Initiative to Strengthen Publications by Young Faculty

Abstract

This paper reports on an initiative to strengthen the research activities of engineering faculty at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. As a specific objective, the project attempts to improve the number and quality of publications in peer-reviewed journals by young members of the faculty. The main activity implemented under this initiative is a workshop for a small number of participants. The theme of the workshop is the publication process, and the topics are grouped into three main parts: production of a manuscript, evaluation by peers, and conflicts in the publication process. The publication process is here seen as a way to enter into a more profound set of problems frequently faced by young researchers, which may cause difficulties in their activities and production. Thus, the workshop also introduces the participants to problems related to the history of science, philosophy and methodology of research, ethical dilemmas that arise in research, and aspects of the sociology of the publication process. During the workshop, the participants work on a procedure for manuscript reporting related to their research projects. The initiative has been running for 3 years, and the initial assessment indicates a clear increase in the motivation of the participants toward research activities and an increase in the publication of papers.