Getting Published in Journals: Notes #2

Yesterday I outlined the background experience of those on the panel for the ECR Network session on 'Getting Published in Journals'. Today I'll summarise the thoughts of the first of the speakers, Prof Tim Strangleman, on 'disseminating your thesis.'

Disseminating your Thesis 

Tim Strangleman 

The work done in preparing your thesis provides a good foundation for taking the first steps in academic publication. The knowledge that you have gained gives you the background for writing book or extended reviews. These provide you with practice in writing for an audience, but also in establishing your profile and expertise. You need to be cautious in what you accept, however: there is a danger of ‘diluting’ your profile.

Whilst you can build on your thesis, you should be careful to widen your expertise. This is particularly important when it comes to recruitment: if you are seen as a one trick pony, you are less likely to be taken on.

In terms of developing a book from your thesis, this is easier now than it has been in the past. Be wary about working it up into a text book, as they aren’t as highly regarded, although text books can written so as to be more substantive and research-focussed.

Finally, think about disseminating your research more widely. Consider different media, such as blogs, films, conference papers or radio, such as Thinking Allowed, which actively seeks out interesting research.

The slides from Tim's talk are available on the Grants Factory & ECR Network SharePoint site, here.