This guide about how to write a research report or publication has been provided by Rachel Steele from the library service. Please do not hesitate to contact the library service for support. Their email is [email protected]
When thinking about publishing research findings, the first thing we would say to you is to go for it. It’s easy to think that publishing research is only for academics or “experts”. We would encourage any staff member with an interest to think about publishing.
Journal article submissions are now done online. Every journal has a website with advice for authors which includes practicalities. These are word counts, detail about the kinds of articles journals accept and focused information on the required structure of the article. Every journal is unique in this area, but a few broad principles apply (as below):
- Abstract – normally articles require an abstract to accompany an article. An abstract is a miniature version of an article. It would be about 100-200 words and would usually include an introduction, methods, results and discussion section
- Introduction – the main body of an article begins with an introduction. This gives the scope of the research project and highlights its aims and objectives. It places the research project in the context of the background research literature
- Methods – the methods section of an article highlights precisely how the research was done. This would very much depend on the nature of the methodology. For example, whether the research was a quantitative or a qualitative study.
- Results – the results section of an article presents the full results in detail. The presentation would depend on the nature of the methodology. If the research was quantitative, it would tend to present the results in terms of graphs, charts or statistical tests. A qualitative study may have quotes from participants if they have given consent and group different views into organised themes. Take care here to follow confidentiality standards. You will need to ensure that no individuals can be identified from the results.
- Discussion – the discussion section of an article summarises what was reported in the results section. It refers again to the previous literature to place your findings in context
- Conclusion – the conclusion summarises the results findings. It usually makes recommendations for further research
We hope this short guide has been helpful and encourages you to think about publishing. For further information and advice, please contact the R & D Team or the Library Service.
Publish and promote
All research findings should be made accessible when the study ends.
If the main findings are to be submitted for publication in a journal this should be done within 12 months of the end of the study. Publication should ideally be through an open access and peer reviewed journal. Check what publication fees might be applicable, and if the journal has any guidelines on how to write and submit the paper. Our library services and research and development teams can offer support.
Besides publications, it is useful to consider other ways to distribute your findings. This could be via social media, conferences, videos and animations. Also, through local and national press, and presenting to clinical teams and service user groups.
For CTIMPS, a summary of results should be published within one year of the end of the study. This should be published where the clinical trial is registered. See MHRA website for more details.
