Course content

Dissemination of research results is essential in the research process. Knowledge and skills in all aspects of the dissemination process increase the likelihood that research will be communicated, received, understood, and used. The scientific article is the most common form of dissemination, including in the Ph.D. thesis, and is therefore at the core of the course. All aspects of the publication process will be covered, from formulating research questions or hypotheses, article structure, writing technique, reference use, journal selection, article submission, responding to reviewers' comments, etc. Dilemmas and issues related to the publication process (e.g., co-authorship, ethics) will also be discussed. The participants’ own research will be taken as a vantage point.

In addition to the article format, oral presentation of findings is an important dissemination method in research, as is written popular science communication. The course also addresses presentation techniques and popular science communication to professionals and the general public, based on each candidate's research. Furthermore, a Ph.D. should qualify for a growing independent research career and form the basis for future research leadership. This usually requires applying for external research funding. Relevant funding sources, grant writing, and the challenges and opportunities associated with this will therefore also be addressed.

An identical version of the exam paper cannot be used directly in the PhD thesis as an article or a chapter. A revised version of the exam paper may be included in the thesis.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate...

• has acquired knowledge on all aspects of the dissemination process, from research idea to published article or other types of dissemination
• is familiar with current regulations and good practices concerning publishing and authorship
• is familiar with possible dissemination channels for their research
• has knowledge on how to disseminate research to end users and the general public.
• has knowledge of possible funding sources relevant to their area of research and how to write successful grant proposals

Skills:

The candidate is able to...

• present their research in a way that makes publishing in highly regarded international scientific journals likely
• can present their research orally to other researchers, the general public, and relevant user groups
• can create a popular science presentation of their own research findings
• can write successful grant applications

General competence:

The candidate is able to ...

• evaluate how a specific research theme or finding is best disseminated.
• evaluate ethical and practical aspects of dissemination.
• seek out possible funding sources and evaluate their suitability

Learning methods and activities

The course will be organized as biweekly sessions over two semesters. The first two sessions (6 and 3 hours respectively) will consist of lectures that include exercises. With the exception of the final sessions—which will focus on popular science communication and grant writing—the remaining sessions will be seminar-based. Each seminar will center on reviewing one candidate’s article draft.

Before each seminar, all participants are expected to read and provide comments on the draft to be discussed. To pass the course, each candidate must submit an article manuscript and receive feedback on it. Therefore, access to data is a prerequisite for participation. Attendance of at least 80% is also required to pass the course. A minimum of five and a maximum of 14 PhD candidates must be enrolled for the course to be held. Given the assessment requirements, the number of sessions will increase in proportion to the number of enrolled candidates.

PhD candidates in psychology enrolled in the faculty’s PhD program will be given priority for admission.

Compulsory assignments

• 80 % participation

Required previous knowledge

Master's degree or similar. PhD candidates in psychology at the Faculty's PhD programme have priority.

Credit reductions