The Short Term Course on Scientific Writing and Publication organized by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Human Resource Development Center, Lovely Professional University and Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research catered to the capacity building in research, project writing and professional growth of ninety-one participants.

The group consisting of a balanced mix of scholars and faculty including representation from the industry got off to a flying start. Addressing the participants, Course Convener and Senior Dean, Lovely Faculty of Applied Sciences Dr. Monica Gulati gave insights on the objective of this short-term course mentioning the in-depth thought gone into designing the format of the course after feedback and inputs from the participants of the last hosted course. She advised the participants to translate the learning of the course into high-impact publications. She remarked that each designated subject matter expert had a proven track record and mastery of the topic. She also thanked the Course Convenor-HRDC, Dr. Sunaina Ahuja. Mr. Sarabjit Singh Kwatra, Course Coordinator moderated the session and Organizing Secretary Dr. Bimlesh Kumar, and explained the course flow and the assessment and evaluation pattern.

The opening session was taken by Dr. Devesh Tiwari, the subject matter expert who shared the choicest of links that could be the ideal resource bank for the participants. Using an aesthetically very appealing presentation he engrossed the participants with insightful inputs. His session focused on Capstone and Thesis content and a selection of journals. Session 2 focused on obtaining permission for reproduction of data from other journals, enriched the participants with the right way and approach to doing so was taken by Dr. Bhupinder Kapoor.

Day II began with a session taken by none other than the Co-convener and Executive Dean, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Monica Gulati. Patiently she laid the context, spelled out the importance of Title and Abstract and how to carry the written content to its logical culmination. Her charismatic style made an instant connection with the participants.

Session 2 of Day II focused on Research Methodology, Discussion and conclusion were handled by Dr. Sachin Kumar Singh, a renowned researcher of LPU; it was the ideal pick up from where Dr. Monica Gulati left.

The Day III to Day VI sessions were taken by Mr. Sukriti Vishwas, Dr. Suresh Mani, Dr. Vijay Mishra, Dr. Navneet Khurana, Dr. Monica Gulati, Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Dr. Ashish Suttee, Dr. Amit Mittal and Dr. Sheetu focused on Graphical Abstract, Image Representation, Permission for reproduction of Data, Use of QBD & DOE in research, Compilation of discussion and future directions in a review article, Use of animals in research, Inter- and intra-departmental collaborations, Respond to the reviewer’s comments, Questionnaire-based research, Statistical tools in research, Reference writing for SCOPUS/WOS/SCI Journals and Predatory Journals, and Impact of chemical structures in research articles. The subject matter experts engaged the participants with practical examples, hands-on demonstrations and poll questions.

The session resources were shared on a daily basis on Google Drive, the link of which was shared with participants. The assessment and evaluation were conducted through Multiple Choice Questions based on the session learning outcomes.

The participants were unanimous in their appreciation of the course in terms of the content, delivery and organization. The responsiveness of the organizing team was applauded by the participants who expressed that this was one of the best learning experiences. They also expressed desire that such programs should be frequently conducted. The top three scoring participants were acknowledged. The valedictory session had a buzz of vibrancy and enthusiasm!

TESTIMONIALS

I could not thank the organizing committee, the way you feel when you expect a prize and you don’t get it, similar will be the situation when you don’t expect it and you get it, so I was completely speechless at that moment, things will be very nice and happening when we do them without any expectations, same I would suggest to the LPU keep the spirit this way always without any expectation and the LPU will get more and more prosperity likewise. I liked the way the entire course was conducted, from the sharing of links on email, the what’s app group, offline recordings, PPTs to the highest level of knowledge shared by the resource persons, thanks for organizing these good sessions, had a very good time the whole week.” – Ms. Nazia Begum.