Publication Awards Honour Students for their Research Output

The Graduate School (GS) hosted three sessions honouring research output in the Postgraduate Students Publication Awards Scheme (PSPAS) on 19 and 20 January 2026. The Scheme, which aims to cultivate a research and outcome-oriented environment among postgraduate students, recognised the efforts of 54 students from GS doctoral and master’s programmes.

Students received their awards from senior members of the Graduate School, including Professor Looi Chee Kit, Associate Dean (Academic Quality Assurance and Enhancement) , Professor Chu Kai Wah Samuel(Honorary Professor – Faculty of Education of The University of Hong Kong) and Dr Kohnke Lucas(Acting RPg Programme Leader, EdD Programme Coordinator).Prof Chu and Dr Kohnke Lucas, led panel discussions with the recipients. The panel discussions began with awardees giving an overview of their papers, which prompted a deeper conversation on writing, journal choice, and dealing with rejection.

Panel participants shared their approach to publishing in top-ranked journals with a common theme of working closely with their supervisors. They noted that systematic reviews are a good starting point because the process helps new researchers build a knowledge base on a chosen topic while broadening their exposure to different journal writing and presentation styles. Many noted the importance of proofreading using a variety of tools, including read-aloud software.

Panel leaders, Dr Kohnke and Prof Chu, reflected on the awardees’ comments, explaining how they had addressed reviewer feedback and rejection. Participants nodded in agreement when they highlighted the importance of treating feedback and rejection as opportunities to improve publications. Prof Chu reminded early-career academics to reduce pressure in the publication process by taking time to reflect. Prof Chu explained how hiking has helped him navigate difficulties and encouraged participants to find similar activities to manage stress.

The three PSPAS sessions demonstrated the importance of recognising the academic achievements of postgraduate students while providing a valuable platform for networking and reflection among peers. The GS strongly encourages postgraduate students to publish their work and will continue to support such efforts.