Dr Liam Marnane Dean of Graduate Studies Publishing in The Boolean
What is The Boolean? A platform to share short accounts of research undertaken by doctoral students To be circulated principally, but not only, within UCC A part of the skills development programme for research students Not an academic journal Not peer-reviewed Not the final home of your research
Peer Reviewed Journal
Boolean Article
What is the purpose of The Boolean? Share knowledge about doctoral research within UCC Share knowledge about doctoral research beyond UCC with those who may be interested (e.g., stake-holders, employers) Develop non-academic communication skills Get practice with writing and publishing Get practice with editing and managing
Boolean Launch October 2014
39 Articles
The importance of communication to researchers Arguably, the most important part of research is the ability to communicate its outcomes effectively to those who need to know Otherwise, what is the point? Key is to understand your audience
The structured development of key skills: The Irish Universities’ PhD Skills Statement
The Irish Universities’ PhD Skills Statement
Dr Orla Murphy
What next? Check with your supervisor (NB form)!! Format to follow – use it carefully full Article to by 5.00pm Tuesday 9th June All articles will be reviewed by one academic staff member and one student Feedback by Early July Finalised Articles for Early September Received over 60 Abstracts Not all will be accepted Publication Volume 5 planned for November 2015
Agreement of your Supervisor
What are the key characteristics of articles for the journal? 4 – 5 Pages No References No Abstract Clarity Accessibility to the non-specialist (bridges between your knowledge and their background) Sense of interest and enthusiasm for the reader
The absence of peer-review Clarity to non-specialist key criterion for acceptance Not to interfere with formal publication Academic merit or correctness not being judged Reader not expected to reproduce work or follow it up as would an academic article Burden of proof not as high (i.e., no need for academic support measures such as statistics & references) Figures can be really useful (1,000 words etc.) if simple, clear and illustrative Permission Required for Photos, Diagrams Not being judged by peers with prior knowledge but by readers without it
How do articles for The Boolean compare to academic articles? Academic articlesBoolean articles Must be clear Specialist audienceGeneral audience Assume pre-knowledgeAssume no pre-knowledge Reader motivation academic Reader motivation personal interest Avoid the personal and remain aloof Greater room for emotion, metaphor, quotations, character if helps get the message across 21/05/15
How to make the reader empathise with your research? Relate to what they know Relate to their background Relate to how they can learn what you need them to know Build bridges from your research to their way of learning Use tricks which would not be used in academic articles (rhetoric, humour, analogy) Create an impression of confidence in the writer and belief in their message Journalism versus academic writing?
Handling authorship Title of article Student name and academic unit Final page Third year PhD student in the School/Department of XXX, under the supervision of Dr YYY and Prof ZZZ. Funding for this work was provided by **** (delete if not appropriate) 21/05/15
Ms Anne Marie Scarry
What next? full Article to by 5.00pm Tuesday 9th June Feedback by Early July Finalised Articles for Early September Publication Volume 5 planned for November 2015
Contact Details: Dr. Liam Marnane Dean of Graduate Studies and School of Engineering University College Cork