Academic researchers and professors must “publish or perish.” But professional scientists and engineers employed by corporations have different career paths, goals, and working environments. Nevertheless, the results of a research project, whether conducted in academia or industry, deserve to be published to contribute to science and technology.
This is an invitation to corporate colleagues to publish as much as possible the research they have conducted but remain unknown.
Confidentiality
Corporations function in a competitive environment and in principle do not desire to release their data or methodologies. There are, however, several ways to reconcile confidentiality and publishing.
Research can be published after a company has exhausted the information. Exact data locations (for example of boreholes) or entire datasets (well logs or seismic section) may be withheld in the paper. Given the right protocol and teamwork, many corporations often give permission to publish some of their studies. The AAPG Bulletin and books contain a wealth of science that resulted from research in petroleum companies.
Writing is Hard
Field work, data collection, discovery, and creativity are all fun and joyful, but writing about them can be very challenging.
Why?
Because writing is a lonely job, and in technical and scientific work, we write after we have already found out and the knowledge is no longer fresh to us. However, we can shift to a positive perspective if we understand that writing itself is a creative process and that publishing is the extension and conclusion of research work.
Schedule, Schedule, Schedule, Other Motivational Tools
In How to Write a Lot, psychologist Paul Silvia emphasizes that the key to successful writing is to set a goal and a schedule for it and simply follow the schedule. If we are truly willing to publish a paper, we will devote proper time to writing it. The scheduling might be a couple of hours in a day or a whole day in a month depending on each person’s situation. Without a schedule, no work is likely to be done.
Writing, as I said, is a lonely and introverted process. An inspirational environment to write is extremely helpful. Some motivational tools are: Attend conferences, keep your membership in your professional society and read its journal and other research papers in your field.
Mechanics of Writing
Successful writing involves certain procedures, such as preparing an outline and organization of the paper, stating the objectives and research problems, choosing a proper title, drafting figures and tables, listing references to previous publications, and so forth.
Objectives of the paper must be articulated first. Do not write a paper for the sake of publication only. A research paper should tackle a specific issue and contribute toward its solution. Also do not submit a pre-mature paper – it is a waste of time for yourself, editors, and reviewers. Make sure your paper is complete and accurate in its content, language, and form.
Should we prepare figures and tables before, simultaneously or after writing the text? Preferences will vary, so do whatever works. I usually prepare maps, illustrations and data tables first because they contain the results to be written about and then revise and complete the figures and tables as the text proceeds and demands.
Choosing the Right Journal
Should we choose a journal before or after writing our paper? Opinions will vary on this question as well, but here is a suggestion: First prepare the initial draft of your paper and then revise, format and fine tune it for a specific journal to which you would like to submit it. Writing the first draft itself will lead you to a set of journals from which you can select. Luckily, there are (perhaps too) many science journals today. Some are published by major commercial companies and some by professional societies. Selecting a perfect journal for your paper requires some homework.
Before you submit your paper, study the scope of the journal and compare it with the content of your paper: Have they published similar papers? These days, “impact factor” is a priority consideration for many authors. But also consider the reputation and legacy of the journal: Is it an established, peer-reviewed journal published by a professional entity for many decades or is it a yesteryear’s corporate- funded “high impact factor” and vaguely titled journal that may not be around in a decade or so?
Why Publish?
Writing is a record of our research results. Moreover, through explaining our research we also realize the extent of our knowledge as well as our blind spots, and so we come to appreciate the merits of our research as well as new questions for further research.
Finally, as scientists, we have generational responsibility. Whatever scientific or engineering field we have worked in and earned a living has heavily relied on the works of bygone dedicated men and women. By sharing the fruits of our work, we also contribute to the education and well-being of future generations. This is true for both individuals and corporations. Corporations should be persuaded to see the value of contributing to science and technology as they have utilized knowledge and methods developed by others.