How to Publish in High-Ranking Journals: Insights from Prof. Koustuv Dalal

As a student stepping into the world of research, I’ve often found the idea of publishing in reputed journals both exciting and intimidating. So when I got the opportunity to attend a guest lecture by Prof. Koustuv Dalal, a distinguished researcher based in Sweden, I knew it was something I couldn’t miss. The topic—“How to Publish a Research Paper in High-Ranking Journals”—was not only timely but deeply insightful. What followed was a session that demystified the entire publication process and left me with practical, actionable takeaways.

What Makes Research Valuable?

The lecture began by redefining what research really is. According to Prof. Dalal, research isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continuous and evolving process. It involves repeated efforts to refine, verify, and expand knowledge through experimentation, observation, and reflection.

A good researcher doesn’t just produce data but contributes to the field by validating, questioning, or even disproving existing findings. Research should be a dialogue with the current literature, not just a monologue of results.

Key Qualities of a Strong Research Project

Prof. Dalal emphasized that not every project is ready for high-ranking journals. He outlined key indicators that help determine if research is publishable at that level:

1. Novelty – The study should introduce something new—a method, concept, or result.

2. Relevance to Literature – It should support, extend, or challenge existing knowledge in a meaningful way.

3. Challenge – It must address difficult or unanswered questions.

4. Influence – The findings should be capable of shaping future research, funding decisions, or policy discussions.

5. Benefit – The outcomes should provide value to society, industry, or a specific scientific domain.

He also stressed the importance of simplicity in language. A powerful research paper should be understandable not just to scientists but also to an educated layperson. This bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and public impact.

Writing the Manuscript: What to Keep in Mind

The second half of the lecture focused on writing the research paper itself. As Prof. Dalal noted, a manuscript is not just a report of findings—it’s a scientific story that needs to be told clearly and compellingly.

Here were his key writing tips:

Choose the right journal: Study previously published articles to understand the tone and scope.

Be self-critical: Review your own work thoroughly to spot gaps or weak arguments.

Structure it well: Ensure a clean flow from the title, abstract, and introduction to methods, results, and conclusion.

Logical progression: Maintain a smooth flow of ideas—don’t jump from one thought to another abruptly.

Keep the conclusion sharp: It should directly answer your research question without unnecessary exaggeration.

Consistency: Use a uniform tone and formatting style throughout the paper.

Avoid plagiarism: Properly cite all external content, data, and references.

How to Choose the Right Journal?

Selecting the right journal is just as important as writing the paper. Prof. Dalal suggested the following approach:

Create a shortlist of journals relevant to your subject area.

Prepare backups in case of rejection.

Check peer-review quality and editorial policies.

Make sure the scope aligns with your research.

Look for open access and copyright retention if possible.

He also recommended attaching a well-written cover letter with your submission. This letter should briefly explain why you chose that journal, how your paper fits within its scope, and what unique contribution your work offers. Importantly, do not just copy your abstract into the letter!

This session offered more than just tips—it gave me a new mindset about what it means to be a researcher. From the value of originality and clarity to the importance of ethical writing and smart journal selection, every point helped me understand the responsibilities that come with publishing scientific work.

     “Science is not complete until it is communicated effectively.”

This quote from Prof. Dalal stayed with me. It reminds me that research is not just about discovery but about sharing knowledge with the world.

If you’re just beginning your research journey, I highly recommend taking these principles seriously. Whether you're working on your first project or dreaming of publishing in a top-tier journal, Prof. Dalal’s insights can guide you toward making a real impact in the scientific world.