Writing For Publication Workshop STEM Discipline

Workshop Overview

This Workshop is aimed at Early Career Academics in the STEM Discipline: Biosciences Built Environment Computing Engineering GEES MSOR Physical Sciences Psychology etc Workshop Audience

By the end of the workshop, attendees should be familiar with: The important role that research plays within academia How to enhance personal and professional development by the production of academic research The variety of publication outlets available for research – and how to select the most appropriate outlet Methods to effectively produce research of a publishable standard How to become a known quantity in your institution and your academic discipline and much more… Workshop Objectives

You are encouraged to ask questions and to discuss this workshop with your colleagues! Important Note

What This Workshop Is Not!

… A step-by-step guide showing how to write a research paper There are lots of writing guides and textbooks which do this The focus is much more on the overall writing and publishing process And the purpose that this writing and publication process plays in early career professional development This Workshop Is Not…

This workshop deliberately does not duplicate the content and approach taken by textbooks There is lack of agreement in books about publication Many scholars and departments advocate different approaches The approach is deliberately modern and focused towards Early Career Academics in the STEM Discipline Focus on writing and publication Contributions towards career development Productivity in writing Working in the Web 2.0 world Workshop Design

Working, teaching and researching exactly the same as every other academic is unlikely to be a recipe for success Need to stand out in some form Must be visible and active in your own institution Being innovative is rewarded Not For Sheep

The Career Academic

The typical academic starting their career now will be working for close to 50 years This assumes a typical career path and continual rises in retirement ages Career planning is important! A publication record offers: Flexibility in role and location of work Opportunities for promotion Career prospects outside academia The Half Century!

Academics are generally expected to work in three areas: Teaching Administration Research Prospects early on in an academic career depend on demonstrating excellence in all three of these areas Three Fields Of Excellence

This is the main role of an academic – and the quality of teaching always has to come first Carefully designed and planned modules Well-prepared lectures Engaging seminar and practical activities Support for students Online learning resources Students are making substantial investments to attend university Excellence In Teaching

An ambitious academic will take on additional roles Module coordinator Course director Quality officer Health and safety officer External examiner For those people aspiring to academic management levels – much of this is a senior administrative role Excellence In Administration

Research is generally a requirement for new academics It is also a highly rewarding experience Provides the opportunity to find out more about a field of personal interest Offers new perspectives to include in teaching Allows contact with other people active in the field Academic research allows you to build up your own reputation and that of your institution Excellence In Research

The First Few Years

Working in academia is a “labour of love” It has never been a 9 to 5 job The first few years of an academic career will require a greater time investment Writing lecture notes for the first time Getting familiar with internal policies and processes Developing a reputation What 40 Hours?

Use all the time that is available to you Include time spent travelling Excellent for staying up-to-date with academic literature Make use of spare moments of class time Undertake administrative responsibilities Catch up with s and e-learning activities Get On With Everyone Internal contacts are important Need To Work Smartly

Generally, this is an entry requirement for academia Students expect their teaching staff to have attained this level Absolutely essential for further promotion If you don’t have a PhD, obtain one Will be hard work… … But you can publish based on this Make Sure You Have A PhD

The Academic Success Secret

The factor for success is Self Promotion! Everything about success for the career academic is related to visibility You need to be noticed! Get Involved! Throw yourself into opportunities Join steering groups and be vocal at meetings Volunteer Market yourself! The Final Factor…

Any Questions?