Abstract
In this three-part workshop we will discuss the big changes taking place in the world of publishing, how successfully to submit your next paper, and what it takes to be a great reviewer.
The world of medical-scientific publishing is undergoing dramatic change at a rapid pace. The traditional model of printed journals, to which individuals and institutions can subscribe, has been upended by the emergence of open-access journals, whose publications are accessible online for all. Traditional journals have relatively high costs associated with producing and distributing printed materials to their readers, and they derive their income from subscriptions, institutions paying the lion’s share. The business model for online journals is based in part on much reduced costs, and on charging authors for publishing. Advertising features prominently in both models. At the start of the third decennium, it is clear that open-access has been embraced by political and societal forces. The biggest drawbacks are the complexity of having two systems side by side, shifting costs to scientists without compensation, and the proliferation of non-serious, ‘predatory’ on-line publications.
Publishing remains one of the main obligations and challenges for the aspiring scientist. In this workshop, I will discuss ‘tips and tricks’ for the process of submitting and revising your manuscript.
Reviewing the work of fellow scientists is an honor and a credit to your standing as a scientist. I will discuss how you can make reviewing papers enjoyable, stimulating and a win-win. A good review should be factual, scholarly, generous, and concise: ‘brevity is the soul of wit’ (Hamlet, William Shakespeare).
