Basics of Preparing Research Paper or Journal
- 2. Research paper may refer to: Academic paper :(also called scholarly paper), which is published in academic journals and contains original research results or reviews existing results or show a totally new invention. Position paper, essay that represents the author's opinion. Term paper ,written by high school or college students. Thesis or dissertation, a document submitted in support of a candidature for a degree or professional qualification, presenting the author's research and findings.
- 3. • Getting ready with data • First Draft • Structure of a scientific paper • Selecting a journal • Submission • Revision and galley proof
- 4. Gather all important data, analyses, plots and tables Organize results so that they follow a logical sequence (this may or may not be in the order of experiments conducted) Consolidate data plots and create figures for the manuscript (Limit the number of total figures (6-8 is usually a good number). Include additional data, multimedia in the Supporting Information.) Discuss the data with your advisor and note down important points.
- 5. It takes a wise man to know whether he has found a ROPE or LOST A MULE. - Anonymous quote
- 6. Identify two or three important findings emerging from the experiments. Note good and bad writing styles in the literature. Note the readership of the journal that you are considering to publish your work Prepare figures, schemes and tables in a professional manner.
- 7. Title Abstract TOC Graphics Introduction Experimental Section (Some papers require this section to be at the end) Results and Discussion Conclusions Acknowledgments References Supporting Information
- 8. Compose a title that is simple, attractive and accurately reflects the investigation -Phrases to avoid: Investigation, Study, Novel, Facile etc. - Avoid Acronyms that are known only to specialized community Which of these two titles make you read the
- 9. First couple of sentences should focus on what the study is about. Include major findings in a style that a general readership can read and understand (i.e., avoid detailed experimental procedures and data.) Keep it short and effective. -Be creative in generating curiosity
- 10. Introduction • Start the section with a general background of the topic. • Add 2-3 paragraphs that discuss previous work. • Point out issues that are being addressed in the present work. Experimental Section • Divide this section into Materials & Methods, Characterization, Measurements and Data analysis Results and Discussion (These two sections can be combined or separate) • Describe the results in detail and include a healthy, detailed discussion
- 11. • The order of figures should follow the discussion themes and not the sequence they were conducted • Discuss how your data compare or contrast with previous results. • Include schemes, photographs to enhance the scope of discussion. Conclusion Include major findings followed by brief discussion on future perspectives and/or application of present work to other disciplines. Important: Do not rewrite the abstract. Statements with “Investigated” or “Studied” are not conclusions! .
- 12. Acknowledgments Remember to thank the funding agency and Colleagues/scientists/technicians who might have provided assistance References :The styles vary for different journals. (Use ENDNOTE, RefWorks) Some journals require complete titles of the cited references. Please check for the accuracy of all citations Supporting Information Include methods, analysis, blank experiments, additional data. Supporting Information: Include methods, analysis, blank experiments, additional data.
- 13. Each journal specializes in a specific area of research. Hence its readership varies. A proper choice of journal can make a larger impact of your research. Get to know the focus and readership of the journal that you are considering. - general vs. specialized area journal. Select 2 or 3 journals in the chosen area with relatively high impact factors. Discuss with your advisor and decide on the journal. Find out the journal’s submission criteria and format Tip: Does your references cite journals in the appropriate area?
- 14. Read the finalized paper carefully. Check for accuracy of figures and captions. Are the figures correctly referred to in the text? Get feedback from advisor and colleagues. Make sure the paper is read by at least one or two colleagues who is not familiar with the specific work. Provide a cover letter to the editor along with a brief paragraph highlighting the importance of this work and names of possible reviewers. Submit the paper online along with copyright form.
- 15. • The manuscript is usually reviewed by 2-3 reviewers • Reviewers point out deficiencies and/or suggestions to improve the scientific content • Read their comments carefully. (If reviewer misunderstands a point, the point probably needs revision or additional support.) -Do not blame the reviewer for his/her misunderstanding! • Be polite and respectful when disagreeing a reviewer’s comment • Include a point-by-point explanation of changes made in the text in response to reviewers’ comments • Once again, carefully read the paper for its accuracy in presenting the data • Submit the revised version • Once accepted for publication you should receive the galley proof within a month. This is one last chance to make any final corrections.
- 16. • Data without scientific discussion, applications of data, or reviews of the literature are not sufficient. • Routine synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials or studies that report incremental advance are not considered suitable for publication. • Use of the phrase “Novel” or “First-time” in the title or abstract. Such descriptions do not impress the reader or the reviewer. (Other over used phrases “One-pot synthesis”, “Facile” ) • Names of flowers, fruits and vegetables to describe the nanoparticle/nanostructure shapes/morphology