Technical education by default has opportunities for encouraging and publishing original thought/analysis as part of project works/industry exposure for both budding researchers and postgraduate students. It is not so in the case of social sciences. humanities or arts normally.
In social sciences, humanities and arts, research scholars are expected to co-author with their guides before they could be considered for independent publication. In the case of postgraduate students, even such opportunities are rare indeed.
If we have to develop thought leaders in social sciences, humanities and arts, we need to consider giving opportunities to postgraduate and budding research scholars to publish independently. How do we go about doing this? Your suggestions are welcome.
It is undeniable that the fundamental objective of universities is to prepare the leaders of the future in all fields of knowledge. For this, universities professors must motivate their students to be interested in the execution of scientific research projects of importance not only from the academic point of view but also from the development of science and technology applicable to solving current problems of the economy. For this reason, a close relationship must be established between the universities and the industries of the country so that the projects that are identified and approved have a direct benefit in the economy. In my opinion, the problems of many universities in developing countries are that they do not promote a close relationship with the industry and the research centers existing in the country in the different economic branches and, therefore, their students graduate without having the motivation to develop applied scientific research and technological innovation.
Dear Jorge,
I completely agree with you on what you said.
The issue is not that in developing countries opportunities do not exist. The issue is, academics spend more time in either self promotion or remain content in the security of their own job. Developing new thought leaders needs passion and vision. These two, together with a sense of responsibility and commitment towards the young scholars who look up to us, are needed to find avenues to first teach them the skills, develop networks and provide them platforms to launch themselves, to the best of our abilities.
Having said that, I keep asking myself (though I am not a teacher, but an independent researcher) as to what can I do in this regard?
One answer I came up recently is, why not launch a journal specifically aimed at young scholars (Masters level students who are required to publish papers and PhD scholars who are in any case required to publish papers). I have helped quite a few scholars by editing/proof reading/providing references for their thesis/papers. It is in this process that I came up with this thought - why not a journal too.
If a group of socially minded professors come together, we could actually help and groom a corps of young scholars to undertake good quality research writing as well as publish them.
Once such a group of (say at least five or six) established academics volunteer to spare some energy and time, a journal could be launched to publish their works. I am sure the young students at Masters/PhD would find this initiative very helpful. I am even doing some homework for a journal that addresses political/social sciences domain.
God willing, let's take a positive step forward. In the mean while, let us remain eager to hear what the community at RG says.
Have a great day.
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