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Writing For Publication Workshop. STEM Discipline. Workshop Overview. Workshop Audience. This Workshop is aimed at Early Career Academics in the STEM Discipline: Biosciences Built Environment Computing Engineering GEES MSOR Physical Sciences Psychology etc. Workshop Objectives.
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Writing For Publication Workshop • STEM Discipline
Workshop Audience • This Workshop is aimed at Early Career Academics in the STEM Discipline: • Biosciences • Built Environment • Computing • Engineering • GEES • MSOR • Physical Sciences • Psychology etc
Workshop Objectives • 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…
Important Note You are encouraged to ask questions and to discuss this workshop with your colleagues!
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
Workshop Design • 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
Not For Sheep • 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
The Half Century! • 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
Three Fields Of Excellence • 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
Excellence In Teaching • 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 Administration • 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 Research • 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
What 40 Hours? • 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
Need To Work Smartly • 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 emails and e-learning activities • Get On With Everyone • Internal contacts are important
Make Sure You Have A PhD • 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
The Final Factor… • 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!