Academic writing workshop series : Research to Publication: Essential Skills for Dotoral Success
Seminar Series Overview:
This five-part seminar series equips doctoral students with the essential skills to thrive in academic publishing. From designing impactful research topics, to mastering the art of review papers, and finally to publishing empirical articles in leading journals, the series offers a step-by-step roadmap for transforming your postgraduate research into high-quality publications. Each session combines conceptual insights with practical strategies, empowering you to navigate the publishing process with confidence and clarity.
Session |
Inaugural session: Crafting an Impactful Research Topic: From Interests to Innovation |
Date |
17 April 2026 (Friday) |
Time |
1:45 pm to 3:15 pm |
Venue |
D2-LP-09, Tai Po Campus, EdUHK |
Speaker |
Prof Samuel Kai Wah CHU |
Session Summary |
Choosing a research topic is one of the most consequential decisions in your RPG journey, shaping years of study and defining your scholarly contribution. A compelling topic must balance personal passion with disciplinary relevance, while also addressing gaps in existing knowledge. This seminar introduces a structured approach to identifying promising research frontiers, aligning them with your strengths, and refining them into a thesis-worthy project. You will learn practical techniques for evaluating novelty, assessing feasibility, and framing your research question for maximum clarity and impact. By the end, you will be equipped to articulate a research topic that is both intellectually exciting and strategically positioned for academic publishing. |
Registration |
Session |
Session 2: Publishing a Review Paper in a Key Journal |
Date |
28 April 2026 (Tuesday) |
Time |
1:45 pm to 3:15 pm |
Venue |
D1-LP-06, Tai Po Campus, EdUHK |
Speaker |
Prof Samuel Kai Wah CHU |
Session Summary |
Review papers are powerful tools for establishing expertise, synthesizing knowledge, and positioning yourself within your field. But what type of review should you write—systematic, scoping, or narrative—and when is the right time to do so? This seminar demystifies the process of publishing review papers, highlighting their strategic value during your RPG studies. You will gain clarity on the distinctions between review types, learn how to structure and synthesize literature effectively, and explore strategies for targeting appropriate journals. Practical guidance will be provided on managing scope, integrating critical perspectives, and leveraging reviews for conference presentations. By the end, you will understand how to craft a review paper that not only contributes to your field but also enhances your academic visibility. |
Registration |
Session |
Session 3: Publishing an Empirical Article in a Key Journal |
Date |
5 May 2026 (Tuesday) |
Time |
1:45 pm to 3:15 pm |
Venue |
D1-LP-08, Tai Po Campus, EdUHK |
Speaker |
Prof Samuel Kai Wah CHU |
Session Summary |
Transforming your research into a publishable empirical article requires more than robust methods—it demands strategic preparation, clear communication, and skillful navigation of the peer-review process. Building on the foundations of an impactful research topic and a strong review paper, this seminar guides you through the essential steps of developing an empirical article for leading journals. Topics include structuring your manuscript, presenting findings with precision, aligning your work with journal expectations, and responding effectively to reviewer feedback. You will also gain insights into common pitfalls and best practices that increase your chances of acceptance. By the end, you will be prepared to position your empirical work for maximum scholarly impact. |
Registration |
Session |
Session 4: Writing an Impactful Review Paper (The Nuts and Bolts) |
Date |
18 May 2026 (Monday) |
Time |
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm |
Venue |
D1-LP-08, Tai Po Campus, EdUHK |
Speaker |
Prof Samuel Kai Wah CHU |
Session Summary |
Transforming your research into a publishable empirical article requires more than robust methods—it demands strategic preparation, clear communication, and skillful navigation of the peer-review process. Building on the foundations of an impactful research topic and a strong review paper, this seminar guides you through the essential steps of developing an empirical article for leading journals. Topics include structuring your manuscript, presenting findings with precision, aligning your work with journal expectations, and responding effectively to reviewer feedback. You will also gain insights into common pitfalls and best practices that increase your chances of acceptance. By the end, you will be prepared to position your empirical work for maximum scholarly impact. |
Registration |
Session |
Session 5: Writing an Impactful Journal Article (The Nuts and Bolts) |
Date |
27 May 2026 (Wednesday) |
Time |
12:45 pm to 2:15 pm |
Venue |
B4-LP-04, Tai Po Campus, EdUHK |
Speaker |
Prof Samuel Kai Wah CHU |
Session Summary |
The gap between a completed data analysis and a polished journal article can often feel daunting. This seminar focuses on the mechanics of writing an empirical manuscript, providing a granular look at the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) structure. We will dissect the linguistic and structural conventions of each section, focusing on how to craft a compelling introduction, present complex data with clarity, and write a discussion that emphasizes the significance of your findings. Practical attention will be given to sentence-level flow, signposting, and the art of “storytelling” within an academic framework. By the end, you will be equipped with practical strategies to refine your academic prose, avoid common writing pitfalls, and assemble a professional manuscript ready for submission. |
Registration |
About the Speaker:
Prof Samuel Kai Wah CHU, a leading scholar in education, information science, and health literacy, with over 500 publications and extensive experience mentoring PhD students to award-winning success. His expertise in innovative teaching and publishing makes him an ideal guide for aspiring researchers.
#Participation in these seminars can be counted towards the course requirements of:
- EDD0027 Participation in Research Seminars (for students admitted in 2024/25 and thereafter)
- EDD8010 Development of Research Proposal (for students admitted before 2024/25)
Coaching:
Those who have completed at least 3 out of 5 workshops are eligible to join small group “Publications Coaching Team(s)”.
- Each coaching team will have no more than 9 students. Prof Chu will coach students to write a first-tier (Q1) review paper or a journal article.
- Each group will meet once every 2 months. A paper is expected to be submitted within 9 months.
- Details will be announced later.
For enquiries, please contact GS at rpg@eduhk.hk.





