How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper Scholarly Editing and Translation ServicesWe Edit We Educate www.editingindia.com
What is scientific writing Technical writing by scientists Audience include peers/other scientists
Research →a two-way process Need to be received ↔to be understood Communicate new scientific findings As precisely as possible Neither literature nor poetry Clearly stated problem Precise and accurate conclusion New knowledge to be shared “for the first time” Publication = ultimate reward of scientific research
What is a scientific paper Definition: A written and published report describing
original research results Criteria: The report must be the first publication of original research results Aim: To publish in a journal/other source document readily available within the scientific community
Origins of scientific writing Knowledge is lost without written records Started in the 14th century First science journal:1665 Evolution shows the trend from Ancient Greece to the Middle Ages, and finally to the invention of the printing press
IMRAD IMRAD [Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion] Highly structured and rigid (originality in the content not in the form) Requested by most editors because of simplicity Most logical method to communicate research results An easy roadmap for authors – editors – referees – readers Introduction (Provides context and rationale for the study) Methods (Describes the experimental design and
experimental procedures for the reproducibility of results) Results (Summarizes the findings without interpretation) And Discussion (Interprets the study findings)
A bird’s eye view Essential parts of scientific writing include the following: Title: Describes concisely the core contents of the paper with fewest possible words Abstract: Summarizes the major elements of the paper, which leaves an impact on the readers; self-contained Introduction: Provides context and rationale for the study Materials: Describes the experimental design so it is reproducible Methods: Describes the experimental procedures
A bird’s eye view Results: Summarizes the findings without interpretation
Discussion: Interprets the study findings Summary: Summarizes the findings
Acknowledgement: Gives credit to advisors; to those who
helped in writing/collecting data; and to those who helped financially References: Lists all scientific papers, books, and websites that have been cited
Role of editors To check for grammar
Ensure there are no mis-spelt words Do away with wordiness/redundant words
Check for style and formatting on the basis of journal
guidelines Check facts and raise queries with the author See that all tables/figures/references/appendixes are cited check illustrations and captions are correct
Editors must have: Excellent written English, including good spelling and
grammar A meticulous approach to their work and an eye for detail The ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines A love of and feel for language.
Importance of correct language Avoid a complex sentence structure Use simple and clear English Punctuate the sentences correctly
Always keep in mind that the
paragraph is the essential unit of thought Poor experimentation cannot be masked by brilliant writing. BUT, poor writing can mask brilliant experimentation
Outline What is scientific writing
What is a scientific paper Origins of scientific writing
IMRAD A bird’s eye view
Role of editors Importance of correct language Outline