Friday, November 28, 2025

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

The University of Adelaide

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Overview

"Academic publishing can often feel like a black box, complex, and disconnected from the day-to-day work of researchers. This workshop aims to open that box and provide clarity for Early- and Mid-Career Researchers by unpacking how the publishing system works, from Open Access models to Impact Factors, editorial decisions, and beyond. Structured into three interactive sections; a presentation on the publishing landscape, a panel discussion with publishing professionals and researchers, and a session on science communication, the workshop will combine practical advice with space for critical discussion. Participants will learn how to evaluate journals for ethical and scholarly quality, navigate Open Access choices, and better understand their rights and responsibilities as authors. The session also directly supports skills development in publishing literacy, helping participants make informed decisions that enhance the visibility and integrity of their work. The session will be highly participatory, encouraging questions, debate, and discussion throughout. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how publishing decisions are made, what makes a strong manuscript, and why effective communication of their research, both within and beyond academia, matters more than ever. Importantly, the session will help researchers grasp the complexity of the publishing ecosystem, including the roles of funders, institutions, journals, and commercial and not-for-profit publishers, equipping them to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape with confidence and agency. By equipping researchers with the tools to engage more confidently and critically with the publishing process, this workshop addresses a persistent gap in researcher training. While it aligns with broader institutional goals around research quality, impact, and open science, the session ensures that the needs and interests of authors remain at the centre of the discussion, empowering them to make choices that serve both their careers and the integrity of their work."

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Details

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of how the academic publishing system works and the role they play within it. They will gain practical knowledge about key aspects of the publishing process, including how to identify reputable journals, navigate Open Access options, and understand metrics like Impact Factors in context. Participants will also learn how to assess publishing models and policies for transparency, ethics, and alignment with their values and career goals. The session will provide insights into editorial decision-making, peer review, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as predatory journals. Importantly, attendees will leave with greater confidence in communicating their research, both in academic contexts and to broader audiences. They will better understand the tools and platforms available for increasing the visibility and impact of their work. Throughout the workshop, participants will be encouraged to ask questions, reflect on their experiences, and challenge assumptions about what publishing “success” looks like. Ultimately, they will be better equipped to make informed, strategic choices about where, how, and why they publish, ensuring that their voices are heard in an increasingly complex and competitive scholarly landscape. Including a small break this session will go for 4 hours. This could be extended to 5 hours depending on the engagement of the participants during the initial presentation and the panel session. If there is a hard deadline, we can be firm on the length of these discussions. Suitable for Early-Career Researchers and Mid-Career Researchers