A Bittersweet Journey in Academic Publishing
Thanis Tangkitjaroenkun
Editor-in-chief for rEFLections (Scopus Q2)
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Van Lang University, in collaboration with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), proudly hosted the seminar "A Bittersweet Journey in Academic Publishing" as part of its commitment to fostering academic excellence and international collaboration. The seminar was led by esteemed academic figures, including the Chief Editor of rEFLections and the Associate Editor of the THAITESOL Journal. It aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the academic publishing process, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate this challenging yet rewarding journey.
This seminar catered to graduate students, faculty, and budding researchers eager to contribute to academic discourse through high-quality publications. It addressed critical questions often faced by academics: Why publish? What to publish? How to publish? When to publish? These questions formed the foundation of the discussions, emphasizing the strategic planning necessary to succeed in the competitive field of academic publishing.
The session began with a focus on getting started in publishing, highlighting the importance of choosing the right journals and adhering to their specific guidelines. Participants were introduced to practical steps for manuscript preparation, including creating focused content, aligning with relevant research areas, and ensuring the completeness of research articles. The speaker emphasized clarity and relevance, underscoring how well-crafted research can address significant gaps and contribute meaningfully to the academic community.
In addition, the seminar shed light on the emotional journey of publishing, recognizing the challenges that researchers encounter, such as rejection, long waiting times, and extensive revisions. Through real-world examples, participants learned strategies for overcoming these obstacles, including the importance of persistence, meticulous preparation, and proactive communication with journal editors.
A core component of the seminar involved exploring modern trends in research and publishing. Key topics included online learning behaviors, the role of English as a Lingua Franca, and the use of technology in language studies. The integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot in research and writing was also discussed, reflecting the evolving landscape of academic publishing and the increasing role of technological innovation.
Participants engaged in interactive activities to strengthen their understanding of manuscript development, from drafting impactful abstracts to structuring compelling research discussions. These hands-on sessions emphasized the significance of evidence-based results, critical discussions, and thoughtful conclusions, all aligned with international academic standards.
The seminar also offered insights into avoiding common pitfalls in publishing, such as desk rejections due to ethical issues, lack of relevance, or poor alignment with journal scopes. With detailed guidance on overcoming these hurdles, attendees gained actionable strategies to enhance their success in achieving publication.
Through this collaborative platform, Van Lang University reinforced its dedication to empowering researchers to excel in academia. By bringing together international expertise and fostering cross-institutional collaboration, the seminar not only enriched the academic community but also inspired participants to embark on their own "bittersweet journey" of contributing to global knowledge.