The P word

Scientists both fear it and get excited goosebumps over it, but it’s not easy and it’s not quick. Publishing. Getting your work to a stage that’s ready to be seen by the masses, criticised by many and cited by whoever thinks it’s important.

 

I may only be a first year PhD student but already publishing my work is something I have to think about. It’s not like I’m even having delusions of grandeur as my boss has mentioned the P word to me many times now. I may not be first author on a (hopefully) near future paper but contributing is a massive step for me and fills me with excitement.

 

Before I started my research, I had very little knowledge of how publishing your work even worked. Now I’m a little wiser and have uncovered a dark, complicated route to getting your work seen. Here I outline a few of the things I’ve learnt…

Eyqew Inc.

I have never been shy about the fact that I love open access. That means I think all published research should be free for anyone to read and not hidden behind expensive paywalls. I also believe in making research accessible by explaining it to other researchers, academics and members of the public.

I was approached by Eyqew after publishing my Genetics: Back to Basics videos about putting them on their site and becoming a contributer.