How to get published (edition 2 - online)
Content
The online version consists of pre-recorded sessions and several assignments, with the help of online tools such as google sheets, google docs and an online forum. In addition, there will be a 45-minute individual session with dr. Anton Froeyman for each participant, with a large number of time slots to choose from.
The following aspects of the publication process will be covered:
1) How to pick a journal
In this part, we tackle the subject of how to pick the right journal. The students are introduced to the different factors that determine journal choice (such as journal rankings, subject matter, acceptance rate, review time, ...). One by one, these factors are analyzed, after which a number of online tools are presented to help the students select a journal. The result is a general method or algorithm that can be used to pick the best journal for a specific paper.
2) How to write your paper
This part addresses the actual writing of the paper. It offers a large number of tips on how to write clearly and concisely, and how to avoid being misunderstood. The approach to writing is top-down, starting from the general explanatory structure of the paper, before moving on to explain how this structure can be translated into concise and consistent writing. This is by far the most extensive part of the course, and includes theory, examples, personal assignments and instruction in the use of various online writing tools.
2.5) Graphs, Tables Figures etc.
This (rather short part) offers some tips and pointers on how to make effective use of visuals, such as graphs, tables, figures etc.
3) How to write an abstract
In this part, we take a look at the writing of an abstract. We discuss why it is important to have a good abstract, and how to write one. The focus is on the relation between the structure of an abstract, a paper, and the research presented there.
4) Paper written, what now?
This part treats the process and events between the stage of the writing process and the acceptance of a paper by a journal. It offers advice on how to get quality feedback, and how to integrate this feedback in your paper. It also focuses on the review process itself, with particular emphasis on the ‘decoding’ of rejection letters, the importance of which is often underestimated.
5) Paper published, what now?
At this stage of the workshop, we focus on the afterlife of the research paper. The students are introduced to the general academic context, the essential role of citations (including a discussion on the H-Index), why it is important to get cited, and how to track your citations.
Learning outcomes
After attending this workshop, you will ...
- will gain insight into journals that are the most appropriate to submit your publication to,
- have knowledge about communicating the result of your research in an efficient and concise way to your peers,
- will acquire knowledge about how to engage productively and efficiently with feedback on your publications,
- are able to derive the intention of a journal editor from unclear rejection letters,
- will gain insight in the differences in style and writing between a paper and an abstract,
- will be able to develop a strategy to promote and disseminate your published papers.
Competences
An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:
- Academic research skills:
- publication skills
- interpersonal competences:
- written communication
- oral communication
- personal effectiveness:
- autonomy
Practicalities
For whom?
- PhD students and postdocs who have already written a sample of a paper, abstract,... in English to discuss with the trainer.
- 15 places available
When and where?
- This self-paced online workshop lasts for two weeks and will take place from July 8 until July 19, 2024.
Registration?
- Register here from March 21 until June 10.
- As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email after the registration deadline has passed.
- Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).
Acknowledged as?
- DS S&T: category 'scientific & generic communication' - course about scientific and generic communication
- DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - compulsory elective course
- DS BSH: category 'research management & communication skills' - course/workshop aimed at developing research (management) skills