Empowering researchers to publish with clarity, integrity & purpose | Transforming how scholars write, select journals & navigate publication | 20+ years bridging academia and publishing
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 This requirement was subsequently withdrawn, but the institutions were given the freedom to decide on the prerequisite of publications.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.
To register for the introductory webinar in Tamil: https://tholga.com/events/first-mile-tamil-intro
Shruti Nagar
4w
All the very best!
All the very best!
All the best, Murugaraj!
Empowering researchers to publish with clarity, integrity & purpose | Transforming how scholars write, select journals & navigate publication | 20+ years bridging academia and publishing
1moTo register for the introductory webinar in English: https://tholga.com/events/first-mile-an-introduction/