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Improving ResearchPublication Quality at GCU

Professor John MarshallDirector Academic Research Development

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What is 1* to 4* publication quality in REF?

4* world leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour

3* internationally excellent

2* internationally recognised

1* national level of excellence

u/c unclassified

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Where should I publish?

Academic journalsBooks and book chaptersMonographsConferencesOpen source repositories/GCU repositoriesOn line or in print

Professional journalsTrade journalsNewspapers, magazines, blogs

Research ReviewsEducation, teaching and scholarship

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What makes a good REF publication?

High journal impact factor

Citation evidence of impact

Publication reputation is important

Specialist versus general audience

Leads in originality significance and rigour !

Impact beyond academia !

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What makes a poor REF publication?

Work lacking in originality significance or rigour

Following others in terms or theory or practice

Failure to cite relevant state of the art academic literature

Publishing in low circulation or poor impact journals

Low levels of citation by other workers

Not supported by other indicators (e.g. esteem)

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How do I improve my publication quality?

Read and cite the relevant literature, putting the state of the art in perspective and relate your work to it

Clarify the aims and objectives and provide references to relevant literature emphasising only what is original or significant in your own work

Only include material that advances understanding

Draw conclusions justified by the evidence

Look outside your field for ideas of how to describe theimpact of your work

Get a peer to read your paper before you submit it

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Other tips on publishing

Use keywords that attract readers (e-searches)

Use the abstract as a window on your work to attract interest

Publish collaboratively

Publish where the best in the field publish or in another field where your work may have relevance

Never be discourteous to the work of others in print

Acknowledge the contributions of others, includingfunders and sponsors

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Dealing with referees comments on your publication

Do:Read the referee’s comments properly

Make arguments logically with reference to evidence where possible rather than opinion

Argue positively and assertively rather than negatively

Seek to address those points which are critical to preventing publication

Ask for a second opinion from a colleague at GCU

Be unbelievably reasonable

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Dealing with referees comments on your publication

Don’t:

Get personal

Argue negatively about opinions

Miss the main argument or focus on minor issues

Don’t try to win every point – concede generously

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Joining up Research Activity with Impact

Does my published output relate to my grants ?

Does the impact of my research go beyond academe?

How do I disseminate the results of my research?

Are beneficiaries aware of my research?

Do I publish in non-academic outlets also?

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE