Mastering the Art of Scientific

Publication
Part 1
Prashant V. Kamat
Deputy Editor
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Rev. John A. Zahm Professor of Science
Chemistry & Biochemistry and Radiation Laboratory
University of Notre Dame

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)
In 2004:
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 2015:
If your paper does not generate
citations, it might just as well
not have been done.
(P. Kamat)

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

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

Prashant V. Kamat, Jillian M. Buriak,
George C. Schatz, and Paul S. Weiss

It is important to realize that a wellcomposed manuscript with a

compelling scientific story that can
appeal to the journals readership
sees a higher rate of success.

What we will discuss today

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

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

Step 4

TOC GRAPHICS

Which TOC graphics might appeal to readership?

... Make your effort worthwhile!

2014, 26, 12891290

Step 5

Introduction
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)

Step 7

Conclusions
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!

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.)