Publications

Pre-publication of Thesis data
Co authors of Publications
How to write Publications
Research Publications Database
Publication and Intellectual Property
Publication of a Thesis
Australian Digital Theses Program

As a research student you may become involved in the publication of research outcomes in several ways.

Pre publication of Thesis data

In some disciplines in engineering, science and medicine, researchers are keen to present conference papers that announce the outcomes of their research so they can get comment and advice from the expert group attending a research conference. The discussion of research findings then informs on-going research development. This practice may extend your achievements as a research student and may be useful feedback on the final development of your thesis. In other cases, the preference is to complete the research, have your thesis examined and then consider the best form of release of your research outcomes.

Co authors of Publications

Research students are often doing their research as part of a team of researchers on a larger research program. In this context you may be called upon to contribute to a publication in which the main author is your supervisor or supervisors. Where you have contributed material or research outcomes of substance, you are entitled to be a co-author on the publication. The definition of an author is given in the Research Publications Database referred to below.

How to write Publications

There are reference books in the University Library on how to write research publications. As styles of writing and referencing vary from discipline to discipline, it is important to select the style and seek examples from research journals in your discipline area. Your School or the Learning Support Program may be able to assist with writing skills development courses.

Research Publications Database

A research publication collection is conducted on an ongoing basis and lists the research publications of all outcomes of research carried out in the University.

The Callista Publication Entry System (PES) is updated by staff located in each School or Centre located within the five faculties and you are encouraged to advise them of any research publications you may have as a result of research you conduct during the course of your RHD studies.

Reports of each researcher's publications are available by conducting a name search from the University's home page.

Publication and Intellectual Property

Increasingly, research higher degree candidates are engaged in research programs that have industry collaborators. The inputs to the research may have included knowledge or intellectual property (IP) that was owned by the industry organisation as well as IP of the University. The research student and the supervisor may have also contributed to advancing the IP of the project. In such cases there may be agreement to give the industry partner a preview of the publication, or a need to delay the public release of research findings so that the parties can pursue their rights to the commercial development of the research. Once the research findings have been published the information is in the public domain and can no longer be the subject of patent protection.

Publication of a Thesis as a Book

You do not require the approval of the University if you subsequently publish your thesis as a book or in a similar form. However, you should ensure that you and your publisher deal appropriately with any copyright or intellectual property matters.

Australian Digital Theses Program

The University of Newcastle, along with 20 other Australian universities, is involved with a worldwide networked digital library of theses and dissertations. In addition to the hard bound copy of your thesis, you must submit the final corrected version of the thesis on line via the Australian Digital Theses Project (ADT). By making your thesis part of the program, you give free internet access to those who may be interested in your research. For more information, see Newcastle's ADT web-page: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/services/library/adt/.

Useful information on copyright and online repositories is available in the paper: Copyright Guide for Research Students: What you need to know about copyright before depositing your electronic thesis in an online repository. This guide has been prepared by the Faculty of Law at Queensland University of Technology and was funded by the Federal Government.