Sharing Your Results – Virtual Research Library

Preparing and Submitting a Manuscript

How do I write and submit a manuscript for publication?

Key Points

The standard format is endorsed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), which is followed by most of the standard journals.
Most guidelines are almost similar to ICMJE protocol with some specific variation to individual journals which the author must acknowledge.
The author should also be aware of ethical issues while making submissions to different journals at the same time.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

International Committee of Medical Journal Editors standards for preparing a manuscript for submission to a medical journal.
Yale university press guidelines for manuscript preparation.
How to write a research paper: A to Z of Academic writing.
Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), guide to ethical issues on multiple submissions.
Six things to do before writing a manuscript, shared by Elsevier.

Videos

Journal of Nepal Medical Association (JNMA) video guide to submit manuscript [Nepali version].

Relevant Publications

Jirge, P.R. (2017). Preparing and publishing a scientific manuscript. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 10(1): 3-9.

Preparing the Response to Reviewers/Responding to Feedback

How do I respond to reviewer feedback and prepare a re-submission?

Key Points

Writing a reviewer response follows sets of principles that need to be understood by all researchers.
There are guidelines and a set of simple rules which help an author respond to reviewer comments in a professional way.
Some sample responses can be a guide while writing such reviews.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

This highlights ten simple rules for writing a response to reviewers, a simple guide shared by PLOS Computational Biology.
The Peer Review journal shares guidelines and explanations for understanding reviewer feedback.
Four simple steps to answer reviewer comments – the “CALM” way, from Elsevier.

Videos

Memorial University’s video series on tips and tricks to responding to reviewer comments.
A great tip from a graduate regarding writing a response to a reviewer with templates and examples.

Templates and Examples

Template shared by PLOS journal regarding how to write peer review.
Sample response to reviewer shared by the American Psychological Association.
Sample response to reviewer comments shared by British Medical Journal.

Relevant Publications

Patino, C.M., Ferreira, J.C. (2019). Writing an effective response to reviewers: The goal is to improve the study and get it published! Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia, 45(1): e20190020.

Preparing a Poster

How do I prepare an effective poster presentation?

Key Points

Posters are a method for presenting research findings in a written and visual way, as a hybrid between a paper and an oral presentation.
Posters rely on visual appeal and should contain minimal but large-printed text, and useful summative visuals.
Every poster should be tailored to the event that you are presenting for.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

How to Prepare & Present a Scientific Poster
- This resource discusses the format and specifications for designing scientific posters, including suggestions for the format, design, and graphics to include.
Scientific Poster Building
- A run-down from the University of Pittsburgh on scientific poster content, with a focus on how to select and display representative data.
Guidelines for Poster Presenters A guide from Whitman University for undergraduate poster presentations. It considers key factors for poster design and presentation, like the software, layout, and writing style.
Poster and Presentation ResourcesThis website provides hyperlinks to many resources related to poster design, presentation, and general tips.

Videos

Designing an Effective Scientific Poster
- A 30-minute webinar from Research Medical Library that describes clear guidelines and instructions for poster design, as well as considerations from the conference host.
How to Make an Academic Poster in PowerPoint
- This is a quick “how-to” video for creating and formatting an academic poster using PowerPoint software.
- The video covers content and layout, fonts, alignment, and how to export as a PDF.

Templates and Examples

The Key Parts of a Scientific Poster
- This website provides free templates for scientific posters, as well as an outline of common sections for researchers who want to design their own.
Scientific Poster Design: Good and Bad Examples
- This 10-minute video walks through examples of good and bad posters, highlighting key aspects of successful poster design.

Preparing an Oral or Podium Presentation

How do I prepare an effective oral or podium presentation?

Key Points

An oral presentation (also referred to as a podium presentation) requires careful planning and practice, and a different skill set than the written format.
Podium presentations often accompany a slideshow or poster, which requires the researcher to condense their project into key bullet points and descriptive visuals.
A short, well-rehearsed, and clearly formatted oral presentation will set researchers apart at symposiums and conferences.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

Oral Presentation Resources
- A helpful repository with resources for first time presenters from George Washington University focused on the content and delivery of an oral presentation.
Ten Simple Rules for Making Good Oral Presentations
- A straightforward summary of how to effectively present research orally, with a focus on the delivery of the speech.
How to Deliver an Oral Presentation
- An article that covers both the content and format of a PowerPoint or poster, in addition to tips for the delivery of the oral presentation itself.

Videos

How to become a better scientific presenter – tips and tricks for scientists
- A 4-minute video that discusses holistic strategies for the presenter to calm their nerves, stay focused, and how to effectively deliver their presentation at a conference.
How to give a great oral presentation
- A short video from the Microbiology Society that takes viewers through three steps of a presentation: planning, practicing, and delivery.
How to give a good scientific talk
- A 5-minute video that discusses best practices for an oral presentation, what to include on the slides, and general rules of thumb for an engaging and concise scientific talk.

Templates and Examples

Giving the Podium Presentation
- An informative article on steps for success in an oral presentation, from the content of the slides, to how to dress, and tips for the oral delivery of the work. Accompanies this helpful checklist for an oral presentation.

Relevant Publications

Blome, C., Sondermann, H., & Augustin, M. (2017). Accepted standards on how to give a Medical Research Presentation: a systematic review of expert opinion papers. GMS Journal for Medical Education, 34(1), Doc11.
Knott, J. C., Taylor, D. M., & Simon, E. L. (2020). Conference presentations: A research primer for low- and middle-income countries. African Journal of Emergency Medicine, 10(Suppl 2), S158–S160.

International and Ethical Standards for Authors

What are important standards related to ethical publication and authorship?

Key Points

Publication in an academic journal is the final stage of any research study which helps build the foundation of evidence-based medicine.
There are some principles and standards for writing in an academic journal that apply to the research community all over the world.
Knowledge about the fundamental principles of the best scholarly writing is essential for all authors to develop the best scientific manuscript.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

This position statement, Responsible Research Publication: International Standards for Authors, describes the responsible reporting of scholarly research to promote research integrity.

Videos

Simple and clear explanation about various issues of publication ethics.
Precise explanation about international ethical standards with reference to various international organizations.

Online Courses

Writing in the Sciences – Free and self-paced online course from Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A.

Templates and Examples

This comprehensive library, Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research, contains various searchable databases of reporting guidelines according to the research type for the authors.
This White Paper on Publication Ethics is a very important paper by the Council of Science Editors for promoting research integrity worldwide.
Resources site from World Association of Medical Editors.

Relevant Publications

International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. (2019). Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals.
International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. (2021). Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors. Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals.

Selecting a Journal

How do I locate an academic journal to publish my research?

Key Points

Selecting an academic journal is an art that every researcher needs to develop during their academic career.
Researchers should be aware of different journal selection tools, bibliometric indicators, steps to good journal selection, and tips for getting published in high-impact journals.
Nowadays, predatory journals have started targeting authors in low- and middle-income countries to earn money via online publishing. These journals do not follow the ethical principles of publications. They need to be identified which requires a set of ideas and guidance.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

“Think. Check. Submit.” is a great initiative that helps researchers identify trusted journals and publishers along with practical resources that helps educate researchers and promote integrity in research.
This is content developed by Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association regarding best practice guides and principles that helps to identify a legitimate journal from a non-legitimate one.
British Medical Journal author hub provides guides and tips on how to choose a journal.
This is a copy of the list of potential predatory scholarly open-access publishers originally created by famous librarian Jeffrey Beall.

Videos

A webinar series from George Washington University’s Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library highlighting how to use different journal selection tools.
A Liège University Belgium academic describes on the topics of types of journals, bibliometric indicators, and steps to select good journals.
This 4-minute video highlights how to find different journal suggester search engines.
This is a 50-minute video from a European Association for the Study of Obesity researcher highlighting how to get published in high impact journal.

Relevant Publications

Suiter, A.M., & Sarli, C.C. (2019). Selecting a journal for publication: Criteria to consider. Missouri Medicine 116(6), 461-465.

Writing a Cover Letter

How do I write an effective cover letter when submitting a manuscript for publication?

Key Points

The cover letter is an important statement that needs to be submitted with the manuscript addressing the editor of the journal.
A cover letter is a brief introduction of the manuscript as well as the opportunity to convince journal editors for publication of the manuscript.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

Writing Cover Letters for Scientific Manuscripts
- A concise article about various components of a cover letter, including an outline and specific tips.
Prelude to a Good Story
- Short and clear explanation by the journal Nature Immunology about how to tailor the cover letter to appeal to journal editors.

Videos

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Journal Paper Submission
- This 8-minute video describes the importance of cover letters and explains how to write a convincing cover letter in a simple and understandable way.

Templates and Examples

Submissions | Journal of Nepal Medical Association
- This checklist from the Journal of Nepal Medical Association contains clear examples and complete templates for submitting a cover letter and manuscript.
Writing effective cover letters for journal submissions: Tips and a Word template
- A primer on cover letters from ThinkSCIENCE, which includes a Word template and specifications to keep in mind before submitting.

Relevant Publications

Nicholas, D. (2019). How to choose a journal and write a cover letter. Saudi Journal of Anesthesia, 13(5), 35-41.

How to Prepare and Submit an Abstract

How do I prepare and submit an effective abstract?

Key Points

An abstract is a short powerful statement that describes the purpose of the project, research problem, method, research problem, analysis, results, and their significance.
There are different styles of abstracts to choose from. Five common types are: Descriptive, Informative, Structured, Semi-structured, and Non-structured.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

Abstracts
- This introductory resource from the University of North Carolina Writing Center describes what an abstract is, how to write one, and special considerations for different types of abstracts whether written for an online journal, conference paper, book chapter, research grant application, dissertation, or thesis.
How to Write an Abstract for the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Conference
- This helpful website from the University of California Davis is geared toward writing abstracts for undergraduate research and conferences.
- It discusses what to include in the abstract, stylistic considerations, and reminders before submitting.

Videos

How to Write an Abstract for a Scientific Article
- This 6-minute video walks through components of a scientific abstract, focusing on the Background, Method, Results, and Conclusion.
How to Write an Abstract Step-by-Step
- This 10-minute video offers ten tips for preparing and submitting abstracts.
- It highlights certain requirements for the abstract, considering the audience, phrasing the research problem and methods, conciseness, keywords, and the importance of editing and proofreading.

Relevant Publications

Mack, C. A. (2012). How to write a good scientific paper: Title, abstract, and keywords. Journal of Micro/Nanolithography, MEMS, and MOEMS, 11(2), 020101.
Nagda S. (2013). How to write a scientific abstract. The Journal of the Indian Prosthodontic Society, 13(3), 382–383.

Selecting the Conference / Venue

How do I select the right opportunity to share and disseminate findings?

Key Points

Selecting the right research conference allows you to enhance the impact of your research, network, and even receive recognition for your work.
There are several factors to consider when selecting a conference, including your specialty, the location, accessibility and transportation, and venue amenities like Internet, audio-visual system, and flexible accommodations.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

Identifying Quality Conferences Tip Sheet
- This resource provides tips for selecting a conference based on the specific professional society or association, the timeline from abstract submission to a conference presentation, and awards offered.
- It also provides information for identifying and avoiding predatory conferences.
Choosing a Conference
- This blog post offers personal insights into considerations for conference selection, including the purpose of the conference, weighing the cost of attendance, and the financial or professional incentives available.

Videos

Strategies to Identify the Best Conference for You
- A 6-minute video that discusses strategies to select a conference strategically, considering your research focus, the potential for career advancement, and professional networking opportunities.
How to Choose the Best Conference
- A 20-minute video that details how to use digital libraries like the IET Digital Library and IEEE Xplore to search and select upcoming conferences according to your specialty.
Registry Verified Conferences
- This 21-minute video is geared toward conference organizers and describes the process for becoming registry-certified, an accreditation process that can benefit conference organizers.
- The video describes the benefits and important logistical details to work out prior to the conference.

Overview of Sharing Results

How do I best disseminate findings from my research?

Key Points

After concluding data collection and analysis, the research process is not over yet! Now that you have results, you need to share this information with your target audience, and the scholarly community.
It is important to consider how you want to present your findings, and which platform you will use, before starting research.
Connecting with other health researchers, attending conferences, and staying up to date with scientific publications are all ways to approach the result dissemination process.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

Scholarly Communication
- A brief, informative post from a U.S. university about how to avoid predatory publishers, protecting your research findings, and maintaining your academic integrity.

Videos

Research Dissemination – Reporting and Sharing Your Research
- A 3-minute video from The Primary Health Care Research and Information Service on considerations for research dissemination, including the message, the audience, platform, and timing of publication
Peer Review in 3 Minutes
- A 3-minute video that describes the purpose of research, and how to plan for research dissemination from the beginning. It also touches on the importance of peer review.
Dissemination: Get Out There and Strut Your Stuff!
- A 6-minute video that explains the purpose and process of research dissemination, especially in a healthcare context.

Relevant Publications

Burpee, K. J., Glushko, B., Goddard, L., Kehoe, I., & Moore, P. (2015). Outside the four corners: Exploring non-traditional scholarly communication. Scholarly and Research Communication, 6(2): 0201224.
- A 2015 article on alternative formats to share research, and the role of libraries and archives as valid sharing platforms.

Virtual Research Library

Category: Sharing Your Results

Key Points

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Relevant Publications

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Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Templates and Examples

Relevant Publications

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Relevant Publications

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Relevant Publications

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Relevant Publications

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Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Relevant Publications

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