Comments

  1. Biswapriya Misra said:

    Hello,

    An welcome article for "everyone" willing to publish in science and get their work approved. However, may I ask a question to be further shed light upon. What if after 6-7 years of hard work for a doctorate degree awarded, a supervisor does not want to publish, just for the fun of it ? Whereas the data are original and significant in it’s own rights ! Being a early career post-doctorate with a so called "Blank" CV till date, how to communicate the Thesis’s work, without damaging the relationship with the Ex-Supervisor, which is required for further reccomonedations, for jobs, next post-doc position and beyond ? As far my knowledge goes, I share an extremely good relationship with my ex-supervisor and during the doctorate, even; however his lazy attitude in science and unwillingness to communicate and help younger careers, have "done me up". Nothing personal there. Esp. when the new post-doctoral work won’t yield any publications as far as 1 year down the lane, if one wishes to communicate the papers, what would be the ideal ways to bypass him and make one’s own career path "okay"? Please shed some light on this issue as well.

    Thanks,

    Dr. Biswapriya Misra

  2. Balaraj Menon said:

    Why don’t you try and broach this topic with your advisor? You say you share a cordial relationship with him/her and so I don’t see any reason to hold back from discussing this issue. You’ve worked hard to earn your Ph.D. degree and your work deserves to get published (and recognized). If for some reason, your discussions don’t seem to be heading in the right discussion, why don’t you propose to write the entire manuscript and handle all stages until final submission? Of course, have him/her and co-authors, if any, read the manuscript critically before submission. Come up with a realistic deadline and gameplan for the aforementioned tasks. If you feel there’s still no progress, keep pestering him/her for feedback. Some PIs are simply lazy and not aggressive enough. Unfortunately, there’s nothing much one can do about that. And yes, you will need their references wherever you go. So all said and done, try to stay in their good books.

  3. parmit singh said:

    One point, I like to add that paper should be precise, short and focused to the main results, like you are presenting your data in seminar. I am not telling to remove the negative results but just write one or two sentences, and don’t put tables or figures for that.  Short stories does not allow the reader to loose the interest.

  4. SATYAM BANERJEE said:

     How much does the impact factor of a publication count while applying for a post-doc? I have a paper in Intl J Pharmacol which has not come up with any imapct factor till date. Does a publication without  an impact factor count? Please shed some light on the matter.

    Thank You.

    with regards 

    Satyam Banerjee.

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  5. Balaraj Menon said:

    Parmit: I agree with your comment to some extent. It all depends on where you wish to get your data published. Short stories are good, but often they generate more questions than answers. Besides, short stories don’t get by reviewers easily. Many journals (again, top tier ones) believe in the policy "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." You can still write up a long story with lots of data, without losing the reader. In the end, it’s not about how long or short the story is, it’s all about how it’s narrated.

    Satyam: It’s always good to get your findings published in a top tier journal. Ultimately, it’s a feather in your cap. And while applying for postdoc positions, it does make a difference. That being said, a paper is a paper. As long as you’re data is sound and your conclusions robust, it doesn’t matter where you get it published. Some PIs, who have a track record of publishing in fine journals, will attempt to seek postdocs who have published in similar journals. Others don’t really care all that much (as long as your work is out there). While seeking postdoc positions, you should preferably do some background work regarding the PI’s publication history (in addition to many other factors). Also, you should include a brief summary of your findings (that you published in the Intl J Pharmacol) in your emails to prospective postdoc advisors. Out of curiosity, is that a new journal?