Highlights of the authorship workshop held at University of Nairobi on January 20th, 2018

Aim of the course

The workshop was organised by the Annals of African Surgery aimed at helping investigators acquire skills and develop strategic means to communicate with the broad scientific community and, in particular, to publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. A team of surgeon scientists/educators led discussions on scientific publishing policies, statistical evaluation of data, ethical requirements and organisation of a manuscript.

Who attended

In attendance were medical students, residents and surgeons who had done some research (dissertation/thesis), and still had difficulties writing up their findings in a publishable manuscript format.

Manuscript editing in groups, aided by editorial team

The workshop was kicked off by remarks from the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. James Kigera. He introduced the faculty and outlined the course content. Sessions included: What can you publish? The scope of articles accepted by AAS Dr. Phillip Mwachaka PPT

General structure of a research article. IMRAD format Dr. Phillip Mwachaka PPT

Using data to communicate Dr. James Kigera PPT

Authorship – Ethical issues and the order of authors Dr. Bahaty Riogi PPT

Peer review process – What happens once I submit my article? Fiona Macnab PPT

Promoting Your Article – How to get it noticed Louise Phillips PPT

In attendance was the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COCECSA) President, Prof. Jani Pankaj who addressed the delegates. He emphasised that research and publishing are necessary skills, those that make a surgeon have global impact.

COCECSA President, Prof. Jani Pankaj addresses the delegates

The workshop was a success due to the combined efforts of the editorial team and the African Journal Partnership Program (AJPP) volunteers from Elsevier, Fiona Macnab and Louise Phillips.

African Journal Partnership Program (AJPP) volunteers from Elsevier, Fiona Macnab, Louise Phillips and AAS intern Brian Ngure enjoy a cup of coffee and a hearty laugh during the break