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Ready to Start Your Research Journey? Whether you’re an undergraduate beginning your first project or a graduate student preparing for your defense, the Jernigan Library has resources to help you every step of the way. 📚 Undergraduate Research Starter Discover how to find scholarly articles and books, request materials through Interlibrary Loan, organize your literature review, and cite your sources. You’ll also explore scholarship opportunities and learn how to use AI tools responsibly to support your research. 🎓 Graduate Research Starter Access step-by-step guidance on developing research questions, conducting literature reviews, organizing data, and preparing for your defense. Explore AI-powered research tools, citation help, templates, and examples designed for graduate and doctoral success. 📍 Visit the guides today and explore tools designed to support academic success. #TAMUK #ResearchExcellence #UndergraduateResearch #GraduateResearch #Scholarships #AIinEducation #LibraryResources #AcademicSuccess #StudentSuccess

5 Types of Research Gaps Every Researcher Should Know Ever struggled to define your research gap while writing a proposal or dissertation? You’re not alone — most researchers find this to be one of the hardest parts of academic writing. But once you understand what kind of gap you’re addressing, your research purpose becomes crystal clear. Here are 5 major types of research gaps every scholar should know 1. Theoretical Gap When there’s a missing or incomplete conceptual framework to explain a phenomenon. - Example: “There’s no existing theory explaining how AI influences creative decision-making.” 2. Methodological Gap When previous studies used outdated, limited, or inappropriate research methods. - Example: “Most studies used surveys; few applied experimental or mixed-methods approaches.” 3. Empirical Gap When there’s a lack of real-world data or insufficient studies on a topic. - Example: “Few empirical studies have tested this model using actual company data.” 4. Knowledge Gap When the overall understanding of a topic remains incomplete or inconsistent. - Example: “Existing research provides mixed results about the link between social media and productivity.” 5. Evidence Gap When strong proof or supporting evidence is missing to validate existing theories or claims. - Example: “There’s limited evidence on how digital tools improve student retention rates.” FREE Websites for Downloading PhD Thesis   1. Open Access Theses and Dissertations https://oatd.org/ 2. Open Thesis http://www.openthesis.org/ 3. DART-Europe E-theses Portal https://lnkd.in/d4SUFCTX 4. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses https://www.proquest.com/ 5. MIT Theses https://lnkd.in/dMs-PuYs  6. Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations http://www.ndltd.org/  7. Caltech Thesis https://lnkd.in/dZ6f8T5J  8. British Library https://www.bl.uk/  9. Electronic Theses & Dissertation Centre https://etd.ohiolink.edu/  10. Harvard DASH https://dash.harvard.edu/ Follow me Europe Academic Helper for more

🚨 New Publication Alert! 🚨 Our article "Research literacy and its predictors among university students and graduates identified by machine learning and spatial analysis" is now published in Nature Scientific Reports (Q1; IF: 3.9; SCIE-indexed). The study conducted a cross-sectional survey on university students to assess their research literacy by constructing a new tool, and employing statistical, machine learning (ML), and geospatial analysis. Key findings: ✅ Over half of the participants demonstrated low research literacy. ✅ Satisfaction with research courses at university education, research course taken outside university , and research-related professional engagement were identified as significant associated factors. ✅ ML analysis identified taking research courses outside of university as the most impactful predictor. ✅ Random Forest and CatBoost achieved strong predictive performance. This study calls for enhanced training programs to foster responsible and high-quality research practices. This is one of the very first research works that laid the foundation for my research journey and eventually led to several subsequent publications, even though it took time to get published. I am wholeheartedly grateful to CHINTA Research Bangladesh and Mohammed A. Mamun bhai for their structured mentoring program. Thanks to all co-authors for their meaningful contributions. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gWY6r6ip #research_literacy #research_evaluation #machine_learning

Students of my methods of research classes will recollect two things, reiterated in this debate: 1. Difficulties in arriving at an index involving data at various scales and of different types. 2. Importance of reproducibility for accepting a claim as scientific knowledge. “Nathalie Drach-Temam, president of the Sorbonne, stated that: “the data used to assess each university’s performance is not open or transparent” and “the reproducibility of the results produced cannot be guaranteed”.”

"About to recent Publication" Our study “Research literacy and its predictors among university students and graduates identified by machine learning and spatial analysis” has just been published in Nature Scientific Reports (Q1; IF:3.9) In today’s “publish or perish” world, we explored how well students and graduates understand research and what drives it using machine learning and GIS-based spatial analysis. 🔍 Key Insights: ◾Over half of participants had poor research literacy. ◾Taking research courses outside university was the strongest predictor of higher literacy. ◾Research engagement and satisfaction with university research courses also boosted literacy levels. ◾Having researchers in the family had minimal impact. ◾Random Forest (73.04%) and CatBoost (71.57%) models showed strong predictive power. ◾GIS mapping revealed clear regional disparities in literacy levels. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced research training and awareness programs in higher education. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/dd9QZBUv Grateful to our mentor and all co-authors for their support and contributions. #ResearchLiteracy #MachineLearning #GIS #HigherEducation #Bangladesh #ResearchExcellence

If You Want a PhD Fast, Don’t Bother. I can save you three or four years of your life with one sentence: If your goal is to get a PhD quickly, you shouldn’t be doing one. Lately, I keep seeing posts promising “how to finish your PhD in record time” or “my 12-month PhD strategy.” Honestly, I’m tired of it. A PhD isn’t a productivity challenge. It’s not about efficiency hacks or AI shortcuts. It’s about depth, integrity, and contribution. If you rush it, you miss what makes it worthwhile: the discipline of thinking critically, the humility of being wrong (often), the slow discovery of what actually matters. Yes, there are tools to help you work smarter. But none of them replace the messy, reflective, frustrating years that shape you into a scholar. If you just want the title, save yourself the stress, there are faster ways to collect certificates. If you want transformation, stay. But know it will take time, courage, and honesty. How long should a PhD take? As long as it takes to become the person capable of doing it properly. #PhDjourney #AcademicIntegrity #HigherEducation #ResearchEthics #DoctoralLife True transformation in higher education is cultural, not just technological. Integrity, trust, and transparency are the real foundations of lasting impact. Written from my academic and professional perspective. AI tools were only used for clarity or structure. All analysis, tone, and conclusions remain my own. (Declaration aligns with authorship principles from the Committee on Public Ethics (COPE) and leading academic publishers.)

The #UGC mandated that a #PhD scholar must publish two research papers to submit their synopsis. This requirement was subsequently withdrawn, but the institutions were given the freedom to decide on the prerequisite of publications. Given that accreditation parameters and the need to establish themselves as prestigious #research institutions, almost all institutions continue to mandate two or three papers as a prerequisite for PhD completion. In a way, the UGC acted as a catalyst – it has created a research environment that puts publications first. I’m not going to discuss the pros and cons of this move or the implications of this publication first strategy. Let me, however, talk about the skeleton in the closet. And here are some of my observations: 1.     Many PhD scholars (even #EarlyCareerResearchers) chase #publications. For them publications are the primary end point – not a natural consequence of doing research. 2.     Their awareness of the research ecosystem is a deep concern. 3.     They relied heavily on “illegal platforms” to access info. This was evident when an Indian high court ruled in favour of #Elsevier and #Wiley in banning one such platform. 4.     They use fewer to no tools to #organize their research – no note-taking apps, no reference managers. 5.     They blindly rely on the free versions of #GenAI available, without understanding the pitfalls and limitations. So instead of lamenting about what is happening and why this is happening, we tried to do something that can change this state. What small things that Tholga can do to improve? What can happen if every first-year researcher know things their counterpart knows in a premier institute? #FirstMile was born out of this thought. First Mile walks alongside the first-year researcher and gives them clarity and direction. Where to look for data? How to organize it? How to do literature survey? How to follow people and platforms relevant to their research? How to inculcate the habit of research writing? What tools are available – and how to use them judiciously? And many more. By the end of their first year, through nine themes , and 30+ live and recorded sessions, they will have taken the right first steps in their long research journey. What’s more special is this programme is available in English and #Tamil. The goal is to reach a larger audience for a greater impact. To know more about the programme, visit https://lnkd.in/gKHhkDNR. Please let us know what else can be added to make it stronger, while keeping it to essentials. The introductory webinars on 15 Oct (English) and 16 Oct (Tamil) will outline the programme. If you are interested, don’t forget to register here (links in the comments). Please share this announcement in your circles and help us reach more researchers.

Elevate Your PhD Thesis with a Comprehensive Literature Review Unlock the Power of Decades of Research Why a Thorough Literature Review Matters Foundation of Knowledge: A well-conducted literature review offers a comprehensive overview of existing research, helping you identify gaps, refine your research questions, and position your study within the broader academic discourse. Methodological Insights: Exploring studies from various decades reveals evolving methodologies, allowing you to adopt or adapt approaches that best fit your research objectives. Technological Advancements: Reviewing historical and recent literature exposes you to technological innovations that can enhance your research design and data analysis techniques. Benefits of a Decade-Spanning Literature Review Identify Emerging Trends: Recognize shifts in research focus and methodology over time. Avoid Redundancy: Ensure your research offers novel contributions by understanding what has already been explored. Enhance Credibility: Demonstrate a deep understanding of your field, strengthening your thesis's foundation. Tools & Resources for Effective Literature Review Databases: Utilize platforms like PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar for comprehensive searches. Reference Management: Employ tools such as Zotero or EndNote to organize and cite sources efficiently. Automation Tools: Leverage AI-based tools for systematic literature reviews to streamline the process. Stay Updated with Recent Research Preprint Servers: Monitor platforms like arXiv for the latest research before formal publication. Academic Networks: Engage with communities on ResearchGate and Academia.edu to discuss recent findings and methodologies. Share Knowledge, Foster Collaboration Collaborative Platforms: Join forums and webinars to exchange insights and methodologies with fellow researchers. Social Media: Follow academic hashtags and groups on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed and connect with experts. Your Path to a Robust PhD Thesis A comprehensive literature review not only strengthens your thesis but also positions you as a well-informed researcher in your field. By integrating insights from decades of research, you can adopt innovative methodologies and technologies that enhance the quality and impact of your study. #PhDResearch #LiteratureReview #ResearchGuidance #AcademicExcellence #ResearchMethodology #ThesisSupport #KnowledgeSharing #InnovativeResearch #DecadesOfResearch #ResearchTools #PhDJourney #ScholarlySuccess #ResearchCollaboration #AcademicGrowth #FutureResearchers

PhD students & researchers, here’s a curated list of top free courses available on #TheCaseHQ that cater to various aspects of research, writing, and publishing. 1. Certified Research Methodology Instructor https://lnkd.in/g5qG7aHh 2. Identifying Suitable Journals for Your Research https://lnkd.in/gZWx4p8V 3. PhD Thesis Writing: Introduction and Literature Review https://lnkd.in/gykeiaGY 4. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Research Papers https://lnkd.in/gfU4C9uS 5. Streamline Your Research Writing with AI https://lnkd.in/g8gyaJub 6. Using Active vs. Passive Voice in Research Papers https://lnkd.in/gCXWbm9M 7. Writing Research Papers: Structure and Style https://lnkd.in/gyQEUv73 8. Writing the Methodology Chapter of Your Thesis https://lnkd.in/g5wht_ZF 9. Generative AI for Writing and Publishing https://lnkd.in/gbfir-AV 10. Designing and Conducting Case Study Research https://lnkd.in/gBS8nhNf #ResearchSkills #AcademicWriting #FreeCourses #PhDJourney #AIinResearch #ResearchMethodology #TheCaseHQ

Understanding the AD Scientific Index Methodology: Transparent, Data-Driven, and Real-Time In today’s data-rich academic landscape, transparency and credibility are essential in evaluating research performance. The AD Scientific Index stands out by basing its methodology on objective and verifiable bibliometric data from Google Scholar, without relying on surveys, reputation scores, or hidden formulas. - Six Indicators, Two Timeframes: Researchers' performance is assessed using indicators like the h-index, i10-index, and total citation count, both for their entire career and the last 5 (or 6) years. This approach offers a comprehensive view of long-term impact and current research momentum. - Comprehensive and Inclusive Coverage: Spanning 13 main fields and nearly 200 sub-disciplines, the index encompasses over 2.4 million scientists from 24,000+ universities in 221 countries. This broad coverage ensures equal visibility for STEM, social sciences, arts, and humanities. - Real-Time Updates: Unlike annual rankings, the AD Scientific Index updates profiles and institutional rankings frequently. Researcher data is refreshed every 20–30 days, while institutional results are updated every few days. This real-time approach mirrors the continuous evolution of science. - Institutional Rankings – A Bottom-Up Perspective: Universities are ranked based on the distribution and performance of their affiliated scientists, offering a perspective that emphasizes each institution's true strength — its people. At AD Scientific Index, we uphold the values of transparency, inclusivity, and methodological clarity as the pillars of credible academic evaluation. #ADScientificIndex #AcademicRanking #ResearchImpact #HigherEducation #Transparency #Bibliometrics #Innovation #ScholarlyCommunication #AcademicExcellence #UniversityRanking #ResearchEvaluation #DataDriven