What kinds of articles is the SMJ looking for?
We accept a wide variety of submissions, from original research to interviews and commentary to artwork. Our goal is to highlight the work of UCD students and produce a high-calibre, diverse edition. A full list of article types can be found here.
What happens to my article after I submit it?
There are 4 main stages an article will go through before being approved for publication. At each stage, a submission will be recommended to accept with minor revision, accept with major revision, or do not accept. Submissions that are recommended to accept with revision will continue through to the next step. Authors will receive feedback on their submissions regardless of the recommendation.
I’ve never published research before. How do I start?
We get it, research can be daunting! It can feel like residency and post-grad opportunities hinge on whether or not you’re published, and it’s easy to feel like everyone is ahead of you but hard to know where to even get started. Luckily, submitting to the UCD SMJ is a great place to get started! We publish a wide variety of article types, so everyone can contribute regardless of their current experience level. Through the submission process, you can learn how things work in academic publishing, and even have something to put on your CV when applying for more formal research roles.
Please also review our Author Manual for more detailed information.
Why should I submit to the UCD SMJ?
Our goal is to provide an opportunity for students to showcase their work, regardless of their previous research experience. We aim to have our author experience reflect that of international journals, providing peer review and similar guidelines required by other journals. Whether you’re a new researcher just starting out or need a deadline to motivate yourself to analyze your preliminary data, the SMJ wants to see your work!
I don’t have a research supervisor or a study on the go. Can I still submit something?
Yes! We accept a wide range of submissions, from original research to commentary to artwork. You do not need to have a formal research supervisor or conventional research project to submit. Our purpose is in the process: we’re here to provide a space for UCD students to experience how the publishing process works and to share their hard work, not to publish the next multi-million clinical trial (although we’d love to read that, too). Check out the list of article types for the full list of media we accept.
How do I find a research supervisor?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding and building a relationship with a research supervisor and mentor. However, we have a few guidelines to keep in mind.
First, find a topic you’re truly interested in. Most professors/researchers have worked with many students over the years; this is great as they’re often open to taking new students on, but it also means they have honed their radars to spot who’s just in it for the CV boost and who’s genuinely interested in their work. Also, researching something you’re fascinated by is way more fun.
Then, reach out to people in the field. Most universities will have a research directory (including contact emails) that you can search. Or, reach out to a lecturer from one of your classes or tutorials who mentioned they research something you find fascinating. It may feel awkward at first, but let your interest and curiosity drive you. If there’s anything we know for sure, it’s that people love talking about what they’re passionate about!
Advice from #MedTwitter:
We asked Twitter what they wished they had known when they first started research - here’s what they had to say (and don’t forget to follow us at @UCDsmj!):
Writing is a skill that develops over time - seek critical feedback on your writing and don't be disheartened if lots of edits have come back. This means someone has taken the time to read your writing. This feedback is a great way to improve your writing skills!
Dr. Fiona McGillicuddy (@fionamcgill_UCD), Cardiometabolic PI
The most important thing to do before you start is make sure you have a clear research question! Sounds simple but amazing how much time is wasted when no question is formulated!
Prof. Paddy Mallon (@HIVTox), Infectious Disease Consultant & Director of UCD CEPHR
To start off small with abstracts & not feel as if you need to publish straight away. Not to underestimate how much of a pain research & paper writing can be. To learn how cool statistics are when you get to use them.
Dr. Mary Higgins (@mairenihuigin), Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Try [to] enjoy it. Keep honesty and integrity above EVERYTHING else. Resist the temptation to overstate the positive and hide the negative. Also, remember that while you may benefit from your papers, you should write for your intended readers, not yourself.
Dr. Mark Pickering (@PickeringLabUCD), Neurobiology Researcher
1) Support: you will need help (a new skill to learn).
2) Journal: pick one that suits your data & don't focus on impact factor etc
3) Style of paper: doesn't have to [be] original research. Can be short report, letter to the editor etc
4) Save: every single draft (w/version number)
Dr. Hazel Smith (@smithhazelann), Chair of Irish Research Nurses & Midwives
Break everything into small tasks. And the librarians are your friends
Amanda Ross-White (@amandarosswhite), Medical Librarian
Don’t fret about writing. Put it on paper. Focus on the core of the idea. In terms of research, I wish I had known early on how wide the opportunities were. Early on in my career, I also did not appreciate the value of research networks that you develop over time. Give it a go!
Prof. Liam Gallagher (@waterfordmafia), Director of UCD Conway Institute
I always like the advice: “write to express, not impress!” Don’t underestimate the importance of telling the story and taking your audience with you, this goes for all types of research communication. Experiments WILL fail - try again.
Collaboration & teamwork is key!
Dr. Dearbhaile Dooley (@D_Dooley1), Assistant Professor in Anatomy UCD
1. Remember the first draft is always the hardest bit. 2. If you show interest and enthusiasm other medics will help you. 3. And a friendly statistician or someone who is good at stats is a major bonus.
Prof. Patricia Fitzpatrick (@patriciaefitz), Full Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
My advice: get stuck in early & don’t be afraid! Think about research methodology modules & test different approaches - the world needs more than a positivist approach! Also librarians & statisticians are so knowledgeable & if approached first will make your proposal even better!
Prof. Áine Carroll (@ainemcarroll),
From the beginning sort your references (and everything you read) for a paper in a reference manager divided into separate projects ... I use f1000 - now called sciwheel - and it’s a lifesaver (free with uni account!)
Dr. Sinéad McGlacken-Byrne (@SMCGB), Pediatric Endocrinologist
(UCD offers EndNote for free - https://libguides.ucd.ie/endnote)
Write the framework skeleton of concept first- each paragraph has a purpose and each paragraph an internal structure with a link sentence at end to join the next paragraph.
Dr. Oisin O’Connell (@OisinO_Connell), Respiratory Consultant & Interventional Pulmonologist