how to write a scientific research paper

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Research papers, develop a research question and thesis, do the research.

• Establishes your credibility as a researcher/scholar by showing you’re familiar with debates and current opinions
• Helps your readers come to trust your judgment by allowing them to find and read your sources for themselves
• Guides others who may want to learn about the same topic
• Acknowledges the ideas and words of others.

Information you must record

• Titles (of both articles and the journals they appear, as well as books)
• Pages for articles (all the pages of the article, including the one you are citing if it’s a particular page)
• Date of publication
• For books, a place of publication and publisher
• Direct quotes, word for word with no typos. Note the page numbers carefully. If the page changes in the middle of a quote, make a note of that. If the quote contains a typo, copy it exactly and make a note. (Often the Latin word [ sic ] in square brackets is used to indicate that an error appears in the original source.) If you omit any words when you copy, indicate that with an ellipsis (three dots . . . ).
• Paraphrases. In your own words, restate what the source says. Note the page numbers carefully. Be as original as possible in writing your paraphrase, but without changing the meaning. Don’t use the same word order as the original. And don’t simply replace a few words with synonyms: that can constitute plagiarism. Instead, read the original carefully twice and then set it aside and write what you remember. Then re-check the original to be sure you were accurate.
• Summaries. What is the gist of the source, not referring to any particular page or section? Again, be sure to use your own words.

Methods of organizing research notes

• End Notes and RefWorks. These are electronic ways to organize notes supported by University Libraries. From the University Libraries homepage, go to “Citing Your Sources” under the “Class Resources” heading.
• Index cards . For every source, record the full citation for the Works Cited or Reference page (author name, titles, dates, page numbers, etc.) on one card, and label it with a letter. When you take notes from that source, put the letter of the source at the top of the card. Use a new card for every note.
• Word files . For every source, create a Word file and record the full citation for the Works Cited or Reference pages (author name, titles, dates, page numbers, etc.) at the top. Name it with a short reminder of the source, such as the first author’s name. When you take notes, use the file for that source.
• Photocopies . Photocopy the title pages and all publication information you will need as well as any pages you will cite.
• Matrices . Create a matrix, where you can record both the source information and relevant citation (direct, paraphrase, or summary). Matrices are useful if you already have a basic thesis and a few main points in mind. Label the columns across the top with a letter or number you’ve used to identify your work. Use the columns to record your notes. Use quotation marks to show if you quoted directly.

Read the Research Critically

• What is the main idea or thesis? How is the main idea supported and developed?
• What content is new to you? What concepts does the text introduce? (e.g., new vocabulary, a new theory, a new perspective on an established concept)
• What questions, issues, or problems does this text address? Does it create or bring up additional questions?
• How is the text organized? (e.g., categorically, chronologically, compare/contrast, scientific method)
• What type of writing is the text? (e.g., narrative, research study, critical analysis, review)

Critical Reading Tips

• Read the text several times if needed.
• Highlight key phrases, sentences, or words, but don’t highlight too much. Otherwise, nothing will stick out from the text.
• Look for words or headings that signal organization or that might lead to main points.
• Mark unfamiliar terms and difficult sections to reread, look up, or discuss with your professor.
• Take notes or outline the text’s organization and content. Review what you write.
• Annotate and comment, or respond to the text in writing. Writing allows you to think deeply about the content and make connections with the ideas in the text.
• Read complicated sections out loud. Slowing down and using two senses (hearing and seeing) helps you understand and retain the information more effectively. It also helps you pay attention instead of letting your eyes superficially sweep over the words.
• Allow plenty of time to read; skimming isn’t the best method for reading critically.

Organize Content

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The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Research Paper

Few things strike more fear in academics than the accursed research paper , a term synonymous with long hours and hard work. Luckily there’s a secret to help you get through them. As long as you know how to write a research paper properly, you’ll find they’re not so bad . . . or at least less painful. 

In this guide we concisely explain how to write an academic research paper step by step. We’ll cover areas like how to start a research paper, how to write a research paper outline, how to use citations and evidence, and how to write a conclusion for a research paper. 

But before we get into the details, let’s take a look at what a research paper is and how it’s different from other  writing . 

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What is a research paper?

A research paper is a type of  academic writing that provides an in-depth analysis, evaluation, or interpretation of a single topic, based on empirical evidence. Research papers are similar to analytical essays, except that research papers emphasize the use of statistical data and preexisting research, along with a strict code for citations. 

Research papers are a bedrock of modern science and the most effective way to share information across a wide network. However, most people are familiar with research papers from school; college courses often use them to test a student’s knowledge of a particular area or their research skills in general. 

Considering their gravity, research papers favor formal, even bland language that strips the writing of any bias. Researchers state their findings plainly and with corresponding evidence so that other researchers can consequently use the paper in their own research. 

Keep in mind that writing a research paper is different from  writing a research proposal . Essentially, research proposals are to acquire the funding needed to get the data to write a research paper. 

How long should a research paper be? 

The length of a research paper depends on the topic or assignment. Typically, research papers run around 4,000–6,000 words, but it’s common to see short papers around 2,000 words or long papers over 10,000 words. 

If you’re writing a paper for school, the recommended length should be provided in the assignment. Otherwise, let your topic dictate the length: Complicated topics or extensive research will require more explanation. 

How to write a research paper in 9 steps

Below is a step-by-step guide to writing a research paper, catered specifically for students rather than professional researchers. While some steps may not apply to your particular assignment, think of this as more of a general guideline to keep you on track. 

1 Understand the assignment

For some of you this goes without saying, but you might be surprised at how many students start a research paper without even reading the assignment guidelines. 

So your first step should be to review the assignment and carefully read the writing prompt. Specifically, look for technical requirements such as length , formatting requirements (single- vs. double-spacing, indentations, etc.) and citation style . Also pay attention to the particulars, such as whether or not you need to  write an abstract or include a cover page. 

Once you understand the assignment, the next steps in how to write a research paper follow the usual  writing process , more or less. There are some extra steps involved because research papers have extra rules, but the gist of the writing process is the same. 

2 Choose your topic

In open-ended assignments, the student must choose their own topic. While it may seem simple enough, choosing a topic is actually the most important decision you’ll make in writing a research paper, since it determines everything that follows. 

Your top priority in how to choose a research paper topic is whether it will provide enough content and substance for an entire research paper. You’ll want to choose a topic with enough data and complexity to enable a rich discussion. However, you also want to avoid general topics and instead stick with topics specific enough that you can cover all the relevant information without cutting too much.  

3 Gather preliminary research

The sooner you start researching, the better—after all, it’s called a research paper for a reason.

To refine your topic and prepare your thesis statement, find out what research is available for your topic as soon as possible. Early research can help dispel any misconceptions you have about the topic and reveal the best paths and approaches to find more material. 

Typically, you can find sources either online or in a library. If you’re searching online, make sure you use credible sources like science journals or academic papers. Some search engines—mentioned below in the Tools and resources section—allow you to browse only accredited sources and academic databases. 

Keep in mind the  difference between primary and secondary sources as you search. Primary sources are firsthand accounts, like published articles or autobiographies; secondary sources are more removed, like critical reviews or secondhand biographies. 

When gathering your research, it’s better to skim sources instead of reading each potential source fully. If a source seems useful, set it aside to give it a full read later. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck poring over sources that you ultimately won’t use, and that time could be better spent finding a worthwhile source. 

Sometimes you’re required to submit a  literature review , which explains your sources and presents them to an authority for confirmation. Even if no literature review is required, it’s still helpful to compile an early list of potential sources—you’ll be glad you did later.  

4 Write a thesis statement

Using what you found in your preliminary research, write a  thesis statement that succinctly summarizes what your research paper will be about. This is usually the first sentence in your paper, making it your reader’s introduction to the topic. 

A thesis statement is the best answer for how to start a research paper. Aside from preparing your reader, the thesis statement also makes it easier for other researchers to assess whether or not your paper is useful to them for their own research. Likewise, you should read the thesis statements of other research papers to decide how useful they are to you. 

A good thesis statement mentions all the important parts of the discussion without disclosing too many of the details. If you’re having trouble putting it into words, try to phrase your topic as a question and then answer it . 

For example, if your research paper topic is about separating students with ADHD from other students, you’d first ask yourself, “Does separating students with ADHD improve their learning?” The answer—based on your preliminary research—is a good basis for your thesis statement. 

5 Determine supporting evidence

At this stage of how to write an academic research paper, it’s time to knuckle down and do the actual research. Here’s when you go through all the sources you collected earlier and find the specific information you’d like to use in your paper. 

Normally, you find your supporting evidence by reading each source and taking notes. Isolate only the information that’s directly relevant to your topic; don’t bog down your paper with tangents or unnecessary context, however interesting they may be. And always write down page numbers , not only for you to find the information later, but also because you’ll need them for your citations. 

Aside from highlighting text and writing notes, another common tactic is to use bibliography cards . These are simple index cards with a fact or direct quotation on one side and the bibliographical information (source citation, page numbers, subtopic category) on the other. While bibliography cards are not necessary, some students find them useful for staying organized, especially when it’s time to write an outline. 

6 Write a research paper outline

A lot of students want to know how to write a research paper outline. More than informal essays, research papers require a methodical and systematic structure to make sure all issues are addressed, and that makes outlines especially important. 

First make a list of all the important categories and subtopics you need to cover—an outline for your outline! Consider all the information you gathered when compiling your supporting evidence and ask yourself what the best way to separate and categorize everything is. 

Once you have a list of what you want to talk about, consider the best order to present the information. Which subtopics are related and should go next to each other? Are there any subtopics that don’t make sense if they’re presented out of sequence? If your information is fairly straightforward, feel free to take a chronological approach and present the information in the order it happened. 

Because research papers can get complicated, consider breaking your outline into paragraphs. For starters, this helps you stay organized if you have a lot of information to cover. Moreover, it gives you greater control over the flow and direction of the research paper. It’s always better to fix structural problems in the outline phase than later after everything’s already been written. 

Don’t forget to include your supporting evidence in the outline as well. Chances are you’ll have a lot you want to include, so putting it in your outline helps prevent some things from falling through the cracks. 

7 Write the first draft

Once your outline is finished, it’s time to start actually writing your research paper. This is by far the longest and most involved step, but if you’ve properly prepared your sources and written a thorough outline, everything should run smoothly. 

If you don’t know how to write an introduction for a research paper, the beginning can be difficult. That’s why writing your  thesis statement beforehand is crucial. Open with your thesis statement and then fill out the rest of your introduction with the secondary information—save the details for the body of your research paper, which comes next. 

The body contains the bulk of your research paper. Unlike  essays , research papers usually divide the body into sections with separate headers to facilitate browsing and scanning. Use the divisions in your outline as a guide. 

Follow along your outline and go paragraph by paragraph. Because this is just the first draft, don’t worry about getting each word perfect . Later you’ll be able to revise and fine-tune your writing, but for now focus simply on saying everything that needs to be said. In other words, it’s OK to make mistakes since you’ll go back later to correct them. 

One of the most common problems with writing long works like research papers is connecting paragraphs to each other. The longer your writing is, the harder it is to tie everything together smoothly. Use  transition sentences to improve the flow of your paper, especially for the first and last sentences in a paragraph. 

Even after the body is written, you still need to know how to write a conclusion for a research paper. Just like  an essay conclusion , your research paper conclusion should restate your thesis , reiterate your main evidence , and summarize your findings in a way that’s easy to understand. 

Don’t add any new information in your conclusion, but feel free to say your own personal perspective or interpretation if it helps the reader understand the big picture. 

8 Cite your sources correctly

Citations are part of what sets research papers apart from more casual nonfiction like personal essays . Citing your sources both validates your data and also links your research paper to the greater scientific community. Because of their importance, citations must follow precise formatting rules . . . problem is, there’s more than one set of rules!

You need to check with the assignment to see which formatting style is required. Typically, academic research papers follow one of two formatting styles for citing sources:

• MLA (Modern Language Association)
• APA (American Psychological Association)

The links above explain the specific formatting guidelines for each style, along with an automatic citation generator to help you get started. 

In addition to MLA and APA styles, you occasionally see requirements for  CMOS (The Chicago Manual of Style),  AMA (American Medical Association) and  IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). 

Citations may seem confusing at first with all their rules and specific information. However, once you get the hang of them, you’ll be able to properly cite your sources without even thinking about it. Keep in mind that each formatting style has specific guidelines for citing just about any kind of source, including photos , websites , speeches , and YouTube videos .

9 Edit and proofread

Last but not least, you want to go through your research paper to correct all the mistakes by  proofreading . We recommend going over it twice: once for structural issues such as adding/deleting parts or rearranging paragraphs and once for word choice, grammatical, and spelling mistakes. Doing two different editing sessions helps you focus on one area at a time instead of doing them both at once. 

To help you catch everything, here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind while you edit:

Structural edit:

• Is your thesis statement clear and concise?
• Is your paper well-organized, and does it flow from beginning to end with logical transitions?
• Do your ideas follow a logical sequence in each paragraph?
• Have you used concrete details and facts and avoided generalizations?
• Do your arguments support and prove your thesis?
• Have you avoided repetition?
• Are your sources properly cited?
• Have you checked for accidental plagiarism?

Word choice, grammar, and spelling edit:

• Is your language clear and specific?
• Do your sentences flow smoothly and clearly? 
• Have you avoided  filler words and phrases ?
• Have you checked for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation? 

Some people find it useful to read their paper out loud to catch problems they might miss when reading in their head. Another solution is to have someone else read your paper and point out areas for improvement and/or technical mistakes. 

Revising is a separate skill from writing, and being good at one doesn’t necessarily make you good at the other. If you want to improve your revision skills, read our  guide on self-editing , which includes a more complete checklist and advanced tips on improving your revisions. 

Technical issues like grammatical mistakes and misspelled words can be handled effortlessly if you use a spellchecker with your word processor, or even better, a digital writing assistant that also suggests improvements for word choice and tone, like Grammarly (we explain more in the Tools and resources section below). 

Tools and resources

If you want to know more about how to write a research paper, or if you want some help with each step, take a look at the tools and resources below. 

Google Scholar

This is Google’s own search engine, which is dedicated exclusively to academic papers. It’s a great way to find new research and sources. Plus, it’s free to use. 

Zotero is a freemium, open-source research manager, a cross between an organizational CMS and a search engine for academic research. With it, you can browse the internet for research sources relevant to your topic and share them easily with colleagues. Also, it automatically generates citations. 

FocusWriter

Writing long research papers is always a strain on your attention span. If you have trouble avoiding distractions during those long stretches, FocusWriter might be able to help. FocusWriter is a minimalist word processor that removes all the distracting icons and sticks only to what you type. You’re also free to choose your own customized backgrounds, with other special features like timed alarms, daily goals, and optional typewriter sound effects. 

Google Charts

This useful and free tool from Google lets you create simple charts and graphs based on whatever data you input. Charts and graphs are excellent visual aids for expressing numeric data, a perfect complement if you need to explain complicated evidential research. 

Grammarly goes way beyond grammar, helping you hone word choice, checking your text for plagiarism, detecting your tone, and more. For foreign-language learners, it can make your English sound more fluent, and even those who speak English as their primary language benefit from Grammarly’s suggestions. 

Research paper FAQs

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that analyzes, evaluates, or interprets a single topic with empirical evidence and statistical data. 

When will I need to write a research paper in college?

Many college courses use research papers to test a student’s knowledge of a particular topic or their research skills in general. While research papers depend on the course or professor, you can expect to write at least a few before graduation. 

How do I determine a topic for my research paper?

If the topic is not assigned, try to find a topic that’s general enough to provide ample evidence but specific enough that you’re able to cover all the basics. If possible, choose a topic you’re personally interested in—it makes the work easier. 

Where can I conduct research for my paper?

Today most research is conducted either online or in libraries. Some topics might benefit from old periodicals like newspapers or magazines, as well as visual media like documentaries. Museums, parks, and historical monuments can also be useful. 

How do I cite sources for a research paper?

The correct formatting for citations depends on which style you’re using, so check the assignment guidelines. Most school research reports use either  MLA or  APA styles, although there are others. 

This article was originally written by Karen Hertzberg in 2017. It’s been updated to include new information.

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Successful Scientific Writing and Publishing: A Step-by-Step Approach

John k iskander , md, mph, sara beth wolicki , mph, cph, rebecca t leeb , phd, paul z siegel , md, mph.

• Author information
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Corresponding Author: John Iskander, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA. Telephone: 404-639-8889. Email: [email protected] .

Corresponding author.

Collection date 2018.

This is a publication of the U.S. Government. This publication is in the public domain and is therefore without copyright. All text from this work may be reprinted freely. Use of these materials should be properly cited.

Scientific writing and publication are essential to advancing knowledge and practice in public health, but prospective authors face substantial challenges. Authors can overcome barriers, such as lack of understanding about scientific writing and the publishing process, with training and resources. The objective of this article is to provide guidance and practical recommendations to help both inexperienced and experienced authors working in public health settings to more efficiently publish the results of their work in the peer-reviewed literature. We include an overview of basic scientific writing principles, a detailed description of the sections of an original research article, and practical recommendations for selecting a journal and responding to peer review comments. The overall approach and strategies presented are intended to contribute to individual career development while also increasing the external validity of published literature and promoting quality public health science.

Introduction

Publishing in the peer-reviewed literature is essential to advancing science and its translation to practice in public health ( 1 , 2 ). The public health workforce is diverse and practices in a variety of settings ( 3 ). For some public health professionals, writing and publishing the results of their work is a requirement. Others, such as program managers, policy makers, or health educators, may see publishing as being outside the scope of their responsibilities ( 4 ).

Disseminating new knowledge via writing and publishing is vital both to authors and to the field of public health ( 5 ). On an individual level, publishing is associated with professional development and career advancement ( 6 ). Publications share new research, results, and methods in a trusted format and advance scientific knowledge and practice ( 1 , 7 ). As more public health professionals are empowered to publish, the science and practice of public health will advance ( 1 ).

Unfortunately, prospective authors face barriers to publishing their work, including navigating the process of scientific writing and publishing, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Often, public health professionals lack both training opportunities and understanding of the process ( 8 ). To address these barriers and encourage public health professionals to publish their findings, the senior author (P.Z.S.) and others developed Successful Scientific Writing (SSW), a course about scientific writing and publishing. Over the past 30 years, this course has been taught to thousands of public health professionals, as well as hundreds of students at multiple graduate schools of public health. An unpublished longitudinal survey of course participants indicated that two-thirds agreed that SSW had helped them to publish a scientific manuscript or have a conference abstract accepted. The course content has been translated into this manuscript. The objective of this article is to provide prospective authors with the tools needed to write original research articles of high quality that have a good chance of being published.

Basic Recommendations for Scientific Writing

Prospective authors need to know and tailor their writing to the audience. When writing for scientific journals, 4 fundamental recommendations are: clearly stating the usefulness of the study, formulating a key message, limiting unnecessary words, and using strategic sentence structure.

To demonstrate usefulness, focus on how the study addresses a meaningful gap in current knowledge or understanding. What critical piece of information does the study provide that will help solve an important public health problem? For example, if a particular group of people is at higher risk for a specific condition, but the magnitude of that risk is unknown, a study to quantify the risk could be important for measuring the population’s burden of disease.

Scientific articles should have a clear and concise take-home message. Typically, this is expressed in 1 to 2 sentences that summarize the main point of the paper. This message can be used to focus the presentation of background information, results, and discussion of findings. As an early step in the drafting of an article, we recommend writing out the take-home message and sharing it with co-authors for their review and comment. Authors who know their key point are better able to keep their writing within the scope of the article and present information more succinctly. Once an initial draft of the manuscript is complete, the take-home message can be used to review the content and remove needless words, sentences, or paragraphs.

Concise writing improves the clarity of an article. Including additional words or clauses can divert from the main message and confuse the reader. Additionally, journal articles are typically limited by word count. The most important words and phrases to eliminate are those that do not add meaning, or are duplicative. Often, cutting adjectives or parenthetical statements results in a more concise paper that is also easier to read.

Sentence structure strongly influences the readability and comprehension of journal articles. Twenty to 25 words is a reasonable range for maximum sentence length. Limit the number of clauses per sentence, and place the most important or relevant clause at the end of the sentence ( 9 ). Consider the sentences:

By using these tips and tricks, an author may write and publish an additional 2 articles a year.

An author may write and publish an additional 2 articles a year by using these tips and tricks.

The focus of the first sentence is on the impact of using the tips and tricks, that is, 2 more articles published per year. In contrast, the second sentence focuses on the tips and tricks themselves.

Authors should use the active voice whenever possible. Consider the following example:

Active voice: Authors who use the active voice write more clearly.

Passive voice: Clarity of writing is promoted by the use of the active voice.

The active voice specifies who is doing the action described in the sentence. Using the active voice improves clarity and understanding, and generally uses fewer words. Scientific writing includes both active and passive voice, but authors should be intentional with their use of either one.

Sections of an Original Research Article

Original research articles make up most of the peer-reviewed literature ( 10 ), follow a standardized format, and are the focus of this article. The 4 main sections are the introduction, methods, results, and discussion, sometimes referred to by the initialism, IMRAD. These 4 sections are referred to as the body of an article. Two additional components of all peer-reviewed articles are the title and the abstract. Each section’s purpose and key components, along with specific recommendations for writing each section, are listed below.

Title. The purpose of a title is twofold: to provide an accurate and informative summary and to attract the target audience. Both prospective readers and database search engines use the title to screen articles for relevance ( 2 ). All titles should clearly state the topic being studied. The topic includes the who, what, when, and where of the study. Along with the topic, select 1 or 2 of the following items to include within the title: methods, results, conclusions, or named data set or study. The items chosen should emphasize what is new and useful about the study. Some sources recommend limiting the title to less than 150 characters ( 2 ). Articles with shorter titles are more frequently cited than articles with longer titles ( 11 ). Several title options are possible for the same study ( Figure ).

Two examples of title options for a single study.

Abstract . The abstract serves 2 key functions. Journals may screen articles for potential publication by using the abstract alone ( 12 ), and readers may use the abstract to decide whether to read further. Therefore, it is critical to produce an accurate and clear abstract that highlights the major purpose of the study, basic procedures, main findings, and principal conclusions ( 12 ). Most abstracts have a word limit and can be either structured following IMRAD, or unstructured. The abstract needs to stand alone from the article and tell the most important parts of the scientific story up front.

Introduction . The purpose of the introduction is to explain how the study sought to create knowledge that is new and useful. The introduction section may often require only 3 paragraphs. First, describe the scope, nature, or magnitude of the problem being addressed. Next, clearly articulate why better understanding this problem is useful, including what is currently known and the limitations of relevant previous studies. Finally, explain what the present study adds to the knowledge base. Explicitly state whether data were collected in a unique way or obtained from a previously unstudied data set or population. Presenting both the usefulness and novelty of the approach taken will prepare the reader for the remaining sections of the article.

Methods . The methods section provides the information necessary to allow others, given the same data, to recreate the analysis. It describes exactly how data relevant to the study purpose were collected, organized, and analyzed. The methods section describes the process of conducting the study — from how the sample was selected to which statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Authors should clearly name, define, and describe each study variable. Some journals allow detailed methods to be included in an appendix or supplementary document. If the analysis involves a commonly used public health data set, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( 13 ), general aspects of the data set can be provided to readers by using references. Because what was done is typically more important than who did it, use of the passive voice is often appropriate when describing methods. For example, “The study was a group randomized, controlled trial. A coin was tossed to select an intervention group and a control group.”

Results . The results section describes the main outcomes of the study or analysis but does not interpret the findings or place them in the context of previous research. It is important that the results be logically organized. Suggested organization strategies include presenting results pertaining to the entire population first, and then subgroup analyses, or presenting results according to increasing complexity of analysis, starting with demographic results before proceeding to univariate and multivariate analyses. Authors wishing to draw special attention to novel or unexpected results can present them first.

One strategy for writing the results section is to start by first drafting the figures and tables. Figures, which typically show trends or relationships, and tables, which show specific data points, should each support a main outcome of the study. Identify the figures and tables that best describe the findings and relate to the study’s purpose, and then develop 1 to 2 sentences summarizing each one. Data not relevant to the study purpose may be excluded, summarized briefly in the text, or included in supplemental data sets. When finalizing figures, ensure that axes are labeled and that readers can understand figures without having to refer to accompanying text.

Discussion . In the discussion section, authors interpret the results of their study within the context of both the related literature and the specific scientific gap the study was intended to fill. The discussion does not introduce results that were not presented in the results section. One way authors can focus their discussion is to limit this section to 4 paragraphs: start by reinforcing the study’s take-home message(s), contextualize key results within the relevant literature, state the study limitations, and lastly, make recommendations for further research or policy and practice changes. Authors can support assertions made in the discussion with either their own findings or by referencing related research. By interpreting their own study results and comparing them to others in the literature, authors can emphasize findings that are unique, useful, and relevant. Present study limitations clearly and without apology. Finally, state the implications of the study and provide recommendations or next steps, for example, further research into remaining gaps or changes to practice or policy. Statements or recommendations regarding policy may use the passive voice, especially in instances where the action to be taken is more important than who will implement the action.

Beginning the Writing Process

The process of writing a scientific article occurs before, during, and after conducting the study or analyses. Conducting a literature review is crucial to confirm the existence of the evidence gap that the planned analysis seeks to fill. Because literature searches are often part of applying for research funding or developing a study protocol, the citations used in the grant application or study proposal can also be used in subsequent manuscripts. Full-text databases such as PubMed Central ( 14 ), NIH RePORT ( 15 ), and CDC Stacks ( 16 ) can be useful when performing literature reviews. Authors should familiarize themselves with databases that are accessible through their institution and any assistance that may be available from reference librarians or interlibrary loan systems. Using citation management software is one way to establish and maintain a working reference list. Authors should clearly understand the distinction between primary and secondary references, and ensure that they are knowledgeable about the content of any primary or secondary reference that they cite.

Review of the literature may continue while organizing the material and writing begins. One way to organize material is to create an outline for the paper. Another way is to begin drafting small sections of the article such as the introduction. Starting a preliminary draft forces authors to establish the scope of their analysis and clearly articulate what is new and novel about the study. Furthermore, using information from the study protocol or proposal allows authors to draft the methods and part of the results sections while the study is in progress. Planning potential data comparisons or drafting “table shells” will help to ensure that the study team has collected all the necessary data. Drafting these preliminary sections early during the writing process and seeking feedback from co-authors and colleagues may help authors avoid potential pitfalls, including misunderstandings about study objectives.

The next step is to conduct the study or analyses and use the resulting data to fill in the draft table shells. The initial results will most likely require secondary analyses, that is, exploring the data in ways in addition to those originally planned. Authors should ensure that they regularly update their methods section to describe all changes to data analysis.

After completing table shells, authors should summarize the key finding of each table or figure in a sentence or two. Presenting preliminary results at meetings, conferences, and internal seminars is an established way to solicit feedback. Authors should pay close attention to questions asked by the audience, treating them as an informal opportunity for peer review. On the basis of the questions and feedback received, authors can incorporate revisions and improvements into subsequent drafts of the manuscript.

The relevant literature should be revisited periodically while writing to ensure knowledge of the most recent publications about the manuscript topic. Authors should focus on content and key message during the process of writing the first draft and should not spend too much time on issues of grammar or style. Drafts, or portions of drafts, should be shared frequently with trusted colleagues. Their recommendations should be reviewed and incorporated when they will improve the manuscript’s overall clarity.

For most authors, revising drafts of the manuscript will be the most time-consuming task involved in writing a paper. By regularly checking in with coauthors and colleagues, authors can adopt a systematic approach to rewriting. When the author has completed a draft of the manuscript, he or she should revisit the key take-home message to ensure that it still matches the final data and analysis. At this point, final comments and approval of the manuscript by coauthors can be sought.

Authors should then seek to identify journals most likely to be interested in considering the study for publication. Initial questions to consider when selecting a journal include:

Which audience is most interested in the paper’s message?

Would clinicians, public health practitioners, policy makers, scientists, or a broader audience find this useful in their field or practice?

Do colleagues have prior experience submitting a manuscript to this journal?

Is the journal indexed and peer-reviewed?

Is the journal subscription or open-access and are there any processing fees?

How competitive is the journal?

Authors should seek to balance the desire to be published in a top-tier journal (eg, Journal of the American Medical Association, BMJ, or Lancet) against the statistical likelihood of rejection. Submitting the paper initially to a journal more focused on the paper’s target audience may result in a greater chance of acceptance, as well as more timely dissemination of findings that can be translated into practice. Most of the 50 to 75 manuscripts published each week by authors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are published in specialty and subspecialty journals, rather than in top-tier journals ( 17 ).

The target journal’s website will include author guidelines, which will contain specific information about format requirements (eg, font, line spacing, section order, reference style and limit, table and figure formatting), authorship criteria, article types, and word limits for articles and abstracts.

We recommend returning to the previously drafted abstract and ensuring that it complies with the journal’s format and word limit. Authors should also verify that any changes made to the methods or results sections during the article’s drafting are reflected in the final version of the abstract. The abstract should not be written hurriedly just before submitting the manuscript; it is often apparent to editors and reviewers when this has happened. A cover letter to accompany the submission should be drafted; new and useful findings and the key message should be included.

Before submitting the manuscript and cover letter, authors should perform a final check to ensure that their paper complies with all journal requirements. Journals may elect to reject certain submissions on the basis of review of the abstract, or may send them to peer reviewers (typically 2 or 3) for consultation. Occasionally, on the basis of peer reviews, the journal will request only minor changes before accepting the paper for publication. Much more frequently, authors will receive a request to revise and resubmit their manuscript, taking into account peer review comments. Authors should recognize that while revise-and-resubmit requests may state that the manuscript is not acceptable in its current form, this does not constitute a rejection of the article. Authors have several options in responding to peer review comments:

Performing additional analyses and updating the article appropriately

Declining to perform additional analyses, but providing an explanation (eg, because the requested analysis goes beyond the scope of the article)

Providing updated references

Acknowledging reviewer comments that are simply comments without making changes

In addition to submitting a revised manuscript, authors should include a cover letter in which they list peer reviewer comments, along with the revisions they have made to the manuscript and their reply to the comment. The tone of such letters should be thankful and polite, but authors should make clear areas of disagreement with peer reviewers, and explain why they disagree. During the peer review process, authors should continue to consult with colleagues, especially ones who have more experience with the specific journal or with the peer review process.

There is no secret to successful scientific writing and publishing. By adopting a systematic approach and by regularly seeking feedback from trusted colleagues throughout the study, writing, and article submission process, authors can increase their likelihood of not only publishing original research articles of high quality but also becoming more scientifically productive overall.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge PCD ’s former Associate Editor, Richard A. Goodman, MD, MPH, who, while serving as Editor in Chief of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Series, initiated a curriculum on scientific writing for training CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service Officers and other CDC public health professionals, and with whom the senior author of this article (P.Z.S.) collaborated in expanding training methods and contents, some of which are contained in this article. The authors acknowledge Juan Carlos Zevallos, MD, for his thoughtful critique and careful editing of previous Successful Scientific Writing materials. We also thank Shira Eisenberg for editorial assistance with the manuscript. This publication was supported by the Cooperative Agreement no. 1U360E000002 from CDC and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health. The findings and conclusions of this article do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC or the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health. Names of journals and citation databases are provided for identification purposes only and do not constitute any endorsement by CDC.

The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions.

Suggested citation for this article: Iskander JK, Wolicki SB, Leeb RT, Siegel PZ. Successful Scientific Writing and Publishing: A Step-by-Step Approach. Prev Chronic Dis 2018;15:180085. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd15.180085 .

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How to Write a Scientific Paper in 10 Steps 

The most challenging part about writing a scientific paper is getting started. After spending months and sometimes years conducting research, creating notes, and collecting data, researchers often find themselves struggling with how to present their work in the form of a well-written scientific paper. This is not surprising, given that scientific writing has its own set of conventions and style requirements that differ from other forms of writing. It requires a high level of accuracy, rigor, and attention to detail. Also, the fact that universities and journals expect manuscripts to meet pretty stringent quality standards can be intimidating, particularly for early-career researchers, who may lack experience in scientific writing.  

What is a scientific paper?

A scientific paper communicates research findings, methods, and results of a scientific investigation or research project. These papers follow the IMRAD structure, which comprises sections such as the abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and references. Once submitted to an academic journal for publication, scientific papers undergo a peer review to ensure their quality and validity before they are accepted. Published papers play a crucial role in advancing knowledge; they serve as the foundation for future research, making the writing and publication of research papers fundamental to scientific dialogue and growth. 

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How to write a scientific paper in 10 steps.

Understanding the fundamental principles of academic writing and following a systematic approach is key to producing a submission-ready scientific paper. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to write a scientific paper that will help you get started.

Step 1 : Define the objectives and scope of your study

Before you actually start writing your manuscript, begin by identifying the research question that you want to address. Determine the specific aims and objectives of your study and establish the boundaries within which you will work. Creating this framework helps you stay focused and structured as you write. 

Step 2: Conduct a comprehensive literature review

Read relevant research articles and other scholarly sources to form a well-rounded understanding of the current state of research in your field. This helps you identify potential gaps and areas of investigation where your research efforts can make a significant contribution. It’s crucial to do a thorough literature review on your chosen topic to lay the groundwork for your research and position your work within the existing body of knowledge.  

Step 3: Design and share your methodology accurately and concisely

Describe the methodology you used to conduct your research in a precise manner. Remember to provide details that explain the study design, sample size, methodology, and analysis techniques employed so that other researchers can replicate your study if required. Clearly state any limitations or potential biases in your methodology to ensure transparency and integrity. 

Step 4: Organize and analyze data

Most researchers spend a lot of time collating necessary data but fail to present it accurately when writing their scientific papers. Organizing, evaluating, and presenting data in an easy-to-understand , accurate way is imperative for researchers to ensure that their paper is well received. Present your findings using tables, graphs, or other visual aids to enhance clarity.

Step 5: Adhere to standard format and structure

Most leading journals and universities often have their own specific rules regarding how a scientific paper must be structured. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear understanding of how to structure your scientific paper. Start with an abstract, followed by the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion sections. Each section must flow logically and build upon previous ones. 

Step 6: Write clearly and concisely

When writing your scientific paper, use simple language and correct grammar, and avoid using too much jargon or technical terms. Clearly define any specialized terminology you use. Present your ideas logically and provide sufficient context for the reader to understand your arguments. Use active voice and vary sentence structure to enhance readability. Revise and proofread your work meticulously to eliminate errors and inconsistencies. Leverage AI academic writing tools like Paperpal , to boost your chances of success with real-time, subject-specific language suggestions.

Step 7: Present a compelling results and discussion section

Spend time writing this section to ensure that it is both informative and engaging.   This section should form the bulk of your paper and should be quantitative and specific, especially when comparing prior work. Add in relevant data, include vital messages, and ensure that the narrative is positive.  

Step 8: Remember to ensure that the conclusion is engaging

This section is an essential element of your scientific paper as it communicates the most important findings of your work and explains its relevance to readers. While it is important to keep the conclusion concise, it is just as essential to ensure that the reader is able to understand the gist of your whole study, including your results and their significance. 

Step 9: Ensure that sources are cited accurately

Ensuring that you provide complete and accurate citations is crucial for acknowledging the work of others and supporting the credibility of your research. Remember to follow recognized citation styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and ensure consistency throughout your paper. Double-check the accuracy of your references and include in-text citations for all sources used to avoid plagiarism charges and give credit to the original authors.

Step 10: Seek feedback and revise where required

Experts suggest seeking insights and feedback from colleagues, mentors, and academics on completing your initial draft. The feedback received can help identify areas for improvement and provide fresh insights.  

Writing a scientific paper can be both challenging and rewarding. By following the ten steps outlined above, you can ensure that your manuscript is well-structured, clearly written. You can also choose Paperpal , a comprehensive AI writing assistant, that can help you improve your writing in real-time and ensure the highest manuscript quality with 30 language and technical pre-submission checks. By adhering to these principles, you can produce a scientific paper that is informative, engaging, and contributes to your field.

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Try it for free or upgrade to  Paperpal Prime , which unlocks unlimited access to premium features like academic translation, paraphrasing, contextual synonyms, consistency checks and more. It’s like always having a professional academic editor by your side! Go beyond limitations and experience the future of academic writing.  Get Paperpal Prime now at just US$19 a month!  

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How to Write a Scientific Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to write a scientific paper with our step-by-step guide. From research to publication, master the essential skills for successful scientific writing.

Glice Martineau

Jun 12, 2024

Have you ever wondered what it takes to write a groundbreaking scientific paper that advances our understanding of the world around us?

Writing scientific papers is a crucial skill for researchers, academics , and students alike.

A well-written scientific paper not only communicates your research findings effectively but also showcases your critical thinking and analytical skills.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of writing a scientific paper, from choosing a research topic to submitting your paper for publication.

How to Write a Scientific Paper in 8 Steps

Writing a scientific paper can seem daunting at first.

So we broke down the process into 8 manageable steps to help you write a paper that is well-structured, informative, and engaging.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a student just starting, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to write a compelling scientific paper that stands out from the rest.

Step 1: Choose a Research Topic

The first and most crucial step in writing a scientific paper is choosing a research topic.

Your topic should be both interesting and relevant to your field of study. To identify a suitable research topic, start by reviewing the current literature in your area of interest.

Look for gaps in the existing research or unanswered questions that you could potentially address through your own research project.

Creating a research paper outline to organize key topics, arguments, and evidence can make the writing process more efficient and prevent important information from being overlooked.

When selecting a research paper topic, it’s essential to ensure that it is feasible given your available resources, time, and expertise.

Consider factors such as access to necessary equipment, data, or study participants.

You should also assess whether your topic aligns with your research goals and has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the greater scientific community.

Once you have identified a potential research topic, it’s important to narrow down its scope.

A broad topic can be overwhelming and difficult to address within the confines of a single scientific paper.

By focusing on a specific aspect of your topic, you can create a more manageable and targeted question for research.

This will help you to develop a clear hypothesis and design a focused research methodology .

For example, instead of choosing a broad topic like “climate change,” you might narrow your focus to “the impact of rising sea levels on coastal ecosystems in a specific region.”

This narrower topic allows you to delve deeper into a specific aspect of climate change while still addressing a relevant and important issue.

Easily pronounces technical words in any field

Step 2: Conduct a Literature Review

Once you have chosen your research paper topic, the next step in the scientific writing process is conducting a thorough literature review.

Using academic papers as credible sources is essential for a comprehensive literature review.

This involves searching for and analyzing existing research related to your topic.

This step is crucial as it helps you understand the current state of knowledge in your field and identify key concepts, theories, and gaps in the research that your study aims to address.

To begin, use academic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed , or Web of Science to search for relevant scientific articles and studies.

Use keywords related to your main question to narrow down your search results.

As you read through the previous research, take notes on the main findings, methodologies, and conclusions of each study.

When analyzing the literature, look for patterns, trends, and inconsistencies in the findings.

Synthesize the information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive understanding of your research topic.

Identify the key concepts and theories that are most relevant to your study and consider how your research fits into the broader context of the existing knowledge.

As you conduct your literature review, keep track of the sources you consult.

You’ll need to cite these sources in your scientific paper to demonstrate your understanding of the current research and to give credit to the original authors .

Citing sources is an essential part of academic writing and helps to avoid plagiarism.

By conducting a thorough literature review, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your research topic and identify the key questions that your study aims to answer.

Step 3: Develop a Research Question and Hypothesis

With a solid understanding of the existing research, the next step is to develop a clear and specific question and hypothesis.

It should be focused, relevant, and address a gap in the current knowledge or explore a new aspect of your research topic.

Qualities of a strong research question

A strong research question should be:

• Specific: Narrow and focused, addressing a specific aspect of your topic
• Measurable: Answerable through empirical research and data collection
• Relevant: Significant and contributing to the broader understanding of your field
• Clear: Clearly stated and easily understood by your target audience

For example, instead of asking, “How does climate change affect ecosystems?” a more specific question could be, “How do rising sea levels impact the biodiversity of coastal wetlands in the southeastern United States?”

This question is directly relevant to the broader context of climate change while focusing on a particular topic that can be investigated through scientific research.

After developing a clear question, create a testable hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a prediction about the relationship between variables based on your question. It should be specific, measurable, and falsifiable.

Qualities of a well-constructed hypothesis

A well-constructed hypothesis should:

• Identify the independent and dependent variables
• Predict the direction of the relationship between variables
• Be testable through empirical research

For example, a hypothesis based on the question above could be, “Rising sea levels will lead to a decrease in the biodiversity of coastal wetlands in the southeastern United States.”

A clear hypothesis provides a roadmap for your research paper.

They guide your research design, data collection, and analysis, ensuring that your study remains focused and relevant.

Step 4: Design Your Research Methodology and Research Paper Outline

The next step is to design your research methodology.

A well-designed methodology ensures the validity and reliability of your findings and is key to writing research papers accepted by peer-reviewed journals.

Tips for Designing a Methodology for your Research

1. Choose an appropriate research design that aligns with your question and hypothesis. 2. Consider the nature of your variables, the level of control you have over them, and the feasibility of your study when selecting your design. The research design you choose will impact the statistical methods you use and the conclusions you can draw. 3. Define your variables and measurement tools. 4. Clearly operationalize your variables by specifying how they will be measured. 5. Identify your independent, dependent, and control variables. 6. Select reliable and valid measurement tools appropriate for your variables and research design. 7. The methods section of your research paper will describe your variables and measurement tools in detail, allowing for replication. 8. Determine your sample size and sampling method. Your sample should be representative of your target population and large enough to detect significant effects. 9. Consider the variability of your variables, desired statistical power, and available resources when determining sample size. 10. Choose a sampling method appropriate for your research design that ensures an unbiased and representative sample.

For example, if you are studying the impact of a new teaching method on student learning outcomes , you may choose an experimental design with treatment and control groups.

The independent variable would be the teaching method, and the dependent variable would be student learning outcomes, measured through standardized tests.

Determine the appropriate sample size based on score variability and desired statistical power, and use random assignment for unbiased groups.

Your manuscript’s results section will present the statistical tests comparing learning outcomes between groups.

A well-designed methodology provides a strong foundation for data collection, analysis, and the conclusions drawn in your research paper.

It demonstrates your understanding of the scientific writing process and your ability to conduct high-quality research that contributes to your field.

Step 5: Collect and Analyze Data

With your research methodology designed, it’s time to collect and analyze your data.

This step involves gathering data using your chosen methods, organizing and cleaning the data, and conducting statistical analyses to interpret the results.

This section is crucial for writing scientific manuscripts that effectively communicate your findings.

Gather data using the methodology you outlined in the previous step.

This may involve conducting experiments, surveys, interviews, or observations, depending on your research design.

Follow your methodology closely and document any deviations or challenges encountered.

Accurate and reliable data collection is essential for producing valid results that can withstand the peer review process when submitting your research paper to scientific journals.

Organize and clean your data. Enter your data into a spreadsheet or statistical software, check for errors or missing values, and code any qualitative data.

Ensure your data is in a format that is easy to analyze and interpret. Well-organized data is crucial for conducting appropriate statistical tests and presenting your results clearly in the results and discussion sections of your scientific article.

Conduct statistical analyses to interpret your results. The specific analyses you use will depend on your research question, hypothesis, and the type of data collected.

Common statistical methods include t-tests, ANOVA , regression, and correlation analyses. Use appropriate statistical software to run these analyses and interpret the results.

When reporting your findings, include relevant statistical information, such as p-values and effect sizes, to help readers understand the significance of your results.

When interpreting your results, consider the statistical and practical significance of your findings. Look for patterns or trends in your data that support or refute your hypothesis.

Consider alternative explanations for your findings and any limitations of your study.

Discussing these key points in your scientific writing demonstrates your critical thinking skills and helps other researchers evaluate the validity and importance of your work.

For example, if you are studying the impact of a new teaching method on student learning outcomes, collect data on student test scores before and after implementing the new method.

Organize this data in a spreadsheet, checking for missing or incorrect values.

Conduct a t-test to compare the mean test scores of the treatment and control groups, looking for a statistically significant effect.

Interpret these results in the context of your hypothesis and the practical implications for teaching and learning, discussing how your findings relate to previous research.

By collecting and analyzing your data carefully and systematically, you ensure that your findings are accurate, reliable, and meaningful. This step is crucial for drawing valid conclusions and making recommendations based on your research, which are essential elements of effective scientific writing.

Step 6: Write Your Research Paper

With your data collected and analyzed, it’s time to write your research paper.

A well-structured paper is crucial for effectively communicating your research to the scientific community. Effective science writing is essential for clearly communicating research findings to specialized audiences.

Follow the IMRaD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) to organize your paper. This logical organization helps readers understand the key points of your research and is the standard format for most scientific journals.

Introduction

Begin your paper with an introduction that provides background information and context for your research. Clearly state your research questions and hypothesis, and explain why your study is important and how it contributes to the field.

A strong introduction sets the stage for the rest of your research article and is essential for effective scientific writing.

In the methods section, describe your research methodology in detail. Explain how you collected and analyzed your data, including any equipment or software used.

Provide enough detail so that other researchers can replicate your study. Address any limitations or potential sources of bias. A clear and detailed methods section is crucial for demonstrating the validity of your research and is a key component of scientific manuscripts.

Present your findings objectively in the results section. Use tables, graphs, and charts to visualize your data and make it easier for readers to understand.

Report all relevant results, including those that do not support your hypothesis. Avoid interpreting your results in this section. The results section should be clear and concise, highlighting the most important findings of your research.

In the discussion section, interpret your results and discuss their implications. Explain how your findings support or refute your hypothesis, and compare your results to past research in the field.

Discuss any limitations of your study and suggest directions for future research. Consider the broader implications of your findings and how they contribute to the larger body of knowledge.

The discussion section is where you demonstrate your critical thinking and analysis skills and is often the most challenging part of scientific writing.

Use clear and concise language, and follow the formatting guidelines of your target journal. Use headings and subheadings to organize your paper. Cite relevant sources to support your arguments and give credit to previous research.

Remember that writing scientific papers is a process, and it may take several drafts and revisions before your manuscript is ready for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

With practice and persistence, you can develop your scientific writing skills and become a successful author of scientific publications.

Step 7: Edit, Revise, and Understand the Peer Review Process

Once you have completed the first draft of your research paper, it’s essential to edit and revise your work.

This step ensures that your paper is clear, concise, and error-free.

Editing and revising can also improve the overall quality of your writing and make your arguments more compelling. The writing process is not complete until you have thoroughly reviewed and refined your work.

Start by checking your paper for grammatical and spelling errors.

Use a spelling and grammar checker to identify mistakes, but don’t rely on these tools entirely. Read through your paper carefully, sentence by sentence, to ensure that your writing is clear and error-free.

Pay attention to common mistakes, such as using the wrong word or forgetting to include a comma. Misspelled words and poor word choice can detract from the quality of your scientific writing and undermine your credibility as a researcher.

Consider using a text-to-speech tool like Listening.com to listen to your paper and catch any errors or awkward phrasing that you might miss when reading silently.

Next, ensure that your paper follows the proper formatting and citation style for your target journal. Different journals have different requirements for formatting, such as margin size, font type and size, and line spacing.

Make sure your paper adheres to these guidelines and that your references are formatted correctly.

Consistent formatting and proper citation style demonstrate your attention to detail and respect for academic conventions. A well-formatted reference list is a key component of any research paper.

Finally, seek feedback from peers or mentors and incorporate their suggestions into your paper. Ask colleagues or advisors to read through your paper and provide constructive criticism.

They may identify areas where your arguments are unclear or where you need more evidence to support your claims.

Be open to their feedback and use it to improve your paper. Incorporating suggestions from others can refine your writing and make your research more impactful. The review process is an essential part of scientific writing and can help you develop your writing skills and improve your work’s quality.

Remember that editing and revising your research paper is an iterative process. You may need several rounds of revisions before your paper is ready for submission. Don’t be discouraged if your first draft requires significant changes; this is normal in the writing process.

Step 8: Submit Your Paper for Publication

Once you have completed the editing and revision process, it’s time to submit your research paper for publication . Choosing the right journal or conference is crucial for ensuring that your work reaches the appropriate audience and has the greatest impact.

This step can be daunting, especially for graduate students or early-career researchers, but it is essential for disseminating your research and advancing your academic career.

Start by researching potential journals or conferences in your field.

Look for publications that have a scope and audience that align with your research topic and objectives.

Consider factors such as the journal’s impact factor, publication frequency, and acceptance rate.

Aim to submit your paper to the most prestigious and relevant journal or conference that is likely to accept your work.

Keep in mind that most journals have a high rejection rate, so it’s important to have a list of alternative publications in case your first choice does not accept your paper.

Before submitting your research paper, carefully review the submission guidelines and requirements for your chosen publication.

These guidelines will specify the required format, length, and style of your paper, as well as any additional materials that must be included, such as a cover letter or author biography.

Follow these guidelines closely to ensure that your paper is not rejected on technical grounds. Many journals and conferences have specific formatting requirements, such as page numbers, font size, and reference list style, so be sure to pay attention to these details.

Once you have submitted your research paper, be prepared to respond to reviewer comments and make necessary revisions.

Most journals and conferences use a peer review process to evaluate submitted papers, which means that your work will be reviewed by experts in your field.

These reviewers may request changes or additional information to strengthen your paper and improve its clarity and impact. Responding to reviewer comments is an important part of the writing process and can help you refine your research and improve your writing ability.

When responding to reviewer comments, be professional and courteous, even if you disagree with their suggestions. Address each comment individually and provide a clear explanation of how you have revised your paper in response.

If you choose not to make a suggested change, provide a compelling reason for your decision. Remember that reviewers are experts in their field and their feedback can be invaluable in improving the quality of your research paper.

After making the necessary revisions, resubmit your paper and wait for a decision.

If your paper is accepted, congratulations!

Your work will be published and made available to the wider scientific community. This is a significant achievement and can help establish your reputation as a researcher in your field. If your paper is rejected, don’t be discouraged.

Use the reviewer feedback to improve your work and consider submitting it to another publication. Many successful research papers have been rejected multiple times before finding the right home.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps and dedicating yourself to the scientific writing process, you can develop your skills as a researcher and communicator.

Whether you are a student, early-career researcher, or experienced academic, writing scientific papers is essential for advancing knowledge and making a difference in your field.

Start applying the tips and techniques outlined in this guide to your own research projects. With practice and persistence, you can become a successful scientific writer and make a lasting impact on your field.

Remember, the scientific community relies on the contributions of dedicated researchers like you to push the boundaries of knowledge and drive progress in science and society.

Research Paper

Scientific Paper

Scientific Publication

Scientific Writing

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• 08 May 2019

Toolkit: How to write a great paper

A clear format will ensure that your research paper is understood by your readers. Follow:

1. Context — your introduction

2. Content — your results

3. Conclusion — your discussion

Plan your paper carefully and decide where each point will sit within the framework before you begin writing.

Collection: Careers toolkit

Straightforward writing

Scientific writing should always aim to be A, B and C: Accurate, Brief, and Clear. Never choose a long word when a short one will do. Use simple language to communicate your results. Always aim to distill your message down into the simplest sentence possible.

Choose a title

A carefully conceived title will communicate the single core message of your research paper. It should be D, E, F: Declarative, Engaging and Focused.

Conclusions

Add a sentence or two at the end of your concluding statement that sets out your plans for further research. What is next for you or others working in your field?

Find out more

See additional information .

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-01362-9

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