevant to patients and healthcare professionals alike.” (Goh et al., 2020)

This excerpt of the Conclusion section…

restates objectives of the research.

synthesizes outcomes of the research.

acknowledges limitations of the research

connects the reader to a wider context.

i, ii and iii

What can one observe about the use of tenses in the Conclusion section? The frequency of use of present and future tenses …

demonstrates the importance results being synthesized.

is ungrammatical as the past tense should be used to state the outcomes.

propels the reader to think of future research.

suggests an encouraging tone to end the report.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Wu, S.M., Lee, K.C., Chan, E.C.Y. (2023). The Conclusion: How to End a Scientific Report in Style. In: Rowland, S., Kuchel, L. (eds) Teaching Science Students to Communicate: A Practical Guide. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91628-2_54

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91628-2_54

Published : 26 April 2023

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-030-91627-5

Online ISBN : 978-3-030-91628-2

eBook Packages : Biomedical and Life Sciences Biomedical and Life Sciences (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

When you're wrapping up a research paper, the conclusion is like the grand finale of a fireworks show – it's your chance to leave a lasting impression. In this article, we'll break down the steps to help you write a winning research paper conclusion that not only recaps your main points but also ties everything together. Consider it the "So what?" moment – why should people care about your research? Our professional essay writers will guide you through making your conclusion strong, clear, and something that sticks with your readers long after they've put down your paper. So, let's dive in and ensure your research ends on a high note!

What Is a Conclusion in a Research Paper

In a research paper, the conclusion serves as the final segment, where you summarize the main points and findings of your study. It's not just a repetition of what you've already said but rather a chance to tie everything together and highlight the significance of your research. As you learn how to start a research paper , a good conclusion also often discusses the implications of your findings, suggests potential areas for further research, and leaves the reader with a lasting impression of the importance and relevance of your work in the broader context of the field. Essentially, it's your last opportunity to make a strong impact and leave your readers with a clear understanding of the significance of your research. Here’s a research paper conclusion example:

In conclusion, this research paper has navigated the intricacies of sustainable urban development, shedding light on the pivotal role of community engagement and innovative planning strategies. Through applying qualitative and quantitative research methods, we've uncovered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in fostering environmentally friendly urban spaces. The implications of these findings extend beyond the confines of this study, emphasizing the imperative for continued exploration in the realms of urban planning and environmental sustainability. By emphasizing both the practical applications and theoretical contributions, this research underscores the significance of community involvement and forward-thinking strategies in shaping the future of urban landscapes. As cities evolve, incorporating these insights into planning and development practices will create resilient and harmonious urban environments.

Conclusion Outline for Research Paper

This outline for a research paper conclusion provides a structured framework to ensure that your ending effectively summarizes the key elements of your research paper and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Adjust the content based on the specific requirements and focus of your research.

Restate the Thesis Statement

• Briefly restate the main thesis or research question.
• Emphasize the core objective or purpose of the study.

Summarize Key Findings

• Recap the main points and key findings from each section of the paper.
• Provide a concise overview of the research journey.

Discuss Implications

• Explore the broader implications of the research findings.
• Discuss how the results contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field.

Address Limitations

• Acknowledge any limitations or constraints encountered during the research process.
• Explain how these limitations may impact the interpretation of the findings.

Suggest Areas for Future Research

• Propose potential directions for future studies related to the topic.
• Identify gaps in the current research that warrant further exploration.

Reaffirm Significance

• Reaffirm the importance and relevance of the research in the broader context.
• Highlight the practical applications or real-world implications of the study.

Concluding Statement

• Craft a strong, memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.
• Sum up the overall impact of the research and its potential contribution to the field.

Study the full guide on how to make a research paper outline here, which will also specify the conclusion writing specifics to improve your general prowess.

Tips on How to Make a Conclusion in Research

Here are key considerations regarding a conclusion for research paper to not only recap the primary ideas in your work but also delve deeper to earn a higher grade:

• Provide a concise recap of your main research outcomes.
• Remind readers of your research goals and their accomplishments.
• Stick to summarizing existing content; refrain from adding new details.
• Emphasize why your research matters and its broader implications.
• Clearly explain the practical or theoretical impact of your findings.
• Prompt readers to reflect on how your research influences their perspective.
• Briefly discuss the robustness of your research methods.
• End with a suggestion for future research or a practical application.
• Transparently address any constraints or biases in your study.
• End on a powerful note, leaving a memorable impression on your readers.

For your inspiration, we’ve also prepared this research proposal example APA , which dwells on another important aspect of research writing.

How to Write a Research Paper Conclusion

As you finish your research paper, the conclusion takes center stage. In this section, we've got five practical tips for writing a conclusion for a research paper. We'll guide you through summarizing your key findings, revisiting your research goals, discussing the bigger picture, addressing any limitations, and ending on a powerful note. Think of it as your roadmap to creating a conclusion that not only wraps up your research but also leaves a lasting impact on your readers. Let's dive in and make sure your conclusion stands out for all the right reasons!

Synthesize Core Discoveries. Initiate your conclusion by synthesizing the essential discoveries of your research. Offer a succinct recapitulation of the primary points and outcomes you have elucidated in your paper. This aids in reinforcing the gravity of your work and reiterates the pivotal information you have presented.

Revisit Research Objectives. Revisit the research objectives or questions you outlined at the beginning of your paper. Assess whether you have successfully addressed these objectives and if your findings align with the initial goals of your research. This reflection helps tie your conclusion back to the purpose of your study.

Discuss Implications and Contributions. Discuss the broader implications of your research and its potential contributions to the field. Consider how your findings might impact future research, applications, or understanding of the subject matter. This demonstrates the significance of your work and places it within a larger context.

Address Limitations and Future Research. Acknowledge any limitations in your study, such as constraints in data collection or potential biases. Briefly discuss how these limitations might have affected your results. Additionally, suggest areas for future research that could build upon your work, addressing any unanswered questions or unexplored aspects. This demonstrates a thoughtful approach to your research.

End with a Strong Conclusion Statement. Conclude your research paper with a strong and memorable statement that reinforces the key message you want readers to take away. This could be a call to action, a proposal for further investigation, or a reflection on the broader significance of your findings. Leave your readers with a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of your research. Remember that you can buy a research paper anytime if you lack time or get stuck in writer’s block.

Want to Enjoy the Benefits of Academic Freedom?

With our top-notch writers and 24/7 support, you can relax and focus on what really matters

Stylistic Devices to Use in a Conclusion

Discover distinctive stylistic insights that you can apply when writing a conclusion for a research paper:

• Rhetorical Questions. When using rhetorical questions, strategically place them to engage readers' minds. For instance, you might pose a question that prompts reflection on the broader implications of your findings, leaving your audience with something to ponder.
• Powerful Language. Incorporate strong language to convey a sense of conviction and importance. Choose words that resonate with the overall tone of your research and amplify the significance of your conclusions. This adds weight to your key messages.
• Repetitions. Repetitions can be employed to reinforce essential ideas. Reiterate key phrases or concepts in a way that emphasizes their importance without sounding redundant. This technique serves to drive home your main points.
• Anecdotes. Integrating anecdotes into your conclusion can provide a human touch. Share a brief and relevant story that connects with your research, making the information more relatable and memorable for your audience.
• Vivid Imagery. Lastly, use vivid imagery to paint a picture in the minds of your readers. Appeal to their senses by describing scenarios or outcomes related to your research. This creates a more immersive and lasting impression.

If you have a larger paper to write, for example a thesis, use our custom dissertation writing can help you in no time.

How to Make a Conclusion Logically Appealing

Knowing how to write a conclusion for a research paper that is logically appealing is important for leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Logical Sequencing

• Present your conclusion in a structured manner, following the natural flow of your paper. Readers should effortlessly follow your thought process, making your conclusion more accessible and persuasive.

Reinforce Main Arguments

• Emphasize the core arguments and findings from your research. By reinforcing key points, you solidify your stance and provide a logical culmination to your paper.

Address Counterarguments

• Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments or limitations in your research. Demonstrate intellectual honesty and strengthen your conclusion by preemptively addressing potential doubts.

Connect with Introduction

• Revisit themes or concepts introduced in your introduction to create a cohesive narrative, allowing readers to trace the logical progression of your research from start to finish.

Propose Actionable Insights

• Suggest practical applications or recommendations based on your findings. This will add a forward-looking dimension, making your conclusion more relevant and compelling.

Highlight Significance

• Clearly articulate the broader implications of your research to convey the importance of your work and its potential impact on the field, making your conclusion logically compelling.

Are you ready to produce an A-grade assignment? If not, opt for a custom research paper from our skilled writers across various disciplines.

Avoid These Things When Writing a Research Paper Conclusion

As you write your conclusion of research paper, there’s a list of things professional writers don’t recommend doing. Consider these issues carefully:

• Repetition of Exact Phrases
• Repetitively using the same phrases or sentences from the main body. Repetition can make your conclusion seem redundant and less engaging.
• Overly Lengthy Summaries
• Providing excessively detailed summaries of each section of your paper. Readers may lose interest if the conclusion becomes too long and detailed.
• Unclear Connection to the Introduction
• Failing to connect the conclusion back to the introduction. A lack of continuity may make the paper feel disjointed.
• Adding New Arguments or Ideas
• Introducing new arguments or ideas that were not addressed in the body. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the coherence of your paper.
• Overuse of Complex Jargon
• Using excessively complex or technical language without clarification. Clear communication is essential in the conclusion, ensuring broad understanding.
• Apologizing or Undermining Confidence
• Apologizing for limitations or expressing doubt about your work. Maintain a confident tone; if limitations exist, present them objectively without undermining your research.
• Sweeping Generalizations
• Making overly broad or unsupported generalizations. Such statements can weaken the credibility of your conclusion.
• Neglecting the Significance
• Failing to emphasize the broader significance of your research. Readers need to understand why your findings matter in a larger context.
• Abrupt Endings
• Concluding abruptly without a strong closing statement. A powerful ending leaves a lasting impression; avoid a sudden or weak conclusion.

Research Paper Conclusion Example

That covers the essential aspects of summarizing a research paper. The only remaining step is to review the conclusion examples for research paper provided by our team.

Like our examples? Order our research proposal writing service to write paper according to your instructions to avoid plagiarizing and to keep your academic integrity strong.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the knowledge of how to write the conclusion of a research paper is pivotal for presenting your findings and leaving a lasting impression on your readers. By summarizing the key points, reiterating the significance of your research, and offering avenues for future exploration, you can create a conclusion that not only reinforces the value of your study but also encourages further academic discourse. Remember to balance brevity and completeness, ensuring your conclusion is concise yet comprehensive. Emphasizing the practical implications of your research and connecting it to the broader academic landscape will help solidify the impact of your work. Pay someone to write a research paper if you are having a hard time finishing your coursework on time.

Tired of Stressing Over Endless Essays and Deadlines? 

Let us take the load off your shoulders! Order your custom research paper today and experience the relief of knowing that your assignment is in expert hands

How To Write A Conclusion For A Research Paper?

What should the conclusion of a research paper contain, how to start a conclusion paragraph for a research paper.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• U.S. Locations
• UMGC Europe
• Learn Online
• Find Answers
• 855-655-8682
• Current Students

Online Guide to Writing and Research

The research process, explore more of umgc.

• Online Guide to Writing

Planning and Writing a Research Paper

Draw Conclusions

As a writer, you are presenting your viewpoint, opinions, evidence, etc. for others to review, so you must take on this task with maturity, courage and thoughtfulness.  Remember, you are adding to the discourse community with every research paper that you write.  This is a privilege and an opportunity to share your point of view with the world at large in an academic setting.

Because research generates further research, the conclusions you draw from your research are important. As a researcher, you depend on the integrity of the research that precedes your own efforts, and researchers depend on each other to draw valid conclusions. 

To test the validity of your conclusions, you will have to review both the content of your paper and the way in which you arrived at the content. You may ask yourself questions, such as the ones presented below, to detect any weak areas in your paper, so you can then make those areas stronger.  Notice that some of the questions relate to your process, others to your sources, and others to how you arrived at your conclusions.

Checklist for Evaluating Your Conclusions

Key Takeaways

• Because research generates further research, the conclusions you draw from your research are important.
• To test the validity of your conclusions, you will have to review both the content of your paper and the way in which you arrived at the content.

Mailing Address: 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783 This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License . © 2022 UMGC. All links to external sites were verified at the time of publication. UMGC is not responsible for the validity or integrity of information located at external sites.

Table of Contents: Online Guide to Writing

Chapter 1: College Writing

How Does College Writing Differ from Workplace Writing?

What Is College Writing?

Why So Much Emphasis on Writing?

Chapter 2: The Writing Process

Doing Exploratory Research

Getting from Notes to Your Draft

Introduction

Prewriting - Techniques to Get Started - Mining Your Intuition

Prewriting: Targeting Your Audience

Prewriting: Techniques to Get Started

Prewriting: Understanding Your Assignment

Rewriting: Being Your Own Critic

Rewriting: Creating a Revision Strategy

Rewriting: Getting Feedback

Rewriting: The Final Draft

Techniques to Get Started - Outlining

Techniques to Get Started - Using Systematic Techniques

Thesis Statement and Controlling Idea

Writing: Getting from Notes to Your Draft - Freewriting

Writing: Getting from Notes to Your Draft - Summarizing Your Ideas

Writing: Outlining What You Will Write

Chapter 3: Thinking Strategies

A Word About Style, Voice, and Tone

A Word About Style, Voice, and Tone: Style Through Vocabulary and Diction

Critical Strategies and Writing

Critical Strategies and Writing: Analysis

Critical Strategies and Writing: Evaluation

Critical Strategies and Writing: Persuasion

Critical Strategies and Writing: Synthesis

Developing a Paper Using Strategies

Kinds of Assignments You Will Write

Patterns for Presenting Information

Patterns for Presenting Information: Critiques

Patterns for Presenting Information: Discussing Raw Data

Patterns for Presenting Information: General-to-Specific Pattern

Patterns for Presenting Information: Problem-Cause-Solution Pattern

Patterns for Presenting Information: Specific-to-General Pattern

Patterns for Presenting Information: Summaries and Abstracts

Supporting with Research and Examples

Writing Essay Examinations

Writing Essay Examinations: Make Your Answer Relevant and Complete

Writing Essay Examinations: Organize Thinking Before Writing

Writing Essay Examinations: Read and Understand the Question

Chapter 4: The Research Process

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Ask a Research Question

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Cite Sources

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Collect Evidence

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Decide Your Point of View, or Role, for Your Research

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Draw Conclusions

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Find a Topic and Get an Overview

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Manage Your Resources

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Outline

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Survey the Literature

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Work Your Sources into Your Research Writing

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Human Resources

Research Resources: What Are Research Resources?

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found?

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Electronic Resources

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Print Resources

Structuring the Research Paper: Formal Research Structure

Structuring the Research Paper: Informal Research Structure

The Nature of Research

The Research Assignment: How Should Research Sources Be Evaluated?

The Research Assignment: When Is Research Needed?

The Research Assignment: Why Perform Research?

Chapter 5: Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

Giving Credit to Sources

Giving Credit to Sources: Copyright Laws

Giving Credit to Sources: Documentation

Giving Credit to Sources: Style Guides

Integrating Sources

Practicing Academic Integrity

Practicing Academic Integrity: Keeping Accurate Records

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Paraphrasing Your Source

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Quoting Your Source

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Summarizing Your Sources

Types of Documentation

Types of Documentation: Bibliographies and Source Lists

Types of Documentation: Citing World Wide Web Sources

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - APA Style

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - CSE/CBE Style

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - Chicago Style

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - MLA Style

Types of Documentation: Note Citations

Chapter 6: Using Library Resources

Finding Library Resources

Chapter 7: Assessing Your Writing

How Is Writing Graded?

How Is Writing Graded?: A General Assessment Tool

The Draft Stage

The Draft Stage: The First Draft

The Draft Stage: The Revision Process and the Final Draft

The Draft Stage: Using Feedback

The Research Stage

Using Assessment to Improve Your Writing

Chapter 8: Other Frequently Assigned Papers

Reviews and Reaction Papers: Article and Book Reviews

Reviews and Reaction Papers: Reaction Papers

Writing Arguments

Writing Arguments: Adapting the Argument Structure

Writing Arguments: Purposes of Argument

Writing Arguments: References to Consult for Writing Arguments

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Anticipate Active Opposition

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Determine Your Organization

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Develop Your Argument

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Introduce Your Argument

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - State Your Thesis or Proposition

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Write Your Conclusion

Writing Arguments: Types of Argument

Appendix A: Books to Help Improve Your Writing

Dictionaries

General Style Manuals

Researching on the Internet

Special Style Manuals

Writing Handbooks

Appendix B: Collaborative Writing and Peer Reviewing

Collaborative Writing: Assignments to Accompany the Group Project

Collaborative Writing: Informal Progress Report

Collaborative Writing: Issues to Resolve

Collaborative Writing: Methodology

Collaborative Writing: Peer Evaluation

Collaborative Writing: Tasks of Collaborative Writing Group Members

Collaborative Writing: Writing Plan

General Introduction

Peer Reviewing

Appendix C: Developing an Improvement Plan

Working with Your Instructor’s Comments and Grades

Appendix D: Writing Plan and Project Schedule

Devising a Writing Project Plan and Schedule

Reviewing Your Plan with Others

By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about how we use cookies by reading our  Privacy Policy .

• Privacy Policy

Home » Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Paper

Definition:

Research Paper is a written document that presents the author’s original research, analysis, and interpretation of a specific topic or issue.

It is typically based on Empirical Evidence, and may involve qualitative or quantitative research methods, or a combination of both. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new knowledge or insights to a particular field of study, and to demonstrate the author’s understanding of the existing literature and theories related to the topic.

Structure of Research Paper

The structure of a research paper typically follows a standard format, consisting of several sections that convey specific information about the research study. The following is a detailed explanation of the structure of a research paper:

The title page contains the title of the paper, the name(s) of the author(s), and the affiliation(s) of the author(s). It also includes the date of submission and possibly, the name of the journal or conference where the paper is to be published.

The abstract is a brief summary of the research paper, typically ranging from 100 to 250 words. It should include the research question, the methods used, the key findings, and the implications of the results. The abstract should be written in a concise and clear manner to allow readers to quickly grasp the essence of the research.

Introduction

The introduction section of a research paper provides background information about the research problem, the research question, and the research objectives. It also outlines the significance of the research, the research gap that it aims to fill, and the approach taken to address the research question. Finally, the introduction section ends with a clear statement of the research hypothesis or research question.

Literature Review

The literature review section of a research paper provides an overview of the existing literature on the topic of study. It includes a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature, highlighting the key concepts, themes, and debates. The literature review should also demonstrate the research gap and how the current study seeks to address it.

The methods section of a research paper describes the research design, the sample selection, the data collection and analysis procedures, and the statistical methods used to analyze the data. This section should provide sufficient detail for other researchers to replicate the study.

The results section presents the findings of the research, using tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate the data. The findings should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with reference to the research question and hypothesis.

The discussion section of a research paper interprets the findings and discusses their implications for the research question, the literature review, and the field of study. It should also address the limitations of the study and suggest future research directions.

The conclusion section summarizes the main findings of the study, restates the research question and hypothesis, and provides a final reflection on the significance of the research.

The references section provides a list of all the sources cited in the paper, following a specific citation style such as APA, MLA or Chicago.

How to Write Research Paper

You can write Research Paper by the following guide:

• Choose a Topic: The first step is to select a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. Brainstorm ideas and narrow down to a research question that is specific and researchable.
• Conduct a Literature Review: The literature review helps you identify the gap in the existing research and provides a basis for your research question. It also helps you to develop a theoretical framework and research hypothesis.
• Develop a Thesis Statement : The thesis statement is the main argument of your research paper. It should be clear, concise and specific to your research question.
• Plan your Research: Develop a research plan that outlines the methods, data sources, and data analysis procedures. This will help you to collect and analyze data effectively.
• Collect and Analyze Data: Collect data using various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. Analyze data using statistical tools or other qualitative methods.
• Organize your Paper : Organize your paper into sections such as Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Ensure that each section is coherent and follows a logical flow.
• Write your Paper : Start by writing the introduction, followed by the literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and follows the required formatting and citation styles.
• Edit and Proofread your Paper: Review your paper for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that it is well-structured and easy to read. Ask someone else to review your paper to get feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Cite your Sources: Ensure that you properly cite all sources used in your research paper. This is essential for giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism.

Research Paper Example

Note : The below example research paper is for illustrative purposes only and is not an actual research paper. Actual research papers may have different structures, contents, and formats depending on the field of study, research question, data collection and analysis methods, and other factors. Students should always consult with their professors or supervisors for specific guidelines and expectations for their research papers.

Research Paper Example sample for Students:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health among Young Adults

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults. A literature review was conducted to examine the existing research on the topic. A survey was then administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Introduction: Social media has become an integral part of modern life, particularly among young adults. While social media has many benefits, including increased communication and social connectivity, it has also been associated with negative outcomes, such as addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health problems. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults.

Literature Review: The literature review highlights the existing research on the impact of social media use on mental health. The review shows that social media use is associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health problems. The review also identifies the factors that contribute to the negative impact of social media, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Methods : A survey was administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The survey included questions on social media use, mental health status (measured using the DASS-21), and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Results : The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Discussion : The study’s findings suggest that social media use has a negative impact on the mental health of young adults. The study highlights the need for interventions that address the factors contributing to the negative impact of social media, such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Conclusion : In conclusion, social media use has a significant impact on the mental health of young adults. The study’s findings underscore the need for interventions that promote healthy social media use and address the negative outcomes associated with social media use. Future research can explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health. Additionally, longitudinal studies can investigate the long-term effects of social media use on mental health.

Limitations : The study has some limitations, including the use of self-report measures and a cross-sectional design. The use of self-report measures may result in biased responses, and a cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality.

Implications: The study’s findings have implications for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers. Mental health professionals can use the findings to develop interventions that address the negative impact of social media use on mental health. Educators can incorporate social media literacy into their curriculum to promote healthy social media use among young adults. Policymakers can use the findings to develop policies that protect young adults from the negative outcomes associated with social media use.

References :

• Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2019). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive medicine reports, 15, 100918.
• Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Escobar-Viera, C. G., Barrett, E. L., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., … & James, A. E. (2017). Use of multiple social media platforms and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A nationally-representative study among US young adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 69, 1-9.
• Van der Meer, T. G., & Verhoeven, J. W. (2017). Social media and its impact on academic performance of students. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 16, 383-398.

Appendix : The survey used in this study is provided below.

Social Media and Mental Health Survey

• How often do you use social media per day?
• Less than 30 minutes
• 30 minutes to 1 hour
• 1 to 2 hours
• 2 to 4 hours
• More than 4 hours
• Which social media platforms do you use?
• Others (Please specify)
• How often do you experience the following on social media?
• Social comparison (comparing yourself to others)
• Cyberbullying
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
• Have you ever experienced any of the following mental health problems in the past month?
• Do you think social media use has a positive or negative impact on your mental health?
• Very positive
• Somewhat positive
• Somewhat negative
• Very negative
• In your opinion, which factors contribute to the negative impact of social media on mental health?
• Social comparison
• In your opinion, what interventions could be effective in reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health?
• Education on healthy social media use
• Counseling for mental health problems caused by social media
• Social media detox programs
• Regulation of social media use

Thank you for your participation!

Applications of Research Paper

Research papers have several applications in various fields, including:

• Advancing knowledge: Research papers contribute to the advancement of knowledge by generating new insights, theories, and findings that can inform future research and practice. They help to answer important questions, clarify existing knowledge, and identify areas that require further investigation.
• Informing policy: Research papers can inform policy decisions by providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers. They can help to identify gaps in current policies, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and inform the development of new policies and regulations.
• Improving practice: Research papers can improve practice by providing evidence-based guidance for professionals in various fields, including medicine, education, business, and psychology. They can inform the development of best practices, guidelines, and standards of care that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
• Educating students : Research papers are often used as teaching tools in universities and colleges to educate students about research methods, data analysis, and academic writing. They help students to develop critical thinking skills, research skills, and communication skills that are essential for success in many careers.
• Fostering collaboration: Research papers can foster collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by providing a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas. They can facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships that can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems.

When to Write Research Paper

Research papers are typically written when a person has completed a research project or when they have conducted a study and have obtained data or findings that they want to share with the academic or professional community. Research papers are usually written in academic settings, such as universities, but they can also be written in professional settings, such as research organizations, government agencies, or private companies.

Here are some common situations where a person might need to write a research paper:

• For academic purposes: Students in universities and colleges are often required to write research papers as part of their coursework, particularly in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Writing research papers helps students to develop research skills, critical thinking skills, and academic writing skills.
• For publication: Researchers often write research papers to publish their findings in academic journals or to present their work at academic conferences. Publishing research papers is an important way to disseminate research findings to the academic community and to establish oneself as an expert in a particular field.
• To inform policy or practice : Researchers may write research papers to inform policy decisions or to improve practice in various fields. Research findings can be used to inform the development of policies, guidelines, and best practices that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
• To share new insights or ideas: Researchers may write research papers to share new insights or ideas with the academic or professional community. They may present new theories, propose new research methods, or challenge existing paradigms in their field.

Purpose of Research Paper

The purpose of a research paper is to present the results of a study or investigation in a clear, concise, and structured manner. Research papers are written to communicate new knowledge, ideas, or findings to a specific audience, such as researchers, scholars, practitioners, or policymakers. The primary purposes of a research paper are:

• To contribute to the body of knowledge : Research papers aim to add new knowledge or insights to a particular field or discipline. They do this by reporting the results of empirical studies, reviewing and synthesizing existing literature, proposing new theories, or providing new perspectives on a topic.
• To inform or persuade: Research papers are written to inform or persuade the reader about a particular issue, topic, or phenomenon. They present evidence and arguments to support their claims and seek to persuade the reader of the validity of their findings or recommendations.
• To advance the field: Research papers seek to advance the field or discipline by identifying gaps in knowledge, proposing new research questions or approaches, or challenging existing assumptions or paradigms. They aim to contribute to ongoing debates and discussions within a field and to stimulate further research and inquiry.
• To demonstrate research skills: Research papers demonstrate the author’s research skills, including their ability to design and conduct a study, collect and analyze data, and interpret and communicate findings. They also demonstrate the author’s ability to critically evaluate existing literature, synthesize information from multiple sources, and write in a clear and structured manner.

Characteristics of Research Paper

Research papers have several characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of academic or professional writing. Here are some common characteristics of research papers:

• Evidence-based: Research papers are based on empirical evidence, which is collected through rigorous research methods such as experiments, surveys, observations, or interviews. They rely on objective data and facts to support their claims and conclusions.
• Structured and organized: Research papers have a clear and logical structure, with sections such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. They are organized in a way that helps the reader to follow the argument and understand the findings.
• Formal and objective: Research papers are written in a formal and objective tone, with an emphasis on clarity, precision, and accuracy. They avoid subjective language or personal opinions and instead rely on objective data and analysis to support their arguments.
• Citations and references: Research papers include citations and references to acknowledge the sources of information and ideas used in the paper. They use a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Peer-reviewed: Research papers are often peer-reviewed, which means they are evaluated by other experts in the field before they are published. Peer-review ensures that the research is of high quality, meets ethical standards, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
• Objective and unbiased: Research papers strive to be objective and unbiased in their presentation of the findings. They avoid personal biases or preconceptions and instead rely on the data and analysis to draw conclusions.

Advantages of Research Paper

Research papers have many advantages, both for the individual researcher and for the broader academic and professional community. Here are some advantages of research papers:

• Contribution to knowledge: Research papers contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field or discipline. They add new information, insights, and perspectives to existing literature and help advance the understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
• Opportunity for intellectual growth: Research papers provide an opportunity for intellectual growth for the researcher. They require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which can help develop the researcher’s skills and knowledge.
• Career advancement: Research papers can help advance the researcher’s career by demonstrating their expertise and contributions to the field. They can also lead to new research opportunities, collaborations, and funding.
• Academic recognition: Research papers can lead to academic recognition in the form of awards, grants, or invitations to speak at conferences or events. They can also contribute to the researcher’s reputation and standing in the field.
• Impact on policy and practice: Research papers can have a significant impact on policy and practice. They can inform policy decisions, guide practice, and lead to changes in laws, regulations, or procedures.
• Advancement of society: Research papers can contribute to the advancement of society by addressing important issues, identifying solutions to problems, and promoting social justice and equality.

Limitations of Research Paper

Research papers also have some limitations that should be considered when interpreting their findings or implications. Here are some common limitations of research papers:

• Limited generalizability: Research findings may not be generalizable to other populations, settings, or contexts. Studies often use specific samples or conditions that may not reflect the broader population or real-world situations.
• Potential for bias : Research papers may be biased due to factors such as sample selection, measurement errors, or researcher biases. It is important to evaluate the quality of the research design and methods used to ensure that the findings are valid and reliable.
• Ethical concerns: Research papers may raise ethical concerns, such as the use of vulnerable populations or invasive procedures. Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain informed consent from participants to ensure that the research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.
• Limitations of methodology: Research papers may be limited by the methodology used to collect and analyze data. For example, certain research methods may not capture the complexity or nuance of a particular phenomenon, or may not be appropriate for certain research questions.
• Publication bias: Research papers may be subject to publication bias, where positive or significant findings are more likely to be published than negative or non-significant findings. This can skew the overall findings of a particular area of research.
• Time and resource constraints: Research papers may be limited by time and resource constraints, which can affect the quality and scope of the research. Researchers may not have access to certain data or resources, or may be unable to conduct long-term studies due to practical limitations.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

Research Project – Definition, Writing Guide and...

What is a Hypothesis – Types, Examples and...

Conceptual Framework – Types, Methodology and...

Limitations in Research – Types, Examples and...

Data Verification – Process, Types and Examples

Literature Review – Types Writing Guide and...

Frequently asked questions

What should i include in a research paper conclusion.

The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

Frequently asked questions: Writing a research paper

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Include a title page
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

• Open access
• Published: 27 August 2024

Virtual power plants: an in-depth analysis of their advancements and importance as crucial players in modern power systems

• Sobhy Abdelkader 1 , 2 ,
• Jeremiah Amissah 1 &
• Omar Abdel-Rahim 1 , 3  

Energy, Sustainability and Society volume  14 , Article number:  52 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

12 Accesses

Metrics details

Virtual power plants (VPPs) represent a pivotal evolution in power system management, offering dynamic solutions to the challenges of renewable energy integration, grid stability, and demand-side management. Originally conceived as a concept to aggregate small-scale distributed energy resources, VPPs have evolved into sophisticated enablers of diverse energy assets, including solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage systems, and demand response units. This review article explores the evolution of VPPs and their pivotal roles as major stakeholders within contemporary power systems. The review opens with a definition of VPPs that clarifies both their fundamental traits and technological foundations. A historical examination of their development highlights major turning points and milestones that illustrate their transforming journey.

The methodology used for this article entailed a thorough examination to identify relevant studies, articles, and scholarly works related to virtual power plants. Academic databases were used to gather relevant literature. The literature was organized into categories helping to structure and present information in a logical flow based on the outline created for the review article . The discussions in the article show that the various functions that VPPs perform in power systems are of major interest. VPPs promote the seamless integration of renewable energy sources and provide optimum grid management by aggregating distributed energy resources, which improves sustainability. One of the important components of this evaluation involves taking market and policy considerations. Examining worldwide market patterns and forecasts reveals that VPP usage is rising, and that regulatory frameworks and incentives have a bigger impact on how well they integrate.

Overcoming obstacles is a necessary step towards realizing full VPP potential. For VPPs to be widely adopted, it is still essential to address technological and operational challenges as they arise. Diverse stakeholders must work together to overcome market obstacles and promote the expansion of the VPP market. This analysis highlights the potential for VPPs to propel the evolution of contemporary power systems toward a more sustainable and effective future by highlighting areas for future research and development.

There is an urgent need for creative and sustainable alternatives as the world’s need for energy rises, while fossil fuel-based power generation methods are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental effects [ 1 ]. Centralized alternating current power networks have been widely installed and used worldwide since the 1880s. Evaluations from the 2023 statistical global energy review [ 2 ] revealed that about 82% of the world’s primary energy source comes from fossil fuels like coal oil, and natural gas but their utilization produces greenhouse gas emissions that harm the environment and cause climate warming which has triggered the current global climate crisis [ 3 ]. The contribution of the different sources to world energy consumption is shown in Fig.  1 .

Global energy sources data

On the other hand, energy demand has grown significantly as a result of global economic growth. The demand for electricity has increased steadily over the past decades, by an average of 15%, and is anticipated to increase by 30% by 2040 [ 4 ]. This calls for innovative ideas to support the demand while looking out for the environment. Therefore, distributed energy resources (DERs) must be considered to lessen the detrimental environmental impacts of fossil fuels [ 1 ]. DERs are decentralized energy systems that produce, consume and store energy and are preferably located close to where electricity is consumed. These resources include batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, etc. DERs have been integrated in the power system networks (PSN) and have reduced the effects of energy generation from fossil fuels, furnishing stakeholders with economic and technical benefits [ 5 ]. While DERs offer power systems opportunities, they also bring with them challenges because of their intermittent and stochastic nature. DERs are often described as stochastic and intermittent due to their inherent characteristics and the factors that influence their generation. This nature of DERs is caused by elements including weather changes, operational uncertainties like maintenance, and equipment performance, which can result in unanticipated variations in DER generated or connected output. Instability in the grid is brought on by the rising use of DERs on the demand side, which worsens load demand fluctuations. As a result, real-time monitoring and dispatching are essential for the grid’s safe operation [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Furthermore, the power system needs more adaptability, which can be provided by several mechanisms, such as demand-side management, and energy storage systems (ESS). The only way to properly use these sources to increase their grid contributions is through optimal coordination between different agents [ 10 ].

Over the years, various research has been conducted to address the above challenges and many solutions have been proposed. VPPs have emerged as a ground-breaking solution in an era of energy transition and growing emphasis on sustainable power generation, altering the landscape of contemporary power systems [ 11 ]. VPPs have evolved as key players in promoting efficiency, flexibility, and resilience in the energy industry thanks to their capacity to integrate a variety of energy supplies and improve grid management [ 12 , 13 ].

A VPP is an energy management system that aggregates and coordinates diverse array of DERs, including photovoltaics, wind turbines, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and demand response technologies. The primary function of a VPP is to optimize the collection of these DERs in response to grid conditions, energy demand, and market signal. Through advanced control algorithms and real-time monitoring capabilities, VPPs dynamically adjust energy dispatch schedules, balances supply and demand, and enhance grid stability and reliability.

It is important to note that the concept of VPPs shares some basic similarities with that of the smart grid. However, unlike the VPP which focuses on the aggregation and optimization of DERs, smart grid, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of functionalities aimed at modernizing the entire electricity supply chain. It can be said that the VPP augment the operation of the smart grid by providing ancillary support like supply and demand balancing to the smart grid.

The combination of these various resources enables the VPP to function as a cohesive and adaptable entity, to be able to react in real-time to grid signals and market conditions [ 14 , 15 ]. In the late 1990s, a pioneering shift in energy research and innovation emerged with the exploration of aggregating distributed resources into a unified virtual power entity, laying the groundwork for the conceptualization and development of VPPs [ 13 ]. Since then, VPPs have evolved from theoretical notions to real-world applications owing to technical developments, and breakthroughs in communication technology. The adoption of VPPs has been hastened by the spread of smart grid technologies and the rise of renewable energy resources (RERs), making them a crucial component of contemporary power systems [ 12 , 16 ].

It is impossible to overstate the importance of VPPs as significant participants in contemporary power systems. VPPs are essential for facilitating the seamless integration of intermittent renewable resources into power grids as they shift from fossil fuel-based generation to renewable-dominated systems [ 3 , 17 , 18 ]. In addition, VPPs can control electricity consumption patterns to correspond with variations in renewable generation. Demand-side management improves grid reliability and efficiency by lowering peak demand and reducing grid congestion [ 19 , 20 ]. VPPs also significantly contribute to the optimization of the energy market. VPPs are crucial actors in the developing electricity market because of their involvement in energy trading and the provision of ancillary services, which help to stabilize prices and maintain system resilience [ 11 , 21 ]. A typical architecture of a VPP is shown in Fig.  2 . With the aid of technology like cloud computing, a VPP aggregates various power consumers, ESS, and power generators to provide flexible adjustments. A communication protocol is used by the components of a VPP to transfer data to the VPP communication system. This communication protocol enables efficient coordination for the VPP to adjust energy production which allows supply to the grid with dependable cost-effective electricity via the electricity market [ 22 ]. The data acquisition platform aids in gathering information about the generation, consumption, and state of charge of the portfolio of DERs for optimal decision-making.

Architecture of a VPP

From the above discussion, it is clear that VPPs have become an important player in modern power systems, providing a dynamic and revolutionary method of managing energy. The idea of VPPs has recently received a lot of interest in energy systems. Studies have provided insightful information by highlighting their potential to transform the way we produce, distribute, and use power. It is critical to understand that this dynamic and developing discipline poses several notable issues, gaps, and areas that require added research.

In the review presented in [ 23 ], an overview of VPP operations, including the integration of DERs, controlled loads, and EVs for resource aggregation and cooperative optimization as well as market and grid operations, is the goal. The evaluation did however not discuss regulatory and policy issues that might affect how widely VPPs are used and implemented in the power market.

Also, the difficulties, solutions, and prospects related to the conceptual review of the conversion of a microgrid to a VPP have also been covered by [ 24 ]. The overview examines RERs integration, opportunities for VPPs in the field of smart distribution systems, and effective management mechanisms. The management mechanism, however, did not discuss the optimization of the DERs for optimal operation. Authors in [ 25 ] gave a thorough overview of the VPP concept and its potential advantages in integrating DERs to assist grid security and stability. Resource optimization, as a main part of the VPP operation, is not covered in this study. Also, Ref. [ 11 ] provided an overview of VPP models and how they interacted with various energy markets. Finding the most profitable VPP scheme to be implemented in each regulatory environment is the focus. DER integration challenges, which affect the operation of VPPs in the energy markets, are not considered in this study. In [ 26 ], the idea of VPPs to participate in various energy markets is proposed. The model evaluates the VPP's technical and commercial prospects. Engaging in various energy markets revolves around sharing of data between the VPP and operators of the markets. The issue of data privacy and cybersecurity was not included in this study. Authors in [ 27 ] provided a review with a focus on integrating DERs into the electricity grid. The assessment gave a summary of the development and use of VPP for carbon reduction in the Chinese power system. The study, however, did not cover technologies that can improve the management and operation of VPPs, notably in addressing the intermittent and volatile nature of DERs. In the domain of energy management, authors of [ 28 ] provided a summary of resource scheduling in VPPs and addressed questions on scheduling procedures. However, despite concentrating on both technical and economic elements of scheduling in VPPs, this analysis did not address potential influences like the state of the energy markets that could have an impact on the scheduling issue. The case of a multi-energy coupled VPP has been presented in [ 29 ]. The purpose of this study was to address the advantages of multi-energy linked VPPs engaging in various energy markets. The issue of enhanced communication technology, data privacy and cybersecurity are some of the challenges which were not featured in this study.

The idea and structure of VPPs are concisely described in [ 30 ] with regard to its two main goals—energy management and power markets. Solutions are suggested to alleviate the problems with DER uncertainties that were highlighted. In order to create future sustainable power grids, authors of [ 3 ] have presented a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge VPP technology. The study discusses recent technological advancements as well as the significant economic benefits of VPPs. However, this study did not cover the legislation that specifies how VPPs can access and participate in the energy markets. Below are some of the gaps found in existing literature:

Analysis of cybersecurity and data privacy as crucial elements in the VPP development.

Environmental and sustainability focus. The SDGs that VPPs could support, and how the support can be achieved.

Rigor analysis of legislation or regulations which will dictate the operation of the VPP.

Considering the above research gaps in literature, this review article advances the knowledge of energy systems by providing a thorough analysis of VPPs, their historical development, and their crucial roles as essential stakeholders in modern power systems. There will be focus on technical and market operations, real-world case studies, the identification of challenges and prospects, the emphasis on technical and market operations highlight the relevance and transformative potential of VPPs in creating sustainable and effective energy ecosystems. The contributions of this paper can be summarized as follows:

Comprehensive understanding of VPPs to provide readers with a concise definition, key traits, and core values of VPPs.

Tracing historical developments of VPPs from their theoretical roots to their current popularity.

Emphasis on VPPs as key stakeholders in modern power systems. This emphasis highlights the vital role that VPPs play in ensuring grid stability, fostering the integration of RES, and promoting sustainability.

Integration of technical and market aspects by providing a comprehensive analysis of VPP operation. This integration is crucial as it shows that VPPs actively participate in energy markets and actively optimize energy resources, which facilitates effective electricity trading and grid balancing.

Application of cybersecurity and data privacy techniques that protect the VPP from cyber threats, assuring grid stability, data integrity, and consumer trust in the ever-changing energy sector.

Real-world case studies of VPP deployments to offer insights and experiences.

Discussion of the regulatory frameworks that control how VPP operates.

Identification of challenges, providing recommendations, and prospects.

VPP advancements

The traditional centralized power generation model is being replaced by a decentralized, adaptable, and sustainable system thanks to VPP, which represents a revolutionary paradigm in the energy sector. Early theoretical ideas from the late twentieth century established the foundation for the development of VPPs and their eventual prominence in modern power systems [ 31 , 32 ]. This part of the paper will focus on the evolutionary journey of VPPs, highlighting the early concepts, key milestones, and technological advancements that shaped their development into critical enablers of modern energy ecosystems.

The embryonic stage (1990s–2000s)

Although the idea of VPPs was initially put forth in the 1997 [ 13 ] by Dr. Shimon Awerbuch, it did not really take off until the early 2000s. Early academic publications proposed the idea of coordinating and optimizing a portfolio of distributed energy resources to increase operational effectiveness and grid reliability. However, due to limited technological capabilities and a lack of enabling legal frameworks, the practical deployment of VPPs remained primarily theoretical at this point. Also, the absence of developed distributed generating technology, the high cost of communication and control systems, and the regulatory uncertainties surrounding VPPs were some of the causes of lack of practical deployment. References [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ] provides a description of the early years concept of the VPP, its difficulties, including consumer resistance to participating, economic viability in infrastructure setup, investors' perceptions of risk, and grid operators' reluctance to adopt the unique strategy.

The breakthrough stage (2010s–2020)

The growth years presented milestones and key turning points in VPP deployment from the early years. At this point, the VPP has encountered rapid growth as a result of increasing interest in adoption of distributed generation technology, decreasing communication and control system costs, and expanding regulatory backing for VPPs. In a declaration on the future of the European electricity market that was issued in 2011, the European Commission emphasized the potential of VPPs to increase grid flexibility and integrate renewable energy. This communication aided in increasing policymakers’ and stakeholders’ understanding of VPPs [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Later, in March 2023, it was amended in Strasbourg, France, by recommending an expansion of the EU electricity market structure to further integrate RESs, improve customer protection and industrial competitiveness [ 46 ]. Notable milestones of the growth years include grid integration [ 47 ], market participation [ 48 ], technological advancement, and demand response programs[ 49 ], allowing aggregated DERs to respond to grid signals and enhance grid stability [ 50 ]. This marked the initial practical application of VPPs, showcasing their ability to support grid operations.

The future (2021 and beyond)

The demand for flexible grids and the incorporation of RESs is anticipated to drive further growth of VPP. VPPs are viewed as one of the techniques to lower carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency [ 51 ]. The key drivers for this growth are the increasing deployment of distributed generation technologies (DGT), falling cost of communication and control systems, growing regulatory support for VPPs, and also prosumers who want to receive incentives for their surplus generation [ 45 ].

In summary, it is evident that early theoretical insights were followed by practical and revolutionary applications in modern power systems as VPPs evolved. The development of VPPs into essential enablers of decentralized, flexible, and sustainable energy ecosystems has been shaped by significant turning points and milestones, as well as technological development and innovations. A thorough summary is provided in Table  1 for further reading.

VPP planning, roles, and sustainability

VPP planning is a crucial and multifaceted process that entails strategic design, coordination, and optimization to provide effective and dependable energy management. The main goal of VPP planning is to maximize the advantages for both grid operators and consumers while optimizing the potential of varied DERs and guaranteeing their seamless integration with the power grid. The planning approach necessitates a thorough comprehension of the energy landscape, individual DER capabilities, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks.

To ensure that VPPs perform as planned and expected, their technological constraints must be recognized and measured [ 55 ]. Before interacting with external and internal elements, the VPP schedules and plans its operations. It is also a good performance criterion for the VPP to keep accurate data to engage the electricity market and reap favorable effects by analyzing the uncertainties resulting from elements like weather and producing forecasts with a high level of assertiveness [ 56 ]. The issue of forecasting will be discussed later in the section dedicated to the roles of VPPs. The VPP operations may be constrained by infrastructure, technological, and technical limits [ 57 ]. The model shown in [ 26 ] emphasizes the importance of effectively measuring and managing controllable loads in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Also, it emphasizes the significance of photovoltaic (PV) and BESS influences in determining the viability and adaptability of a VPP. VPPs can improve their coordination with all stakeholders by developing a methodical technique for evaluating and controlling power availability at time intervals. Surely, this enhances the performance of the VPP and enables a more seamless interaction with the power grid.

VPP planning also includes economic and legal factors in addition to the technical ones. The aspects of technical and economic frameworks of the VPP will be delved deeper in the sections dedicated to the technical and economic aspects of VPPs. It is important to note that good operational planning directly affects good economic outcomes [ 55 ]. The economic viability of the VPP and its prospective revenue streams, including energy trading [ 58 ], demand response participation [ 59 ], and the supply of ancillary services [ 21 ], are assessed using financial models and cost–benefit analysis [ 60 ]. Collaboration with grid operators, legislators, and other stakeholders is also necessary for successful VPP planning to overcome regulatory obstacles and build an environment that facilitates VPP integration. To ensure effective planning, the VPP should be continuously monitored and improved to respond to shifting grid conditions and market dynamics [ 61 ]:

VPP planning opens the way for a more resilient, and sustainable energy future by integrating technological, economic, and regulatory factors. It has enormous potential to optimize resource use, improve grid stability, and contribute to the global quest for a reduction in carbon emissions produced by energy systems. It is therefore imperative that stakeholders comprehend the complexities of VPP planning to influence the energy industry’s future and advance the cause for greener and a more sustainable and effective energy future. This planning phase can be summarized as: aggregating existing and new energy resources.

Ownership structure: The internal ownership structure of VPPs can vary depending on the specific implementation and stakeholders involved. It may involve collaboration between multiple stakeholders including energy producers, consumers, and aggregators.

Regulating and market considerations governing energy markets and grid operations.

Implementation of an energy management system to provide functionalities such as real-time monitoring, forecasting, dispatching, and scheduling energy resources to meet grid requirements and maximize economic benefits.

Agreement formulation such as power purchase agreements.

Profit sharing mechanisms taking into consideration factors such as investment contributions, operational cost, risk allocation, etc.

Compensation structures for various stakeholders involved in the VPP including incentives for demand response participations from consumers.

The way electricity is produced, controlled, and used has been revolutionized by VPPs as explained in the previous sections. VPPs are flexible and dynamic entities that perform a variety of roles in modern power systems. Because of the variety and importance of their tasks, they are key players in creating an energy ecosystem that is sustainable, effective, and resilient. The following are the main responsibilities of VPPs in power systems.

Aggregation of DERs: Various DERs, such as solar panels, wind turbines, ESS, EVs, and demand response loads are gathered by VPPs. VPPs construct an adaptable and manageable portfolio of assets by combining these decentralized resources into a single virtual entity. Through this aggregation, grid management is improved, enabling the VPP to maximize DER usage in response to grid signals. The DERs’ activity within the VPP is managed and coordinated by the VPP operators. The main responsibility is resource optimization and involvement in energy markets.

The authors of [ 62 ] described the aggregator concept as a central control node that collects information from both the power grid and controlled loads. A load aggregator can also serve as a conduit between the controllable loads and the grid operator, allowing the regulated management to consider user and grid benefits simultaneously. When interfacing with the power market, aggregators are employed in power charging models for EVs to help optimize the batteries’ charging as well as the modeling of driving patterns and price estimates [ 63 ]. As DERs are dispatched depending on compensation rates and power levels, an aggregator can stand in for them to maximize profits [ 64 ]. Furthermore, in [ 65 ], for a power market with bilateral contracts, the aggregator has the facility to select between various power plants based on power-cost-based offers.

Grid stabilization and reliability: VPPs make a major contribution to the reliability and stability of the grid. VPPs maintain a stable and steady supply of electricity while minimizing the possibility of blackouts and voltage variations by balancing energy generation and consumption from various DERs [ 66 ]. They are able to provide ancillary services like frequency regulation and voltage management, which are essential for preserving grid stability [ 67 ]. The general stability and dependability of the electrical system are the responsibility of grid operators. In accordance with grid norms and standards, the grid operators work with VPP operators to incorporate DERs.

Renewable energy integration: In 2016, in Paris, an emission reduction plan was enacted which has made the use of DERs very essential [ 68 , 69 , 70 ]. This integration is the VPP operator’s responsibility. This is accomplished by coordinating the operation of diverse RERs, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and such that they work as a unified system. However, due to their erratic nature, integrating RESs into the power systems presents its own challenges [ 71 , 72 ]. These challenges come about because of generation fluctuations due to weather conditions and time of the day. The variability adds complexity to power system operations. For instance, rapid changes in wind speed or cloud cover can result in fluctuations in generation, requiring grid operators to make quick adjustments to maintain system stability. VPPs take on this problem by combining several RESs and using intelligent management processes, they make it easier for the integration of the RESs effectively. They ensure the integration of these RESs to provide a steady supply of electricity while lowering reliance on conventional fossil fuel-based power plants.

Authors in [ 72 ] proposed a solution for integration of RESs into the grid to maintain power quality. This is important because RESs are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits, but they can also introduce power quality issues. This is a challenge that a VPP is sought to address. Large scale penetration of RESs means a hike in capital and operational cost. Authors in [ 73 ] discussed a mechanism that could aid in lowering the high cost of RESs integration and bringing electricity prices into affordable band. Spreading the benefits of renewable integration into the spheres of agriculture, where in [ 74 ], authors have created a mechanism to encourage energy-efficient agriculture by minimizing dependency on fossil fuels for water-table pumping. Through the aggregation and optimization of DERs, VPPs enable farmers to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels while enhancing energy efficiency and resilience in agricultural practices. This synergy not only fosters economic sustainability for farmers, but also contributes to the broader goal of renewable energy integration, paving the way for a greener energy future.

Successful integration depends on several important aspects. Forecasting methods that accurately estimate the patterns of RESs generation must be put in place [ 75 , 76 ]. This allows better grid management and optimization of the DERs. The VPP employs such tools to better manage the generation of DERs. A summary of various forecasting techniques provided in the literature is listed in Table  2 . Analysis of forecasting models to aid in the integration of RESs in the context of VPPs has been provided in [ 77 ].

Moreover, for optimal integration of RESs, the power grid must be modernized with smart technologies. Real-time monitoring, control, and communication between DERs and grid infrastructure are made possible using smart approaches like the VPP [ 16 , 78 , 79 ]. This improves the reliability and effectiveness of the grid. Additionally, VPPs provide beneficial grid functions, such as frequency regulation [ 67 ] and voltage control [ 80 ] in addition to balancing energy supply and demand [ 81 ]. These services boost the grid’s dependability and resilience even more, promoting a stronger energy infrastructure that can handle the rising proportion of RESs.

The VPP approach to integrating RESs into the power grid is a cutting-edge strategy that is revolutionizing the way energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. VPPs offer an effective response to the problems caused by intermittent renewables by utilizing the combined potential of DERs and modern technology. VPPs will unquestionably be essential in advancing the transition to a cleaner, more dependable, and efficient energy system as the world progresses toward a sustainable energy future.

DER technologies applied in VPPs

In VPPs, various DERs are used, including solar panels, wind turbines, ESS, EVs, and demand response loads. These DERs are aggregated and optimized within the VPPs, allowing for efficient management and coordination [ 55 ]. By harnessing the collective capacity of diverse DERs, VPPs enhance grid stability, enable renewable energy integration, and support demand response strategies, contributing to a more sustainable and flexible energy ecosystem. A VPP should ensure that DER integration keeps the system operating properly by ensuring the stakeholders’ continual consumption requirements [ 92 ]. Various DER technologies applied in VPPs in the reviewed literature are summarized in Table  3 .

Out of the 15 References evaluated regarding DER technologies used in VPPs, it is evident from Table  3 that wind turbines and solar panels hold the largest share, as shown in Fig.  3 . It proves how easily the technology of wind turbines and solar panels have been embraced. However, more renewables should be added to the energy mix to hasten the shift to a less carbon-oriented energy landscape.

DER application in literature

VPP sustainability focus

One of the viable ways to address numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and contribute to a more sustainable energy future is through VPPs. By encouraging the integration of RESs and boosting energy efficiency, VPPs, as a fundamental enabler of the energy transition, contribute significantly to achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). VPPs promote the integration of sustainable energy into the power grid by aggregating and optimizing DERs thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change (SDG 13—Climate Action).

Additionally, through promoting technological advancements and innovation in the energy industry, VPPs provide a substantial contribution to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). VPPs promote grid modernization and improve overall energy infrastructure by integrating smart grid technologies, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence. These developments result in more effective and adaptable energy systems, advancing the objectives of SDG 9 to develop robust infrastructure and encourage sustainable industrialization.

However, while VPPs offer considerable potential for achieving various SDGs, several challenges must be addressed to ensure their long-term sustainability. Access to VPP technologies must be equally available, as this can influence SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). For VPPs to be deployed in a way that supports SDG goals for eradicating poverty and minimizing inequality, marginalized people and neglected areas must be able to benefit from them. In simple terms, it is essential to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to profit from VPPs to realize SDG 1 and SDG 10. This calls for figuring out ways to make technology more accessible and inexpensive for everyone, especially those living in rural or underdeveloped areas. By doing this, VPPs may contribute to the development of a more just and sustainable energy future in which everyone, regardless of financial situation, has access to safe and dependable energy.

Furthermore, the environmental impact of VPPs [ 108 ] and their associated technologies require careful consideration to achieve SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in ESS, are one example of a crucial mineral and material whose demand is on the rise, prompting questions regarding responsible sourcing, recycling, and end-of-life management. It is not a surprise that there has been extensive literature on ways to increase the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries [ 109 ]. Authors in [ 110 ] proposed a precise lifespan model for the battery cells used in VPP applications. To reduce the negative environmental and social effects of VPP deployment, sustainable methods must be implemented in material sourcing and VPP operation.

Moreover, numerous steps can be taken to guarantee the sustainability of a VPP itself. Stakeholders must work together to build supporting regulatory frameworks and financial incentives for VPP development. VPPs will become more widely available and long-lasting if investments are encouraged in their research, development, and implementation. This will also encourage technological breakthroughs and cost reductions. Also, a successful integration of VPPs into the energy economy depends on raising consumer awareness and engagement. The acceptance of VPP technology can be increased by educating consumers about the advantages of VPP participation, such as lower energy costs and increased grid reliability [ 111 , 112 ].

To sum up, VPPs have a significant potential to help achieve several SDGs pertaining to renewable energy, tackling climate change, and sustainable infrastructure. They support SDGs 7 and 9 by fostering the integration of RESs and improving energy efficiency. To achieve more general sustainability goals, it is necessary to address issues with fair access to VPP advantages and responsible use and production. VPPs are critical enablers of a greener, more inclusive, and resilient energy future and can help accomplish specific SDGs by establishing supportive policies, encouraging innovation and consumer engagement. Using VPP's revolutionary potential in promoting the UN’s sustainability agenda [ 113 ] requires advocating for and making contributions to their sustainable deployment and optimization.

Cybersecurity and data privacy

The protection of the grid’s stability and dependability is one of the main justifications for prioritizing cybersecurity in VPP application. As crucial nodes in the grid, VPPs coordinate the functioning of DERs and provide a constant and reliable supply of electricity. A cyber-attack on a VPP has the potential to impair energy production, distribution, and grid management, resulting in power outages [ 114 ] and large financial losses.

The efficient operation of VPPs depends on data integrity [ 115 ]. For making decisions about the generation, distribution, and use of energy, VPPs depend on accurate data. Cybersecurity measures guard against data alteration or manipulation, ensuring that VPP operators have reliable data for maximizing energy resources and delivering crucial grid services. In order to increase consumer and prosumer confidence in VPP services, data privacy procedures on data collection and usage are essential [ 116 ].

VPPs are desirable targets for cybercriminals because of their crucial functions in grid management and their strength in the marketplace. VPPs are shielded by cybersecurity from a variety of dangers, such as malware and hacker attempts [ 117 ]. To address the cybersecurity issues, various approaches have been suggested and has been categorized by [ 118 ] as human and non-human approaches. Human approaches like updates and incremental patches installation aids in robust security posture, addressing vulnerabilities in software, but also require reboots causing downtime to regular operations. Engaging in customer interactions also creates awareness to recognize and respond to potential threats. However, allocating time and resources may be challenging for organizations with limited budgets and manpower.

Non-human approaches like the adoption of blockchain technology reduce the risk of single point failure as the technology operates on a decentralized network. This enhances resilience, making it more challenging for attackers to compromise the entire system. Another non-human approach is cloud computing which typically encrypts data during transmission and storage. This safeguards sensitive information from interception or unauthorized access.

Data privacy and cybersecurity are essential elements of VPP operations. They protect against cyberthreats, guarantee data integrity, enhance grid stability [ 119 ], promote consumer trust, enable regulatory compliance, and support the viability of VPPs financially. To ensure a secure, dependable, and sustainable energy future, cybersecurity and data privacy must be prioritized as VPPs continue to develop and broaden their role in contemporary energy systems [ 120 ].

Regulation and compliance

The operation of VPPs is greatly influenced by legislative or regulatory activities. This section will cover the regulatory structure that governs VPPs, emphasizing significant importance and their effects on the energy industry.

In the domain of grid integration standard and requirements, regulating bodies establish grid codes and integration standards that the VPP must adhere to when connecting to the electrical grid. The safe and dependable grid integration of DERs is ensured by these standards. The basis for secure VPP functioning is grid codes and standards. A manual for connecting DERs to the utility grid is provided by the IEC 62786. DER planning, operation, protection, and connectivity to distribution networks are the key applications. A global agreement on the use of DER in electrical power systems is being sought through the IEEE 1547 set of standards. This standard has received widespread acceptance on a global scale in outlining the requirements for the design, implementation, testing, and security of all sorts of DERs. Due to the increased penetration of DERs and the need to maintain system stability, the IEEE 1547 has recently been updated to IEEE 1547-2018 and IEEE 1547.1-2020 [ 121 ]. A crucial series of standards released to control the grid’s interconnection and operability is the IEEE 2030. It is modified to implement cutting-edge communication and information technologies that provide interoperability solutions for the promotion of DER connectivity.

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENLEC), which is made up of 34 European Nations, oversees standardization efforts to increase commercial viability and foster technological growth. The CENLEC released the EN 50549-1 and EN 50549-2 DER integration standards with the goal of addressing all DER capabilities that are necessary for operation in tandem with distribution networks [ 121 ].

Also, there may be regional variations in regulations governing the integration of DERs with the grid [ 121 ]. For example, Canadian standards C22.3 No. 9 and C22.2 No. 257 offer technical advice for DER integration with the grid at medium and low voltage under 50 kV and low voltage systems under 0.6 kV, respectively. The British standard BS EN50438:2007 also offers technical advice for DER interconnection. The VDE-AR-N 4105 standard in Germany also offers technical recommendations for connecting DERs and low voltage systems. The JEAG.9701-2001 standard in Japan offers technical recommendations for distributed generating grid-connection. The standard permits DER owners to sell surplus energy to utility grids and mandates that power grids supply DER owners with backup power.

Various environmental and sustainability regulations may pertain to different jurisdictions [ 122 ], and they may provide incentives or requirements for VPPs to assist the integration of RERs and the reduction of emissions. In certain regions, these rules may have an impact on how VPPs function. The level of support for VPPs that use RERs may vary depending on the targets and incentives that jurisdictions set for renewable energy [ 123 ].

VPP operators and stakeholders must negotiate a complicated regulatory environment that is unique to their locations. It is essential for the implementation and operation of VPPs to comprehend and follow local legislations. Furthermore, as VPPs become more crucial to the world’s energy landscape, regulators and industry participants must cooperate to unify rules and encourage uniformity in grid integration techniques across various jurisdictions.

Technical aspects of VPPs

The technical operations of a VPP involve a series of complex and coordinated processes to efficiently manage and optimize the aggregated DERs within the VPP. According to Ref. [ 124 ], the technical features of VPPs provide dynamic interaction for the integration of power distribution based on auxiliary services. These technical operations can vary depending on the specific architecture and goals of the respective VPP. This section of the paper delves into the technical intricacies of VPPs and explores their roles as key enablers in the transition toward a sustainable and resilient energy future. Some of these technical aspects of the VPPs are emphasized below:

Resource optimization and scheduling: In a VPP, resource optimization and scheduling of various DERS are essential to achieve efficient and reliable energy management [ 28 , 125 ]. It is also important to note that advanced algorithms and real-time data analytics [ 76 ] as summarized earlier in Table  2 are employed to forecast energy generation and demand profiles, ensuring dynamic resource optimization. The VPP intelligently dispatches DERs based on grid conditions and market signals, balancing supply and demand to enhance grid stability and maximize revenue generation [ 126 ]. By coordinating diverse DERs, VPPs optimize energy use, contribute to renewable integration, and support grid flexibility, making them crucial enablers in the transition to a sustainable resilient energy ecosystem.

A summary of the relevant literature in accordance with resource optimization and scheduling is provided in Table 4 .

Load balancing and grid support/ancillary service: The load balancing and grid support functions of a VPP are very crucial [ 135 ]. The VPP dynamically modifies energy generation and consumption to fit grid demands by aggregating and optimizing various DERs. While storing excess energy during times of low demand, the VPP can supply additional power from DERs during times of peak demand to balance out high demand. This load-balancing ability makes VPPs essential for guaranteeing a dependable and resilient electricity supply since it improves grid stability, lowers grid stress, and adds to overall grid support.

In addition to its role of aggregating and optimizing DERs, a VPP offers a range of essential ancillary services. These services include frequency regulation. This is achieved by maintaining grid frequency within acceptable bounds through rapid power adjustment [ 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 ]. VPPs also provide voltage support by injecting or absorbing reactive power to stabilize voltage levels [ 80 , 140 , 141 ].

Moreover, VPPs contribute to peak regulation, managing demand during high load periods to alleviate grid stress [ 142 , 143 , 144 ]. The comprehensive suite of ancillary services offered by VPPs ensures grid stability, enhances reliability, and facilitates the integration of RESs, making them vital assets in modern power systems.

Demand response and load management: A VPP inherent components of demand response and load control enable effective energy usage. By actively communicating with connected consumers to alter electricity consumption in response to grid circumstances and price signals, VPPs participate in demand response. In order to avoid peak demand times and lessen grid load, VPPs optimize the scheduling of operations and equipment that consume a lot of electricity [ 59 , 81 , 96 ]. This demand-side flexibility not only supports grid stability, but also empowers consumers to actively participate in energy conservation, contributing to a sustainable energy ecosystem [ 66 , 145 ]. The VPP’s ability to efficiently balance energy supply and demand through demand response and load management strategies makes it a pivotal stakeholder in modern power systems.

The technical aspects of VPPs represent a dynamic and transformative force in the energy sector. VPPs provide effective renewable energy integration, grid stability, and demand response capabilities by aggregating and optimizing various DERs.

Market/economical aspect of VPP

VPPs provide an appealing scenario for the future of energy systems in terms of their commercial and financial prepositions. VPPs can completely alter the economics of electricity generation and consumption as they are dynamic aggregators of various DERs. VPPs maximize the use of DERs, optimize income generation, and improve participation in the energy market [ 11 ]. The VPP does this via real-time data analytics, complex forecasting algorithms, and clever energy trading methods. As a result of their capacity to offer a versatile and dispatchable portfolio of assets (DERs), VPPs are better equipped to meet swiftly to dynamic market conditions, such as energy pricing and demand patterns. VPPs deliver a strong economic case for sustainability, affordability, and resilience in the energy ecosystem by making it possible to efficiently deploy renewable sources of energy, support demand response programs, and provide ancillary services to the grid. VPPs technology’s commercial implications hold significant promise for developing a more effective, competitive, and customer-focused energy landscape as it continues to advance.

Currently, the majority of jurisdictions have already started deregulation or liberalization and competition-opening process in their individual power markets [ 11 ]. In order to finance new infrastructure investments, increase the economic efficiency of power company operations, and particularly lower the ultimate prices of electricity delivery, deregulation or privatization has been advocated [ 146 ]. A vertical structure as stipulated by [ 146 ], where all activities were merged, was replaced with an organization where generation, transmission, distribution, and commerce work separately as a result of this reform in the energy sector.

Additionally, the large integration of renewables into the power grid that characterizes the contemporary energy landscape suggests a greater need for the system’s balancing mechanism due to the random nature of the RESs generation schedule. One significant benefit of VPPs is that they boost their shared profit by selling energy on behalf of the DER owners to improve the balancing mechanism when they access the wholesale electricity markets. The participation of VPPs in various electricity markets is covered in this section.

Day-ahead market: Day-ahead market refers to the buying and selling of electricity on the day before the actual production and delivery. VPPs actively participate in the day-ahead market by supplying their aggregated portfolio of DERs for electricity trading. VPPs forecast energy generation trends for the next day using advanced forecasting and data analytics. Based on these insights and market prices, VPPs strategically bid these aggregated resources to optimize revenue generation [ 84 , 147 , 148 , 149 , 150 , 151 ].

Ancillary service market: VPPs actively participate in the ancillary services market by providing critical assistance to the electric grid. The VPP does this by dynamically altering the output of their aggregated DERs. VPPs respond in real-time to grid signals to maintain stability, assure a continuous power supply, and improve grid reliability. With this, VPPs play an important role in supporting grid operations and optimizing grid performance. Several studies have incorporated the ability to engage in ancillary services markets into VPP modeling in order to enable regulation that ensures the security of electricity supply [ 26 , 143 , 150 , 152 , 153 , 154 , 155 , 156 ].

Reserve market: In the reserve market, VPPs actively participate by offering their combined output of DER as a reserve capacity to support the grid’s reliability. VPPs reserve a portion of their generated power from the DERs, ready to be dispatched within short notice to address sudden changes in electricity demand and supply or even an outage of grid operator’s outage of generators. By participating in the reserve market, VPPs offer a valuable and flexible solution for grid operators to maintain grid reliability. As VPP technology advances, their involvement in the reserve market will become ever more vital in contributing to the efficient and secure operation of the electric grid. Various strategies to make ideal or optimal reserve market decisions have been studied in several papers. According to the findings of these studies, the reserve market is more significant at times of peak demand since a contingency can have a higher impact [ 26 , 127 , 157 , 158 , 159 , 160 ].

Intra-day/real-time market: The VPP actively participates in the intra-day market by precisely adjusting the energy traded in the day-ahead market. The VPP strategically optimizes its DER dispatch and offers flexible resources in response to dynamic market prices and grid needs [ 11 ].

Although intraday markets enable VPPs to adjust scheduled energy after the day-ahead market, an exchange power imbalance may still emerge as the dispatch time approaches. VPPs can thus participate in real-time balancing markets to avoid penalties. The goal of the real-time market is to reduce the imbalance errors and their associated cost. The various electricity markets in which the VPP participates are provided in Table 5 to outline the key characteristics. Figure 4 also gives a graphical analysis of the key characteristics of the electricity market that the VPP operates in.

Electricity markets characteristics

Real-world implementation of VPPs

VPPs in the real world provide fascinating insights on their revolutionary impact on contemporary power systems. VPP implementations around the world demonstrate their adaptability in maximizing DERs. These examples elaborate on the value of VPPs in grid stability, renewable generation, and demand response. VPP projects are becoming more common, proving their potential to revolutionize energy systems. The VPP market is expected to grow from $1.3billion in 2019 to $5.9billion in 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.3% from 2020 to 2027 [ 25 ]. In Norway, Statkraf is the world’s largest VPP with a capacity of 10GW from over 1000 aggregated assets. Recently, Tesla announced to scale up the south Australia VPP which connects assets from 4000 to 50,000 homes, which will make it the world’s largest VPP [ 172 ]. Storing and distributing power from residential and commercial customers, Tesla’s Powerpacks and Powerwall promote grid dependability and the integration of renewable energy. These real-world examples demonstrate how important VPPs are in creating a global energy ecosystem that is robust, efficient, and sustainable. Selected real-world applications [ 124 , 172 ] are summarized in Table  6 .

Applications of VPPs in the real world have offered an important lesson that will guide their development, deployment, and scalability. Key insights from these applications include the following but not limited to:

Flexibility and scalability: The significance of developing flexible and scalable systems has been shown by the successful VPP deployments. VPPs support a variety of DERs and adjust to shifting market dynamics and grid conditions.

Integration of DERs: For the VPP to operate at its best, several DERs must be integrated into a single, coordinated system. Advanced data analytics and control algorithms are essential for managing DERs efficiently and maximizing their contributions, as demonstrated by real-world applications.

Interoperability and interconnection: VPPs generally operate in sophisticated energy ecosystems with a variety of stakeholders. Smooth VPP integration and operation require interoperability and seamless interconnection with grid operators, and other market participants.

Market participation: The significance of active market participation has been emphasized by real-world VPP applications. Using effective energy trading techniques and intelligent bidding in electricity markets. VPPs can maximize income production and assist the integration of RESs at a fair price.

The ongoing development and deployment of VPPs can be improved by taking lessons from these practical applications, ensuring that they continue to contribute to a sustainable, effective, and decentralized energy future.

However, despite the successes chalked up by these projects, there are still challenges that must be addressed. Cybersecurity threats, consumer engagement, data management and analytics, achieving a positive return on investment and profitability are some of the model challenges that these projects face. Collaboration between stakeholders is necessary to overcome these obstacles.

Conclusions

VPPs have become transformative solutions revolutionizing the modern energy landscape. Applications in the real world have sounded their importance and have also demonstrated the adaptability and advantages of VPPs. VPPs have shown that they can promote the integration of renewable energy sources, aggregate and optimize a variety of DERs, and facilitate effective demand response.

Flexibility and scalability, which enable seamless adaptability to shifting grid conditions and market dynamics, have been shown to be essential for successful VPP adoption. VPPs have been able to improve cost-effective renewable energy integration and optimize revenue generation through active market participation and smart bidding tactics. Additionally, for VPPs including residential or commercial participants, consumer engagement and education are crucial for assuring buy-in and demand response programs.

Embracing the lessons learnt in the referenced literature, a VPP stands as a pivotal enabler in our journey towards a sustainable, decentralized, and resilient energy future. There can be an effective and customer-focused energy ecosystem that leads the path for a greener and more sustainable society by fully utilizing VPPs and maximizing their important contributions.

The ability of VPPs to maximize DERs, boost renewable energy integration, and improve grid stability makes them a crucial element in reaching a sustainable energy future. A VPP has the undisputed potential to change the energy landscape. The successful operation of VPPs in the modern era depends on a judicious blend of cutting-edge technology, supportive regulatory frameworks, and seamless connectivity with the existing electricity infrastructure. The aggregation and control of various DERs can be optimized by using real-time data analytics, artificial intelligence, and smart grid technologies. However, VPPs must overcome several obstacles, such as data security, grid interconnection, and scalability to realize their full potential. In a dynamic energy environment, taking care of these issues is essential to ensure the proper operation of VPPs.

Also, the development of flexible regulatory frameworks that support VPP implementation and market involvement is essential for the efficient operation of VPPs. The seamless integration of VPPs into current energy markets and the promotion of novel business models are made possible by clear regulations on market access, price structures, and grid services. Overall, an effective operation of VPPs in this era and beyond will depend on the following:

Advanced technological integration such as data analytics, smart grid technologies which are vital real-time data processing, accurate forecasting, and efficient optimization.

Regulatory support to encourage supportive and accommodative regulatory frameworks that will promote VPP deployment, and market participation.

Implementation of robust data security measures to protect sensitive information, guarantee consumer privacy, and safeguard against potential cyberattacks.

Implementing these recommendations will help shape and harness the potential of VPPs to transform the energy industry. With correct planning, VPPs will significantly contribute to the modern era’s goals of energy resource optimization, grid stability enhancement, and improved integration of RESs.

Availability of data and materials

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during this work.

Abbreviations

Artificial Neural Network

Biogas/biomass power

Battery energy storage system

Combined heat and power

Convolutional Neural Network

Controlled load

• Distributed energy resources

Distributed generation

Distribution system operator

Energy storage system

European Union

Electric vehicles

Gas turbine

Heat pump power

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Internet of Things

Long short-term memory

Mixed Integer Linear Programming

Model predictive control

Nuclear power

Pumped hydro storage

Programmable logic control

Power System Network

Particle Swarm Optimization

Photovoltaic

Renewable energy resources

• Renewable energy sources

Sustainable Development Goals

Thermal power

Transmission system operator

United Nations

Virtual power plant

Wind turbine

Zhao J, Patwary AK, Qayyum A et al (2022) The determinants of renewable energy sources for the fueling of green and sustainable economy. Energy 238:122029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.122029

Article   Google Scholar  

Rapier R Global Energy Trends: insights from the 2023 Statistical Review of World Energy. In: Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2023/08/06/global-energy-trends-insights-from-the-2023-statistical-review-of-world-energy/ . Accessed 12 Oct 2023

Liu J, Hu H, Yu SS, Trinh H (2023) Virtual power plant with renewable energy sources and energy storage systems for sustainable power grid-formation. Control Tech Demand Response Energies 16:3705. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093705

Electricity demand globally 2040. In: Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118777/electricity-demand-worldwide/ . Accessed 2 Oct 2023

The Impact of Distributed Generation on Power Distribution. In: Util. One. https://utilitiesone.com/the-impact-of-distributed-generation-on-power-distribution . Accessed 26 Feb 2024

Strezoski L, Padullaparti H, Ding F, Baggu M (2022) Integration of utility distributed energy resource management system and aggregators for evolving distribution system operators. J Mod Power Syst Clean Energy 10:277–285. https://doi.org/10.35833/MPCE.2021.000667

Abedrabboh K, Karaki A, Al-Fagih L (2023) A combinatorial double auction for community shared distributed energy resources. IEEE Access 11:28355–28369. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3260022

Poudel S, Keene SJ, Kini RL et al (2022) Modeling environment for testing a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) using GridAPPS-D platform. IEEE Access 10:77383–77395. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3192845

Tan Z, Zhong H, Xia Q et al (2020) Estimating the robust P-Q capability of a technical virtual power plant under uncertainties. IEEE Trans Power Syst 35:4285–4296. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2020.2988069

Babatunde OM, Munda JL, Hamam Y (2020) Power system flexibility: a review. Energy Rep 6:101–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2019.11.048

Naval N, Yusta JM (2021) Virtual power plant models and electricity markets—a review. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 149:111393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111393

Khan R, Islam N, Das SK et al (2021) Energy sustainability-survey on technology and control of microgrid, smart grid and virtual power plant. IEEE Access 9:104663–104694. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3099941

Sarmiento-Vintimilla JC, Torres E, Larruskain DM, Pérez-Molina MJ (2022) Applications, operational architectures and development of virtual power plants as a strategy to facilitate the integration of distributed energy resources. Energies 15:775. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15030775

Johansson P, Vendel M, Nuur C (2020) Integrating distributed energy resources in electricity distribution systems: an explorative study of challenges facing DSOs in Sweden. Util Policy 67:101117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2020.101117

Lopes JAP, Hatziargyriou N, Mutale J et al (2007) Integrating distributed generation into electric power systems: a review of drivers, challenges, and opportunities. Electr Power Syst Res 77:1189–1203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2006.08.016

Nadeem F, Aftab MA, Hussain SMS et al (2019) Virtual power plant management in smart grids with XMPP based IEC 61850 communication. Energies 12:2398. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12122398

Marinescu B, Gomis-Bellmunt O, Dorfler F et al (2022) Dynamic virtual power plant: a new concept for grid integration of renewable energy sources. IEEE Access 10:104980–104995. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3205731

Gough M, Santos SF, Lotfi M et al (2022) Operation of a technical virtual power plant considering diverse distributed energy resources. IEEE Trans Ind Appl 58:2547–2558. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2022.3143479

Palensky P, Dietrich D (2011) Demand side management: demand response, intelligent energy systems, and smart loads. IEEE Trans Ind Inform 7:381–388. https://doi.org/10.1109/TII.2011.2158841

Pasetti M, Rinaldi S, Manerba D (2018) A virtual power plant architecture for the demand-side management of smart prosumers. Appl Sci 8:432. https://doi.org/10.3390/app8030432

Lan G, Zhang Z, Guo M, et al (2022) Research on Virtual Power Plants Participating in Ancillary Service Market. In: 2022 2nd international conference on electrical engineering and control science (IC2ECS). P. 979–985

Nosratabadi SM, Hooshmand R-A, Gholipour E (2017) A comprehensive review on microgrid and virtual power plant concepts employed for distributed energy resources scheduling in power systems. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 67:341–363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.025

Goia B, Cioara T, Anghel I (2022) Virtual power plant optimization in smart grids: a narrative review. Future Internet 14:128. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14050128

Panda S, Mohanty S, Rout PK, Sahu BK (2022) A conceptual review on transformation of micro-grid to virtual power plant: issues, modeling, solutions, and future prospects. Int J Energy Res 46:7021–7054. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.7671

Zhang J (2022) The concept, project, and current status of virtual power plant: a review. J Phys Conf Ser 2152:012059. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2152/1/012059

Wang H, Riaz S, Mancarella P (2020) Integrated techno-economic modeling, flexibility analysis, and business case assessment of an urban virtual power plant with multi-market co-optimization. Appl Energy 259:114142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.114142

Yan P, Wang L, Yang S, et al (2022) Review on the development and application of virtual power plant under the background of dual carbon. In: 2nd international conference on mechanical, electronics, and electrical and automation control (METMS 2022). SPIE, pp 654–665

Rouzbahani HM, Karimipour H, Lei L (2021) A review on virtual power plant for energy management. Sustain Energy Technol Assess 47:101370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101370

Feng Y, Jia H, Wang X et al (2023) Review of operations for multi-energy coupled virtual power plants participating in electricity market. Energy Rep 9:992–999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.04.149

Wang L, Guo Z, Zhang Y, et al (2021) A review of virtual power plant: concepts and essential issues. In: 2021 IEEE sustainable power and energy conference (iSPEC). pp 655–660

Yang Z, Liu J, Baskaran S et al (2010) Enabling renewable energy—and the future grid—with advanced electricity storage. JOM 62:14–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-010-0129-0

Romero-Cadaval E, Francois B, Malinowski M, Zhong Q-C (2015) Grid-connected photovoltaic plants: an alternative energy source, replacing conventional sources. IEEE Ind Electron Mag 9:18–32. https://doi.org/10.1109/MIE.2014.2362211

Awerbuch S, Preston A (2012) The virtual utility: accounting, technology & competitive aspects of the emerging industry. Springer Science & Business Media

Google Scholar  

Dielmann K, van der Velden A (2003) Virtual power plants (VPP)—a new perspective for energy generation? In: Proceedings of the 9th international scientific and practical conference of students, post-graduates modern techniques and technologies; 2003. MTT 2003. pp 18–20

Caldon R, Patria AR, Turri R (2004) Optimisation algorithm for a virtual power plant operation. In: 39th international universities power engineering conference, vol. 2; 2004. UPEC 2004. pp 1058–1062

Pudjianto D, Ramsay C, Strbac G (2007) Virtual power plant and system integration of distributed energy resources. IET Renew Power Gener 1:10–16. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-rpg:20060023

Pudjianto D, Ramsay C, Strbac G (2008) Microgrids and virtual power plants: Concepts to support the integration of distributed energy resources. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part J Power Energy 222:731–741. https://doi.org/10.1243/09576509JPE556

Ruiz N, Iñ C, Oyarzabal J (2009) A direct load control model for virtual power plant management. IEEE Trans Power Syst 24:959–966. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2009.2016607

Asmus P (2010) Microgrids, virtual power plants and our distributed energy future. Electr J 23:72–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tej.2010.11.001

Mashhour E, Moghaddas-Tafreshi SM (2011) Bidding strategy of virtual power plant for participating in energy and spinning reserve markets—part II: numerical analysis. IEEE Trans Power Syst 26:957–964. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2010.2070883

Bremer J, Sonnenschein M (2014) Parallel tempering for constrained many criteria optimization in dynamic virtual power plants. In: 2014 IEEE symposium on computational intelligence applications in smart grid (CIASG). pp 1–8

Al-Awami AT, Amleh NA, Muqbel AM (2017) Optimal demand response bidding and pricing mechanism with fuzzy optimization: application for a virtual power plant. IEEE Trans Ind Appl 53:5051–5061. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2017.2723338

Koraki D, Strunz K (2018) Wind and solar power integration in electricity markets and distribution networks through service-centric virtual power plants. IEEE Trans Power Syst 33:473–485. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2017.2710481

Yu S, Fang F, Liu Y, Liu J (2019) Uncertainties of virtual power plant: Problems and countermeasures. Appl Energy 239:454–470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.01.224

Mahmud K, Khan B, Ravishankar J et al (2020) An internet of energy framework with distributed energy resources, prosumers, and small-scale virtual power plants: an overview. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 127:109840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.109840

Peng D, Poudineh R (2019) Electricity market design under increasing renewable energy penetration: Misalignments observed in the European Union. Util Policy 61:100970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2019.100970

Liu R, Liu Y, Jing Z (2020) Impact of industrial virtual power plant on renewable energy integration. In: 2020 IEEE/IAS industrial and commercial power system Asia (I&CPS Asia). pp 1198–1202

Jin X, Wang J, Shen X, et al (2018) An overview of virtual power plant development from the perspective of market participation. In: 2018 2nd IEEE conference on energy internet and energy system integration (EI2). pp 1–6

Wang Z, Yang P, Liu S et al (2017) Coordination and optimization strategy of VPP considering demand response and multi-energy coordination. Electr Power Constr 38:60–66

Othman M, Hegazy YG, Abdelaziz A (2015) A review of virtual power plant definitions, components, framework and optimization. Int Electr Eng J IEEJ 6:2010–2024

Tong Y, Meng Z, Qiu P et al (2023) The carbon trading operation optimization for virtual power plants of industrial parks considering wind power. J Phys Conf Ser 2474:012032. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2474/1/012032

Venkatachary SK, Alagappan A, Andrews LJB (2021) Cybersecurity challenges in energy sector (virtual power plants)—can edge computing principles be applied to enhance security? Energy Inform 4:5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42162-021-00139-7

Hongliang W, Benjie L, Daoxin P, Ling W (2021) Virtual power plant participates in the two-level decision-making optimization of internal purchase and sale of electricity and external multi-market. IEEE Access 9:133625–133640. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3112549

Wang S, Jia R, Shi X et al (2022) Research on capacity allocation optimization of commercial virtual power plant (CVPP). Energies 15:1303. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041303

Domingo-Mondejar ID (2022) A review of the evolution and main roles of virtual power plants as key stakeholders in power systems. IEEE Access 10:47937–47964. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3171823

Luo J, Gao Y, Yang W et al (2018) Optimal operation modes of virtual power plants based on typical scenarios considering output evaluation criteria. Energies 11:2634. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11102634

Zhang Y, Pan W, Lou X, et al (2021) Operation characteristics of virtual power plant and function design of operation management platform under emerging power system. In: 2021 international conference on power system technology (POWERCON). pp 194–196

Fan S, Xiao J, Li Z, He G (2022) Characterization and trading of energy level and energy shift considering virtual power plant. J Mod Power Syst Clean Energy 10:1784–1789. https://doi.org/10.35833/MPCE.2021.000192

Chantzis G, Papadopoulos AM, Giama E, Nizetic S (2023) The potential of demand response as a tool for decarbonization in the energy transition. Energy Build. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113255

Behi B, Baniasadi A, Arefi A et al (2020) Cost-benefit analysis of a virtual power plant including solar PV, flow battery, heat pump, and demand management: a western Australian case study. Energies 13:2614. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13102614

Behi B, Arefi A, Jennings P et al (2021) Advanced monitoring and control system for virtual power plants for enabling customer engagement and market participation. Energies 14:1113. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14041113

Shen J, Jiang C, Li B (2015) Controllable load management approaches in smart grids. Energies 8:11187–11202. https://doi.org/10.3390/en81011187

Abbasi MH, Taki M, Rajabi A et al (2019) Coordinated operation of electric vehicle charging and wind power generation as a virtual power plant: a multi-stage risk constrained approach. Appl Energy 239:1294–1307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.01.238

Hatziargyriou ND, Asimakopoulou GE (2020) DER integration through a monopoly DER aggregator. Energy Policy 137:111124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111124

Tascikaraoglu A, Erdinc O, Uzunoglu M, Karakas A (2014) An adaptive load dispatching and forecasting strategy for a virtual power plant including renewable energy conversion units. Appl Energy 119:445–453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.01.020

Oladimeji O, Ortega Á, Sigrist L, et al (2022) Modeling demand flexibility of res-based virtual power plants. In: 2022 IEEE power & energy society general meeting (PESGM). pp 1–5

Chen J, Liu M, Milano F (2021) Aggregated model of virtual power plants for transient frequency and voltage stability analysis. IEEE Trans Power Syst 36:4366–4375. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2021.3063280

Prabatha T, Hager J, Carneiro B et al (2020) Analyzing energy options for small-scale off-grid communities: a Canadian case study. J Clean Prod 249:119320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119320

Lima MA, Mendes LFR, Mothé GA et al (2020) Renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions: reaching the goals of the Paris agreement in Brazil. Environ Dev 33:100504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2020.100504

Akaev AA, Davydova OI (2020) The Paris agreement on climate is coming into force: will the great energy transition take place? Her Russ Acad Sci 90:588–599. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1019331620050111

Muruganantham B, Gnanadass R, Padhy NP (2017) Challenges with renewable energy sources and storage in practical distribution systems. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 73:125–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.089

Goud BS, Reddy CR, Kalyan CN et al (2021) Grid integration of renewable energy sources using GA technique for improving power quality. Int J Renew Energy Res IJRER 11:1390–1402

Nekrasov SA (2021) Reducing costs for integration of renewable energy sources: a way to making renewable energy more accessible. Therm Eng 68:593–603. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0040601521070077

Bouali E-T, Abid MR, Boufounas E-M et al (2022) Renewable energy integration into cloud & IoT-based smart agriculture. IEEE Access 10:1175–1191. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3138160

Panda S, Dhaka RK, Panda B, et al (2022) A review on application of machine learning in solar energy & photovoltaic generation prediction. In: 2022 international conference on electronics and renewable systems (ICEARS). pp 1180–1184

Prema V, Bhaskar MS, Almakhles D et al (2022) Critical review of data, models and performance metrics for wind and solar power forecast. IEEE Access 10:667–688. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3137419

Wang H, Lei Z, Zhang X et al (2019) A review of deep learning for renewable energy forecasting. Energy Convers Manag 198:111799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2019.111799

Suo S, Kuang X, Cheng R, et al (2022) Research of real-time monitoring and control technology for distributed energy storage based on 5G. In: 2022 IEEE/IAS industrial and commercial power system Asia (I&CPS Asia). pp 1496–1500

Pal P, Parvathy AK, Devabalaji KR et al (2021) IoT-based real time energy management of virtual power plant using PLC for transactive energy framework. IEEE Access 9:97643–97660. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3093111

Moutis P, Georgilakis PS, Hatziargyriou ND (2018) Voltage regulation support along a distribution line by a virtual power plant based on a center of mass load modeling. IEEE Trans Smart Grid 9:3029–3038. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSG.2016.2624633

Hu D, Liu H, Zhu Y et al (2023) Demand response-oriented virtual power plant evaluation based on AdaBoost and BP neural network. Energy Rep 9:922–931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.05.012

Löschenbrand M (2021) A temporal neural network model for probabilistic multi-period forecasting of distributed energy resources. IEEE Access 9:147029–147041. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3121988

Amparore EG, Cinus F, Maestri C, et al (2021) Forecast of distributed energy generation and consumption in a partially observable electrical grid: a machine learning approach. In: 2021 IEEE Madrid PowerTech. pp 1–6

Vardhan BVS, Khedkar M, Srivastava I (2021) Cost effective day-ahead scheduling with stochastic load and intermittency forecasting for distribution system considering distributed energy resources. Energy Sour Part Recov Util Environ Eff. https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2021.1983669

Tripathy DS, Prusty BR (2021) Chapter 10—forecasting of renewable generation for applications in smart grid power systems. In: Tomar A, Kandari R (eds) Advances in smart grid power system. Academic Press, pp 265–298

Chapter   Google Scholar  

Zhou B, Meng Y, Huang W et al (2021) multi-energy net load forecasting for integrated local energy systems with heterogeneous prosumers. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 126:106542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2020.106542

Akhtar I, Kirmani S, Ahmad M, Ahmad S (2021) Average monthly wind power forecasting using fuzzy approach. IEEE Access 9:30426–30440. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3056562

Inteha A, Nahid-Al-Masood HF, Khan IA (2022) A data driven approach for day ahead short-term load forecasting. IEEE Access 10:84227–84243. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3197609

Abbasipour M, Igder MA, Liang X (2021) A novel hybrid neural network-based day-ahead wind speed forecasting technique. IEEE Access 9:151142–151154. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3126747

Nespoli A, Leva S, Mussetta M, Ogliari EGC (2022) A selective ensemble approach for accuracy improvement and computational load reduction in ANN-based PV power forecasting. IEEE Access 10:32900–32911. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3158364

Zheng J, Du J, Wang B et al (2023) A hybrid framework for forecasting power generation of multiple renewable energy sources. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 172:113046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.113046

Maanavi M, Najafi A, Godina R et al (2019) Energy management of virtual power plant considering distributed generation sizing and pricing. Appl Sci 9:2817. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9142817

Raab AF, Ferdowsi M, Karfopoulos E, et al (2011) Virtual power plant control concepts with electric vehicles. In: 2011 16th international conference on intelligent system applications to power systems. pp 1–6

Béguin A, Nicolet C, Kawkabani B, Avellan F (2014) Virtual power plant with pumped storage power plant for renewable energy integration. In: 2014 international conference on electrical machines (ICEM). pp 1736–1742

Zafred K, Nieto-Martin J, Butans E (2016) Electric vehicles—effects on domestic low voltage networks. In: 2016 IEEE international energy conference (ENERGYCON). pp 1–6

Liu Z, Zheng W, Qi F et al (2018) Optimal dispatch of a virtual power plant considering demand response and carbon trading. Energies 11:1488. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11061488

Shropshire D, Purvins A, Papaioannou I, Maschio I (2012) Benefits and cost implications from integrating small flexible nuclear reactors with offshore wind farms in a virtual power plant. Energy Policy 46:558–573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2012.04.037

Rappaport RD, Miles J (2017) Cloud energy storage for grid scale applications in the UK. Energy Policy 109:609–622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2017.07.044

Mazzi N, Trivella A, Morales JM (2019) Enabling active/passive electricity trading in dual-price balancing markets. IEEE Trans Power Syst 34:1980–1990. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2018.2888937

Sun G, Qian W, Huang W et al (2019) Stochastic adaptive robust dispatch for virtual power plants using the binding scenario identification approach. Energies 12:1918. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12101918

Liu J, Li J, Xiang Y et al (2019) Optimal sizing of cascade hydropower and distributed photovoltaic included virtual power plant considering investments and complementary benefits in electricity markets. Energies 12:952. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12050952

Pandžić H, Morales JM, Conejo AJ, Kuzle I (2013) Offering model for a virtual power plant based on stochastic programming. Appl Energy 105:282–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.12.077

Handschin E, Neise F, Neumann H, Schultz R (2006) Optimal operation of dispersed generation under uncertainty using mathematical programming. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 28:618–626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2006.03.003

Schulz C, Roder G, Kurrat M (2005) Virtual power plants with combined heat and power micro-units. In: 2005 international conference on future power systems. pp 5

Hany Elgamal A, Kocher-Oberlehner G, Robu V, Andoni M (2019) Optimization of a multiple-scale renewable energy-based virtual power plant in the UK. Appl Energy 256:113973. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113973

Zhang J, Xu Z, Xu W et al (2019) Bi-objective dispatch of multi-energy virtual power plant: deep-learning-based prediction and particle swarm optimization. Appl Sci 9:292. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9020292

Fang F, Yu S, Liu M (2020) An improved Shapley value-based profit allocation method for CHP-VPP. Energy 213:118805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.118805

Liu C, Yang RJ, Yu X et al (2021) Virtual power plants for a sustainable urban future. Sustain Cities Soc 65:102640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102640

Collath N, Tepe B, Englberger S et al (2022) Aging aware operation of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems: a review. J Energy Storage 55:105634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2022.105634

Stroe DI (2014) Lifetime models for lithium-ion batteries used in virtual power plant applications. Aalborg University, Department of Energy Technology

Behi B, Arefi A, Jennings P, et al (2020) Consumer engagement in virtual power plants through gamification. In: 2020 5th international conference on power and renewable energy (ICPRE). pp 131–137

Zurborg A (2010) Unlocking customer value: the virtual power plant. PowerWorld. https://www.energy.gov/oe/articles/unlocking-customer-value-virtual-power-plant

Henderson K, Loreau M (2023) A model of sustainable development goals: challenges and opportunities in promoting human well-being and environmental sustainability. Ecol Model 475:110164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110164

Onu Fergus U, Akpan Abasiam G (2017) Leveraging ICT for power delivery and electrification in Africa: cyber security, privacy and data protection. Int J Res 4:912–915

Sharghivand N, Derakhshan F (2021) Data security and privacy in industrial IoT. In: Karimipour H, Derakhshan F (eds) AI-enabled threat detection and security analysis for industrial IoT. Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp 21–39

Yang Q, Wang H, Wang T et al (2021) Blockchain-based decentralized energy management platform for residential distributed energy resources in a virtual power plant. Appl Energy 294:117026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117026

Maglaras LA, Ferrag MA, Janicke H et al (2022) Reliability, security, and privacy in power grids. Computer 55:85–88. https://doi.org/10.1109/MC.2022.3184425

Tufail S, Parvez I, Batool S, Sarwat A (2021) A survey on cybersecurity challenges, detection, and mitigation techniques for the smart grid. Energies 14:5894. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185894

Alfiah F, Prastiwi NR (2022) Cyber security in smart grid technology: a systematic review. Int J Cyber IT Serv Manag 2:48–54

Khare U, Malviya A, Kumar Gawre S, Arya A (2023) Cyber physical security of a smart grid: a review. In: 2023 IEEE international students’ conference on electrical, electronics and computer science (SCEECS). pp 1–6

Shi J, Ma L, Li C et al (2022) A comprehensive review of standards for distributed energy resource grid-integration and microgrid. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 170:112957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112957

Saqib N, Duran IA, Sharif I (2022) Influence of energy structure, environmental regulations, and human capital on ecological sustainability in EKC framework; evidence from MINT countries. Front Environ Sci 10:968405

Patel S, Parkins JR (2023) Assessing motivations and barriers to renewable energy development: insights from a survey of municipal decision-makers in Alberta, Canada. Energy Rep 9:5788–5798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.05.027

Sikorski T, Jasiński M, Ropuszyńska-Surma E et al (2020) A case study on distributed energy resources and energy-storage systems in a virtual power plant concept: technical aspects. Energies 13:3086. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13123086

Lin J, Zhang S, Yang B, et al (2021) Customer-side energy management considering the availability of renewable virtual power plants. In: Retracted on September 15, 2021the sixth international conference on information management and technology. association for computing machinery, New York, NY, USA, pp 1–5

Liu X (2022) Research on optimal dispatch method of virtual power plant considering various energy complementary and energy low carbonization. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 136:107670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2021.107670

Iraklis C, Smend J, Almarzooqi A, Ghaoud T (2021) Optimal scheduling of synthetic reserves provided by virtual power plants. In: 2021 international conference on electrical, computer, communications and mechatronics engineering (ICECCME). pp 1–7

Rahimi M, Ardakani FJ, Ardakani AJ (2021) Optimal stochastic scheduling of electrical and thermal renewable and non-renewable resources in virtual power plant. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 127:106658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2020.106658

Dunnan L, Yuan G, Weiye W, Jiahao L (2021) Optimal scheduling method of virtual power plant based on bi level programming. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci 687:012141. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/687/1/012141

Zhang Y, Liu F, Wang Z et al (2022) Robust scheduling of virtual power plant under exogenous and endogenous uncertainties. IEEE Trans Power Syst 37:1311–1325. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2021.3105418

Abdolrasol GMM, Hannan MA, Hussain SMS et al (2021) Energy management scheduling for microgrids in the virtual power plant system using artificial neural networks. Energies 14:6507. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206507

Heydarian-Forushani E, Elghali SB, Zerrougui M, et al (2021) A centralized-stochastic solution for smart energy management in a virtual power plant. In: 2021 IEEE international conference on environment and electrical engineering and 2021 IEEE industrial and commercial power systems Europe (EEEIC/I&CPS Europe). pp 1–5

Ul Ali Binte Wasif J, Kazmi SAA, Altamimi A et al (2022) Smart energy management in virtual power plant paradigm with a new improved multilevel optimization based approach. IEEE Access 10:50062–50077. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3169707

Yin S, Ai Q, Li Z et al (2020) Energy management for aggregate prosumers in a virtual power plant: a robust Stackelberg game approach. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 117:105605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2019.105605

Oshnoei A, Kheradmandi M, Blaabjerg F et al (2022) Coordinated control scheme for provision of frequency regulation service by virtual power plants. Appl Energy 325:119734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119734

Hu Q, Han R, Quan X et al (2022) Grid-forming inverter enabled virtual power plants with inertia support capability. IEEE Trans Smart Grid 13:4134–4143. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSG.2022.3141414

Chen W, Qiu J, Zhao J et al (2021) Bargaining game-based profit allocation of virtual power plant in frequency regulation market considering battery cycle life. IEEE Trans Smart Grid 12:2913–2928. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSG.2021.3053000

Yang J, Zheng Q, Zhao J, et al (2017) Control strategy of virtual power plant participating in the system frequency regulation service. In: 2017 4th international conference on systems and informatics (ICSAI). pp 324–328

Jiazhen Wang, Xinwei Shen, Yinliang Xu, et al (2018) Ancillary service for frequency regulation based on multi-energy virtual power plant aggregating factory load. In: 11th IET international conference on advances in power system control, operation and management (APSCOM 2018). Institution of Engineering and Technology, Hong Kong, China, p 51 (7 pp.)-51 (7 pp.)

Zhong W, Tzounas G, Milano F (2022) Improving the power system dynamic response through a combined voltage-frequency control of distributed energy resources. IEEE Trans Power Syst 37:4375–4384. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2022.3148243

Liu Q, Wang Y, Wang S et al (2022) Voltage regulation strategy for DC distribution networks based on coordination of centralized control and adaptive droop control. IEEE Trans Power Deliv 37:3730–3739. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRD.2021.3135884

Guili Y, Sixuan C, Xiaoxuan D (2021) Research on two-stage game strategy of virtual power plant in deep peak regulation auxiliary service market. E3S Web Conf 256:01026. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202125601026

Li Y, Deng Y, Wang Y et al (2023) Robust bidding strategy for multi-energy virtual power plant in peak-regulation ancillary service market considering uncertainties. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 151:109101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2023.109101

Ya L, Deliang Z, Xuanyuan W (2019) A peak regulation ancillary service optimal dispatch method of virtual power plant based on reinforcement learning. In: 2019 IEEE innovative smart grid technologies—Asia (ISGT Asia). pp 4356–4361

Rashidizadeh-Kermani H, Vahedipour-Dahraie M, Shafie-khah M, et al (2020) Optimal scheduling of a virtual power plant with demand response in short-term electricity market. In: 2020 IEEE 20th Mediterranean electrotechnical conference (MELECON). pp 599–604

Liu H, Khan AR, Aslam S et al (2022) Financial impact of energy efficiency and energy policies aimed at power sector reforms: mediating role of financing in the power sector. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29:18891–18904. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16882-z

Michael NE, Hasan S, Al-Durra A, Mishra M (2023) Economic scheduling of virtual power plant in day-ahead and real-time markets considering uncertainties in electrical parameters. Energy Rep 9:3837–3850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.02.092

Hadayeghparast S, SoltaniNejad Farsangi A, Shayanfar H (2019) Day-ahead stochastic multi-objective economic/emission operational scheduling of a large scale virtual power plant. Energy 172:630–646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.143

Yang D, He S, Wang M, Pandžić H (2020) Bidding strategy for virtual power plant considering the large-scale integrations of electric vehicles. IEEE Trans Ind Appl 56:5890–5900. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2020.2993532

Shayegan-Rad A, Badri A, Zangeneh A (2017) Day-ahead scheduling of virtual power plant in joint energy and regulation reserve markets under uncertainties. Energy 121:114–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.01.006

Dabhi D, Pandya K (2020) Metaheuristic optimization algorithm for day-ahead energy resource management (ERM) in microgrid environment of power system. In: Mehta A, Rawat A, Chauhan P (eds) Recent advances in communication infrastructure. Springer, Singapore, pp 115–125

Tajeddini MA, Rahimi-Kian A, Soroudi A (2014) Risk averse optimal operation of a virtual power plant using two stage stochastic programming. Energy 73:958–967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.06.110

Zhou B, Liu X, Cao Y et al (2016) Optimal scheduling of virtual power plant with battery degradation cost. IET Gener Transm Distrib 10:712–725. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2015.0103

Heredia F-J, Cuadrado MD, Corchero C (2018) On optimal participation in the electricity markets of wind power plants with battery energy storage systems. Comput Oper Res 96:316–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cor.2018.03.004

Fusco A, Gioffrè D, Francesco Castelli A et al (2023) A multi-stage stochastic programming model for the unit commitment of conventional and virtual power plants bidding in the day-ahead and ancillary services markets. Appl Energy 336:120739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120739

Jia H, Wang X, Zhang X, Liu D (2023) Optimal operation of virtual power plants participating in auxiliary service market coordinating with energy storage allocation. In: Jia H, Wang X, Zhang X, Liu D (eds) Business models and reliable operation of virtual power plants. Singapore, Springer Nature, pp 69–90

Baringo A, Baringo L, Arroyo JM (2019) Day-ahead self-scheduling of a virtual power plant in energy and reserve electricity markets under uncertainty. IEEE Trans Power Syst 34:1881–1894. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2018.2883753

Alahyari A, Ehsan M, Mousavizadeh M (2019) A hybrid storage-wind virtual power plant (VPP) participation in the electricity markets: a self-scheduling optimization considering price, renewable generation, and electric vehicles uncertainties. J Energy Storage 25:100812. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2019.100812

Ju L, Tan Q, Lu Y et al (2019) A CVaR-robust-based multi-objective optimization model and three-stage solution algorithm for a virtual power plant considering uncertainties and carbon emission allowances. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 107:628–643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2018.12.012

Zhou Y, Wei Z, Sun G et al (2019) Four-level robust model for a virtual power plant in energy and reserve markets. IET Gener Transm Distrib 13:2036–2043. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2018.5197

(2021) Optimal scheduling of synthetic reserves provided by virtual power plants. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICECCME52200.2021.9591118

Ziegler C, Richter A, Hauer I, Wolter M (2018) Technical integration of virtual power plants enhanced by energy storages into German system operation with regard to following the schedule in intra-day. In: 2018 53rd international universities power engineering conference (UPEC). pp 1–6

Wozabal D, Rameseder G (2020) Optimal bidding of a virtual power plant on the Spanish day-ahead and intraday market for electricity. Eur J Oper Res 280:639–655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2019.07.022

Article   MathSciNet   Google Scholar  

Toubeau J-F, De Grève Z, Vallée F (2018) Medium-term multimarket optimization for virtual power plants: a stochastic-based decision environment. IEEE Trans Power Syst 33:1399–1410. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2017.2718246

Ko R, Kang D, Joo S-K (2019) Mixed integer quadratic programming based scheduling methods for day-ahead bidding and intra-day operation of virtual power plant. Energies 12:1410. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12081410

Kong X, Xiao J, Wang C et al (2019) Bi-level multi-time scale scheduling method based on bidding for multi-operator virtual power plant. Appl Energy 249:178–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.04.130

Rahimiyan M, Baringo L (2019) Real-time energy management of a smart virtual power plant. IET Gener Transm Distrib 13:2015–2023. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2018.5637

Tang W, Yang H-T (2019) Optimal operation and bidding strategy of a virtual power plant integrated with energy storage systems and elasticity demand response. IEEE Access 7:79798–79809. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2922700

Gao R, Guo H, Zhang R et al (2019) A two-stage dispatch mechanism for virtual power plant utilizing the CVaR Theory in the electricity spot market. Energies 12:3402. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12173402

Hu J, Jiang C, Liu Y (2019) Short-term bidding strategy for a price-maker virtual power plant based on interval optimization. Energies 12:3662. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12193662

Wu H, Liu X, Ye B, Xu B (2020) Optimal dispatch and bidding strategy of a virtual power plant based on a Stackelberg game. IET Gener Transm Distrib 14:552–563. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2019.0493

Virtual Power Plants: The Future of Renewable Power? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/virtual-power-plants-future-renewable-ashik-kalam . Accessed 19 Sept 2023

Download references

Acknowledgements

Authors express their sincere gratitude to Professor Farrag of School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University for proofreading and providing valuable insights in enhancing the accuracy, clarity, and readability of this manuscript.

Open access funding provided by The Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) in cooperation with The Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB).

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology, New Borg El-Arab City, Egypt

Sobhy Abdelkader, Jeremiah Amissah & Omar Abdel-Rahim

Electrical Engineering Department, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt

Sobhy Abdelkader

Electrical Engineering Department, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt

Omar Abdel-Rahim

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

SA set the main topic of the paper. JA searched for and collected most of the references. All authors contributed in analysis and writing. OA and SA worked on the review comments and carried out the required amendments. All the authors reviewed and approved the final version before submission.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sobhy Abdelkader .

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Abdelkader, S., Amissah, J. & Abdel-Rahim, O. Virtual power plants: an in-depth analysis of their advancements and importance as crucial players in modern power systems. Energ Sustain Soc 14 , 52 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-024-00483-y

Download citation

Received : 14 August 2023

Accepted : 07 August 2024

Published : 27 August 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-024-00483-y

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Contemporary power systems
• Virtual power plants

Energy, Sustainability and Society

ISSN: 2192-0567

• General enquiries: [email protected]