Overcoming fears: a pathway to publishing for early career researchers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present reflections of five early career researchers on the challenges of journal publishing and how to tackle them. Design/methodology/approach The authors attended a participatory workshop on demystifying academic publications. Working individually and in groups the authors shared, discussed, analysed, visualised and ranked perceived challenges and opportunities concerning academic publishing. The authors then delved into the existing literature on the subject. Following their enhanced understanding of the area, the authors reflected on the experience and learnings. Findings Personal confidence relating to the development of a scholarly identity was found to be a critical factor in the attitude towards journal publishing. Supervisory and peer support, accessibility to journal editors, as well as opportunities to reflect on the writing, publishing and peer review processes through participatory workshops and writing groups, were deemed more effective than formal and conventional guidance schemes. Research limitations/implications This work adds to the available literature regarding the issue of academic publishing for PhD students and early career researchers. Originality/value The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of issues surrounding publishing apprehension, by laying out thoughts that are seldom expressed.

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Scholarly communication in the digital environment

Aslib Proceedings ◽

10.1108/00012530510634226 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 481-497 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Ian Rowlands ◽

David Nicholas

Keyword(s):

Open Access ◽

Scholarly Communication ◽

Open Access Publishing ◽

Substantial Contribution ◽

Disciplinary Culture ◽

Content Type ◽

Journal Publishing ◽

Institutional Repositories ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Regional Location

PurposeThis paper aims to make a substantial contribution to the ongoing debate about the potential of open access publishing and institutional repositories to reform the scholarly communication system. It presents the views of senior authors on these issues and contextualises them within the broader framework of their journal publishing behaviour and preferences.Design/methodology/approachA highly representative online opinion survey of more than five and half thousand journals authors, building on an earlier (January 2004) benchmarking study carried out by CIBER.FindingsSenior researchers are rapidly becoming more informed about open access publishing and institutional repositories but are still a long way off reaching a consensus on the likelihood that these new models will challenge the existing order, nor are they in agreement whether this would be a positive or a negative development. Disciplinary culture and, to a less extent, regional location are key determinants of author attitudes and any policy response should avoid “one‐size‐fits‐all” solutions.Research limitations/implicationsThis survey reflects the opinions of senior corresponding authors who have recently published in a “top” (i.e. ISI‐indexed journal) with 95 per cent confidence. The findings should not be generalised to represent the views of all authors in all journals, open access or otherwise.Originality/valueThe journal publishing sector is facing enormous challenges and opportunities as content increasingly migrates to the web. The value of this research is that it provides an objective, non‐partisan, assessment of the attitudes and opinions of more than 5,000 senior researchers, a key stakeholder group, and thus contributes both to the development of public policy as well as more realistic commercial strategies.

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investigadores junior españoles y su implicación en la ciencia abierta

Anales de Documentación ◽

10.6018/analesdoc.470671 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Blanca Rodríguez-Bravo ◽

David Nicholas

Keyword(s):

Critical Factor ◽

Open Science ◽

Early Career ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Precarious Situation

El objetivo es indagar en las actitudes y prácticas de los jóvenes investigadores españoles hacia la ciencia abierta. Se analiza su interés por compartir en abierto publicaciones y datos, por colaborar con otros investigadores y stakeholders, por difundir su investigación y por perseguir el impacto de los resultados científicos. La metodología se fundamenta en entrevistas y encuestas dirigidas a Early Career Researchers (ECRs) españoles. Los resultados muestran el interés de los investigadores noveles por la ciencia abierta, pero también la necesidad de reconocimiento de las acciones implicadas en ella como requisito para su consolidación entre investigadores en situación precaria. La financiación es también un factor crítico a considerar. The aim is to investigate the attitudes and practices of Spanish Early Career Researchers (ECRs) towards open science. Their interest in sharing openly publications and data, in collaborating with other researchers and stakeholders, in disseminating their research and in looking for results’ impact is analyzed. The methodology is based on interviews and surveys directed to Spanish Early Career Researchers (ECRs). The results show the interest of novice researchers in open science, but also the need for recognition of the actions involved in it as a requirement for its consolidation among researchers in a precarious situation. Funding is a critical factor to be considered as well.

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It takes a village to raise an ECR

International Journal for Researcher Development ◽

10.1108/ijrd-11-2015-0031 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 192-197 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Lynette Browning ◽

Kirrilly Thompson ◽

Drew Dawson

Keyword(s):

Professional Development ◽

Performance Management ◽

Research Performance ◽

Academic Research ◽

Early Career ◽

Research Career ◽

Content Type ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Track Record

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe organisational strategies that support early career researchers in building a successful track record which can lead to a successful academic research career. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on more than a decade of experience designing, implementing and evaluating professional development programmes for early career researchers in universities. Findings If an early career researcher is to achieve long-term success, the first five years after graduating with a doctorate are critical in establishing long-term career success. Professional development programmes for early career researchers are more successful if they are supported by organisational strategies around workload, performance management and accountability. Originality/value If implemented, these organisational strategies can assist early career researchers to build a successful track record, which can lead to a successful research career and contribute towards increasing aggregate institutional research performance for universities.

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OpenCon2014 in Washington DC, November 2014. Early Career Researchers and Open Access Advocacy

Library Hi Tech News ◽

10.1108/lhtn-01-2015-0005 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 14-16

Author(s):

Matt Gallagher

Keyword(s):

Open Access ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Early Career ◽

Narrative Approach ◽

Washington Dc ◽

Content Type ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Experience Levels ◽

The Right ◽

Academic Resources

Purpose – This paper aims to give an overview of OpenCon 2014, organized by the Right to Research Coalition, SPARC (The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition) and an organizing committee of students and early career researchers from around the world that took place between the 14th and 17th of November 2014 in Washington DC. Design/methodology/approach – A narrative approach was used to describe events. Findings – OpenCon 2014 is an exciting new conference that targets early career librarians and researchers who are involved with and/or interested in aspects of the open-access movement. It is attempting to galvanize the upcoming generation of scholars to demand more of traditional publishing models by bringing together a selective group that spans diverse interests and experience levels. Originality/value – This report outlines the author's takeaways and opinions concerning the events of the conference, as well as identifies some of the themes and issues that were relevant to librarians in research institutions.

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Training needs of early career researchers in research-intensive universities

International Journal for Researcher Development ◽

10.1108/ijrd-06-2015-0017 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 84-102

Author(s):

Debasrita Bhakta ◽

Ellen Boeren

Keyword(s):

Training Needs ◽

Early Career ◽

Measurement Scale ◽

Continuous Training ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Content Type ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Development Framework ◽

Knowledge Based Economy ◽

British Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the training needs of early career researchers (ECRs) in British research-intensive universities. This paper presents a new measurement scale constructed based on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (a national framework in the UK to help researchers plan their training and development pathways) that disseminates ECRs’ training needs according to the four vitae development domains. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses the result of a survey organised among ECRs who were asked to fill-in an online questionnaire, which included a newly developed measurement scale. Training needs are analysed based on 57 respondents working in British research-intensive universities and having obtained their PhDs not more than five years prior to the survey. Findings This paper offers an insight into the experiences of ECRs in research-intensive universities in relation to their training needs, which are very much centred around the notion of becoming a subject-specific expert, who is able to attract research funding and lead and manage these projects, including the successful supervision of students. Originality/value The current academic environment is extremely competitive, and as in other segments of the labour market, it is vital that ECRs recognise the need of continuous training to maintain their competitive status in the knowledge-based economy. This paper is original, as it disseminates a new measurement scale and provides fresh empirical results on the training needs of ECRs in British research-intensive universities.

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A critical reflection on the development of the Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC)

Tizard Learning Disability Review ◽

10.1108/tldr-09-2018-0029 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 82-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Damian Elgin Maclean Milton ◽

Susy Ridout ◽

Marianthi Kourti ◽

Gillian Loomes ◽

Nicola Martin

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Early Career ◽

Content Type ◽

Autism Research ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Autistic People ◽

Set Up ◽

The Uk ◽

Participatory Research Methods ◽

Research Collective

Purpose The Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC) was initially set up with the purpose of bringing autistic people, including scholars and activists (but not exclusively), together with early career researchers and practitioners who work with autistic people, with the aim being to build a community where those who wished to see more significant involvement of autistic people in autism research could share knowledge and expertise. This paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This paper explores the development of the PARC network, reflecting upon its activities and ethos within current higher education practices and structures. Findings In supporting autistic individuals in their attempts to establish themselves within academic systems that may not always be considerate or accommodating, the existence of PARC creates a structure with which autistic people can influence social change. PARC serves as a network of support, strengthening the presence of autistic scholars in academia. It also provides a structure through which autistic people are able to demonstrate helpful practices with which to engage more broadly. Originality/value The PARC network is the first autistic-led venture of its kind in the UK to have a sustained impact. PARC is growing to become an important element in the field of autism studies both by supporting emerging autistic academics and by promoting ethical and participatory research methods and practices.

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Navigating the world of academic publishing: A workshop for early career researchers

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e500792015-226 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Amy Shapiro

Keyword(s):

Early Career ◽

Academic Publishing ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

The World

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Developing future research leaders

International Journal for Researcher Development ◽

10.1108/ijrd-08-2014-0019 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 123-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Lynette Browning ◽

Kirrilly Thompson ◽

Drew Dawson

Keyword(s):

Development Programme ◽

Early Career ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Career ◽

Research Culture ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Content Type ◽

Building Research ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Researcher Development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel strategy for building research capability in a young university with an emerging research culture. Investment in building research capacity is essential for universities to remain competitive, but one of the challenges for younger universities is developing the research capability of individuals in an emerging research culture. Design/methodology/approach – To gain a better understanding of how leading researchers become research leaders and how universities can design strategies to attract, retain, develop and promote researchers, we carried out a study of 30 research leaders in Australia. We then designed and implemented a cohort-based career development programme for early career researchers. Findings – From our research, and the programme we developed, we have found that developing early career researchers does not mean teaching them how to do research – it means teaching them how to build a track record, which can lead to a research career. A development programme for early career researchers is a short-term investment for longer-term returns, but these programmes do have immediate impact on research productivity for the individual researchers and for the organisation. Practical implications – We consider the success of the Early Career Researchers Programme is due to the regular face to face workshops, the development of the research career plan and the supportive research environment provided by the me. Originality/value – The investment in this programme clearly demonstrates the value of researcher development on research outputs and research careers. These methods could be applied to researcher development training programmes elsewhere.

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100 research rules of the game

Accounting Auditing & Accountability Journal ◽

10.1108/aaaj-02-2019-032 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 691-706

Author(s):

Niamh M. Brennan

Keyword(s):

Tacit Knowledge ◽

Doctoral Students ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Early Career ◽

Content Type ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

One Stop ◽

Rules Of The Game

Purpose There are several basic, and at times minor, pedantic principles required to successfully publish in good-quality international peer-reviewed journals. These are what the author calls the “rules of the game”. Many are so basic, so taken-for-granted, tacit knowledge, that at times supervisors do not tell their students about them. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The author has assembled 100 research rules of the game from her work over many years with doctoral students and early career researchers. Each rule is accompanied by short advice. Additional citations are included directing readers to further resources on the 100 research rules of the game. Findings The paper documents 100 research rules of the game. Research limitations/implications There are many other rules of the game not included in the author’s list of 100 research rules of the game. Originality/value This paper is a one-stop-shop brief introduction to the author’s 100 research rules of the game.

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