The publishing process
Understand the different stages in the scholarly publishing process, including:
- writing and formatting in the preferred style of the publisher or journal
- understanding author responsibilities
- submitting your article and what happens in editorial review
- peer review and peer review training opportunities
- avoiding unethical publishers.
3. Author responsibilities
Responsible research
The purpose of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research is to guide institutions and researchers in responsible research practices. The Code promotes integrity in research for researchers and has broad relevance across all research disciplines.
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) in their Recommendations for the conduct, reporting, editing and publication of scholarly work in medical journals(ICMJE Recommendations) recommend that authorship be based on the following four criteria:
- substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work
- drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content
- final approval of the version to be published
- agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Always refer to the journal's instructions and follow any specific requirements they may have.
Related UQ policies
Scientific misconduct
Improper conduct of research is reported in Retraction Watch.
Australian cases of scientific misconduct
- During 1981, Michael Briggs, professor of endocrinology at Deakin University, Geelong, forged data on oral contraceptives. His deception caused concern over the safety of up to two million women in Britain and ten million worldwide.
- Details: Martin, B. (1989) Fraud and Australian Academics. Thought & Action, 5(2), 95-102.
- In 1988, William McBride, director of Foundation 41 in Sydney, NSW forged data on the action of hyoscine in fetal rabbits.
- Details: Ragg, M. William McBride's penalty. The Lancet, 2(8867), 361-362.
UQ policies
- Responsible conduct of research 4.20.02
- Authorship 4.20.04
- Research Data management 4.20.06
- Open Access for UQ Research Publications Policy 4.20.08
Next steps
- Set up an ORCID iD before you publish to establish your unique identity as a researcher
- Use the Strategic scholary publishing - Think, Check, Submit, Promote, Track method to ensure you publish in the most effective outlet.
Contact your librarian if you need help.