In 2022, many authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.
Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspectives and insightful views as authors.
Outstanding Authors (2022)
Odin Ramirez-Fernandez, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Mexico
Michel Kahaleh, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, USA
Odin Ramirez-Fernandez
Odin Ramirez-Fernandez is a full-time Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Mexico. He is currently working in the Tissue Engineering and Biomechanics Lab. His areas of interest focus on tissue engineering, especially the manufacture and design of new generation materials, in vitro maintenance, and microfluidic systems, such as bioreactors and organ-on-chip. He obtained his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in 2015. His latest investigations carry on decellularization and recellularization organs and the design and fabrication of their biological systems. These are some pages where you can find more information about Prof. Odin Ramirez-Fernandez: Facebook and ORCID.
In Prof. Ramirez-Fernandez’s opinion, a good academic paper seeks to make available to humanity the most recent knowledge in a particular discipline. This is because research is due to government support and the society of each country. Therefore, it is vital that research findings are shared with the wider community to help advance science. Researchers/scientists have the obligation to write in an understandable language where they can reflect the results of the studies without exaggerating the achievements of the study and demonstrate that they are capable of favoring society in general with their studies.
Academic writers may encounter difficulties in their writing. To Prof. Ramirez-Fernandez, the greatest difficulty of the investigation is not to elaborate or design a good protocol or obtain convincing results. What are difficult are to have good communication skills for the effective transmission of ideas, how to reach the greatest number of people with papers, and exhibit images and tables that are explanatory without neglecting the honesty and integrity of the authors. Moreover, regardless of the relevance of the study, the document must have informative value for specialized scientists and the general public.
As an author, Prof. Ramirez-Fernandez believes that a critical part when writing a paper is knowing how to express ideas, and good communication is essential to present the results. “Following the formats established for each journal causes us to forget about writing and grammar to focus on complying with the required templates. We need to write the protocols in a general journal format to always keep in mind a fluid and easy-to-understand writing.”
Finally, Prof. Ramirez-Fernandez says a few words to encourage other academic writers who have been devoting themselves to advancing scientific progress. “My motivation for writing a paper is to make the results of my research available to humanity. Imagine that I am writing for children and see the eyes of the readers shining with the explanations of the experiments. Maintaining a rigorous and transparent process in the protocols, experiments and collaborations with colleagues but with a simple writing that is capable of obtaining a Woooooow!!! from each reader.”
(By Nicole J. Li, Brad Li)
Michel Kahaleh
Dr. Michel Kahaleh is a board-certified gastroenterologist in both Europe and the United States. He is the clinical director of gastroenterology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, USA. He has a vested interest in advanced endoscopy with particular interest in ERCP, therapeutic EUS, Endoscopic resection and Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). He dedicates his career to patient care, clinical research and teaching locally and internationally therapeutic endoscopy. His aim is to redefine and improve minimally invasive procedures. For more information about Dr. Kahaleh, you can take a look at his profile here.
A good academic paper, according to Dr. Kahaleh, should be able to speak to experts as well as general practitioners. It should cover enough cutting-edge details to engage the readers, without overwhelming them with unnecessary technical concepts.
There are several qualities Dr. Kahaleh considers important for an author. Clarity, precision and ability to engage in one’s writing is of utmost importance. Also, addressing controversial issues in an evidence-based manner is crucial as well.
Academic writing often involves evidence synthesis. To Dr. Kahaleh, it is crucial for the academician to select the right articles when analyzing the literature. He recommends focusing as much as possible on randomized controlled trials as well as original research paper performed prospectively. Any paper selected need to have a clear and undisputed message.
“Academic writing is fascinating. There are still so many questions to be answered, solutions to be discovered and dogmas to be broken,” says Dr. Kahaleh.
(By Nicole J. Li, Brad Li, Eunice X. Xu)