UP ISSI empowers REPS to transform project reports into publishable research papers
The UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (ISSI) recently conducted a learning session titled “Your Gateway to Global Research: Publishing in Indexed Journals Made Simple.” The event, held on February 26, 2025, aimed to guide ISSI Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) in transforming project reports into publishable research papers for indexed journals.
Recognizing the valuable insights generated from project-based work at ISSI, the session sought to bridge the gap between project documentation and academic publishing—a critical step in ensuring that research findings contribute to the global academic and scientific community.
The session featured Dr. Sally B. Gutierez, an S&T Fellow for Policy Advisory at the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST).
Dr. Gutierez holds a Ph.D. in Science Education, Major in Biology, from Seoul National University under the Global Korea Scholarship. She has authored multiple publications in internationally indexed journals and has received numerous awards, including the 2017 Seoul National University Global Women Leaders Fellowship and the 2021/2022 SEAMEO-Jasper Research Award from SEAMEO and the Government of Canada. She is also an active member of esteemed international organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the European Science Education Research Association (ESERA).
With her experience in academic publishing, Dr. Gutierez provided practical insights on manuscript structuring, journal selection, and the peer review process, ensuring participants gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to prepare their research for publication.
Key Insights from the Learning Session
The session covered essential topics designed to empower ISSI REPS in academic publishing, including:
- Identifying Research Questions from Project Reports
Dr. Gutierez emphasized the importance of shifting focus from project documentation to academic inquiry by:
Extracting key research questions from project objectives
Framing research narratives that contribute to the broader field
Showcasing real-world examples of successful project-to-publication transitions
- Structuring a Manuscript for Indexed Journals
Participants learned the importance of:
Using the Context-Content-Conclusion (C-C-C) framework for clarity and coherence
Organizing the introduction, methodology, results, and discussion effectively
Crafting strong titles and abstracts to attract journal editors and reviewers
- Writing Strategies for Logical Flow
Dr. Gutierez shared 10 key rules for scientific writing, highlighting:
The importance of focusing on a central contribution
Writing in a way that engages readers unfamiliar with the topic
Avoiding zig-zag narratives and maintaining a structured, parallel flow
- Selecting the Right Journal
Participants were guided on:
Evaluating journals based on scientific rigor, editorial quality, and indexing status
Avoiding predatory journals and understanding impact factors
Aligning research topics with journal scopes to increase chances of acceptance
- Understanding the Peer Review Process
The session demystified the peer review process by covering:
Step-by-step manuscript submission guidelines
Common reasons for manuscript rejection and how to address them
Best practices for handling revisions and resubmissions
Key Takeaways from the Session
Academic publishing is a learnable skill. With the right guidance, REPS can convert project outputs into meaningful research contributions.
A well-structured manuscript increases acceptance chances. Writing should be clear, engaging, and aligned with journal expectations.
Journal selection is critical. Avoiding predatory journals and choosing reputable platforms ensures research impact and credibility.
The peer review process is part of growth. Rejections should be seen as opportunities for improvement rather than discouragement.
The event successfully laid the groundwork for a stronger research culture within ISSI, motivating REPS to take a more active role in publishing their research work. Many participants expressed renewed confidence in revising their project reports for submission to international journals.