Being strategic about publishing with(in) a thesis

Terry EvansSchool of Education

Theses as ‘publications’

• Theses are not ‘published’ documents but are usually ‘public’ documents, whether in the Library thesis collection, or nowadays in Deakin Research Online (DRO) repository.

• Your ‘library copy’ of your thesis is likely to be only submitted electronically to DRO where it will be available openly (normal embargo provisions apply).

• It is important to take care to make your title as clear and accurately searchable as possible. Keep your ‘smart’ ‘snappy’ titles for your conference papers and books.

• Likewise, for your thesis summary, keep it as clear and accurately searchable as possible so that your work is found.

Publications in/as a ‘thesis’.

• Although a thesis may be seen as a form of publication (that is, dissemination) of your work, you are encouraged to publish during your candidature, and from your thesis and research afterwards.

• However, publications during candidature normally should be cited and/or included in your thesis as evidence of your ‘significant contribution’.

• Indeed, some theses are ‘by publication’ and comprise a sequence of good quality publications that are introduced, linked and concluded as a body of work for the thesis.

Useful resources before you start to write

• Australian Code of Responsible Conduct of Research http://www.deakin.edu.au/research/integrity/responsible-conduct.php and its sections:– 4 Publication and dissemination of research findings

• Introduction• Responsibilities of institutions• Responsibilities of researchers

– 5 Authorship• Introduction• Responsibilities of institutions• Responsibilities of researchers

Also: http://www.authorder.com/http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/index.htm

Matters to consider when publishing during/for your doctorate

• Where does this publication fit in my doctorate? (chapter, appendix, citation)

• What purpose does it serve? (publicity, dissemination, validation)

• Why write it now? (It’s a good time for me. It helps my ideas. It supports my thesis. It publicises me and my work for a postdoc, job etc.)

• Where shall I publish? ‘Good quality’ journal, useful conference, important edited book, etc?

Authorship

• Who is to be the author (self or with others)• What should the author order be? (see URL above). • If not the first author, what are the implications?

(thesis chapter, CV etc.)• What are the implications of authoring with my

supervisor from my doctoral work? (mutual benefits, better article, better publication, better chance, follow research integrity matters, see URL above)

Professional and community publications

• If your PhD is to make a significant original contribution to your profession or to the community generally, then it is useful to consider publishing in professional journals, community newsletters, websites etc. (The matters in the preceding slides are relevant here, too.)

• Professional and community publication/dissemination doesn’t ‘count’ as much in the academic world, but it might have real impact.

Conclusion

• Publishing/disseminating your work is an important part of a doctorate.

• There are good reasons to publish both during and after your doctorate

• It is important to think strategically about when, why and what you publish for your thesis, career and for others’ benefit.

Thank you

Terry Evanstevans@deakin.edu.au