Scientific incubation: The “Interim” as case study in scientific writing

Prof. Laetus O K Lategan llategan@cut.ac.za

The “Interim” Case Study (1)

1. Research in the spotlight (NPHE, funding formula, growth in the NSI)

2. From Technikon to UOT

3. Develop a culture of research (improving qualifications, supervision, external grants, rating, publications, etc.)

4. Low participation in “article culture”

The “Interim” Case Study (2)

5. Managing the INTERIM

• Two foci: novel researchers and senior researchers

• Editorial board – liaison, review, development

• Process - interaction

The “Interim” Case Study (3)

6. Success

• Year 8 – 14 editions• Period 2002 – 2008 – 153 articles (13 editions)• 260 authors• 33 students as authors• 30 external authors• 30% published in accredited journals• Institutional improvement in accredited outputs >300%• Developmental role

7. New challenges

8. Basis for research that can inform system

Observations in science writing1. Title: Does it capture the contents of the

article?

2. Abstract: Summary of what article is all about. Integrate focus of article, research methodology, etc. into a logical unit.

3. Planning of article: Problem – Method – Evidence - Discussion. Structure matters.

4. Introduction – what can the reader expect? Don’t add everything to this section.

Observations in science writing

5. Problem, aim and objective of article.

6. Literature – latest and not only supportive of your line of argument.

7. Explain methodology

8. Explain data sample / models

Observations in science writing

9. Interpretation, discussion and analysis of data.

10. Discussion of research results – this is your unique contribution to the article. The role of recommendations.

11. References

12. Self-assessment: Why this article? (structural, critical & value-adding review)

Observations in science writing13. “Article language” (matters such as

study, assignment, report, first person references, etc)

14.Technical requirements of a journal

Institutional lessons

1. Academic profile and marketing tool

2. It serves all the academic disciplines and Faculties

3. Academic development, capacity-building and critical mass

4. Public domain

5. External interest in model 6. Time consuming but rewarding

Laetus O K Lategan