Broadening your Research Impact

Tips for Increasing Research Impact

Increase the impact of your Manuscript

• Publish where it counts - journals that are indexed by major citation services, eg Scopus help increase recognition for your work.
• Select the appropriate Journal –consider Journal Impact Factor, Scopus ASJC Codes, cross-discipline, where do your competitors publish?
• Aim high - papers in highly cited journals attract more citations and sooner - see here for list of Top Journals in Scopus
• Consider the publication timeline - does the journal do preprints? Digital Object Identifier?
• Title – longer more descriptive article titles attract more citations.
• Title (and Abstract) words are heavily weighted by search engines and a keyword-rich title will push your article towards the top.
• Write a clear Abstract, repeat key phrases (search engines search the Abstract)
• Write a Review - Citation rates of reviews are generally higher than other papers
• Use more references – strong relationship between no of references and citations.
• Open Access to underlying research data and materials – makes your paper very attractive Check the review period and on-line pre-prints.
• Publish in Open Access journals and Open Access Digital repository – greater access, visibility, digital access and some research funders insisting.

 International Collaboration 

• International experts in your field (Scival can help identify potential collaborators)
• Multi author and multi institutes
• Correlation with higher citation rates 

Promotion, Visibility and Accessibility

• Importance of Self Promotion, Networking and Visibility
• Participate in conferences and meetings – present your work at every opportunity
• Offer to give lectures or talk about your research.
•  Build an online presence: 
              Create a website that lists your publications –include NUI Galway.
              Use Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, ResearchGate, LinkedIn, Blogs, Youtube video, TedEd lesson etc

• Utilize both Institution and publisher press releases and public relations.
• Distribute reprints to scientists you have cited or to those who may find your work interesting.
• Publish in Open Access Journals and Open Access Digital repository – greater access, visibility, digital access and some research funders insisting.

Cite and you will be Cited  

• Cite your colleagues, including those with results contrary to yours
• Cite leaders in your field and pertinent papers.
• Self Citations - Cite your own relevant work (limit to 3 or 4, only include Journal Papers) 

and Finally - Make sure you get the credit for your work - see Publishing Guidelines for Researchers

• Manage your online identity – Consistent form of your name, ORCID ID 
• Make sure you include National University of Ireland Galway/NUI Galway address in the correct form (no commas).
• Reclaim any misspelt citations by others – Scopus feedback service.
• Monitor your output ensuring bibliometric databases accurately capture your work. 

Sources:
• Ref: Effective Strategies for Increasing Citation Frequency:  http://eprints.rclis.org/20496/1/30366-105857-1-PB.pdf
• http://www.jobs.ac.uk/careers-advice/working-in-higher-education/2169/how-to-increase-your-citation-rates-in-10-easy-steps-part-1
• http://www.aje.com/en/arc/10-easy-ways-increase-your-citation-count-checklist/

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