Mastering the Art of Scientific

Publication Part 1

Rev. John A. Zahm Professor of Science

Chemistry & Biochemistry and Radiation Laboratory

University of Notre Dame

Prashant V. Kamat Deputy Editor The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

Scientific Publication

The object of research is to extend human knowledge beyond

what is already known.

But an individuals knowledge enters the domain of science only after it is presented to others in such a fashion that they

can independently judge its validity.

(NAP, On Being a Scientist 1995)

A paper is an organized description of

hypotheses, data, and conclusions,

intended to instruct the reader. If your

research does not generate papers, it

might just as well not have been done. (G. Whitesides, Adv. Mater., 2004, 16, 1375)

In 2004:

If your paper does not generate

citations, it might just as well

not have been done. (P. Kamat)

In 2015:

What is publishable.

Scientific Journals like to publish papers that are going to be widely read and useful to the readers

Papers that report original and significant findings that are likely to be of interest to a broad spectrum of its readers

Papers that are well organized and well written, with clear statements regarding how the findings relate to and advance the understanding/development of the subject

Papers that are concise and yet complete in their presentation of the findings

Author Responsibilities

Follow General Rules:

Ensure work is new and original research

All Authors are aware of submission and agree with content and support submission

Follow the institutional guidelines for submission

Agree that the manuscript can be examined by anonymous reviewers

Provide copies of related work submitted or published elsewhere

Obtain copyright permission if figures/tables need to be reproduced

Include proper affiliation and contact information

It is important to realize that a well-composed manuscript with a compelling scientific story that can appeal to the journals readership sees a higher rate of success.

J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2014, 5, 35193521

Prashant V. Kamat, Jillian M. Buriak,

George C. Schatz, and Paul S. Weiss

Getting ready and creating a figure-based

outline

Identifying key points of the research theme

Tips to compose an attractive title

Writing an effective abstract

Telling a scientific story with your own

compelling thoughts

What we will discuss today

?

Important: Know the focus of your paper

It takes a wise man to know whether he

has FOUND A ROPE or LOST A MULE.

- Anonymous quote

Which TOC graphics might appeal to readership?

... Make your effort worthwhile!

TOC GRAPHICS Step 4

2014, 26, 12891290

Start the section with a general background of the

topic and lay the foundation for addressing an

important scientific issue

Add 2-3 paragraphs that discuss previous work -Important contributions of others that motivated your study

In the last paragraph, briefly explain how your

approach could address the scientific problem

(If possible, end the last paragraph by creating a

scientific curiosity)

Introduction Step 5

Include major findings of the study

A brief discussion on future perspectives

Discuss how the present work will impact other disciplines or lead to new

advances.

Important: Do not rewrite the abstract.

Statements such as investigated, carried out, or studied do not reflect as conclusions!

Conclusions Step 7

Figures, Citations and More .

Preparing Your Manuscript: Part 2 Professor Jillian Buriak

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

11 am (ET)

Four tests for your ToC image

Maximizing the longevity of your

research

Common graphical errors and

how to correct them

How to decide what citations to

include

Key points to remember as you get ready to submit the paper

Journal

Does your work appeal to the journal readership?

Title

Is it attractive and accurately reflect the scientific advance?

Abstract

Does it highlight the new scientific finding emerging from the study?

TOC graphics

Does it sum up the theme of your paper?

Figures

Are they scientifically accurate with readable fonts and legends? Does the caption describe all the traces and experimental details?

Citations

Do they reflect the scope of the journal? (Note: Citations represent core of discussion.)