Our editor Interviews series focuses on how researchers can best prepare to get their first paper published in an academic journal. It also suggests ways to set up effective collaborations in the community. We will be interviewing a number of subject experts across a range of disciplines to give researchers first-hand information on how to become a better researcher.
This is a summary of our recent interview with Dr. Renato T Souza, researcher at University of Campinas in Brazil. Dr. Souza covers a range of hot topics for researchers:
Researchers are working on the edge of knowledge
There is the unique opportunity working within research to be on the edge of knowledge and to fill important gaps in the field. This helps to keep Dr. Souza inspired as a researcher.
The perks of being an editor
It’s all about collaboration. Being an editor gives researchers opportunities to collaborate with researchers from different fields of knowledge. In the role of editor, you are helping the community to produce higher quality research. It also helps researchers to stay abreast of recent developments and innovations.
What researchers should think about when taking on their first role as an editor
Taking on an editorial board member role for a journal in your field can be a hugely rewarding experience, giving you the opportunity to create new connections and collaborate with peers in overlapping fields. Dr Souza advices new editors to:
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Take the role seriously
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Make it your priority to do the best work possible
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Practice positive criticism
Take note: what editors look for in a manuscript
Does the manuscript content have potential to have an impact in the field? Is it innovative? How does it apply to the field? Is there clarity and a clear articulation of the subject matter? These are the main things that catch Dr. Souza’s attention when reviewing a manuscript.
Recommendations for first-time authors
Take notice of the guidance available. The most important aspect of the manuscript is the methodology. Be clear on the impact your research can bring to the research field and to clinical practice.
What’s new in obstetrics and gynecology?
The recent generation is far more conscious about women's place in society and their issues. A global approach is essential to tackle the main issues in the field.
Ameliorating natal care and intrapartum care using digital solutions
Dr Souza discusses this as a key developmental area in Brazil in Ob Gyn, but also resonates as a necessary advancement across all fields globally.
How does BioMed Research International address some of the bigger challenges in the field and in society?
BioMed Research International prioritizes works that are relevant worldwide and makes solutions applicable in different contexts. The journal is working toward making the knowledge and evidence can be applicable in a worldwide context. This is the biggest challenge in the field.
About Dr Souza
Dr. Souza dedicated his early career to the investigations of the main maternal and perinatal complications and its associated factors, including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, fetal death/stillbirth, severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss.
Inspired by the challenge of working on the edge of knowledge, Dr. Souza is working as part of the community to expand knowledge in his field of research.
More recently, Dr. Souza has been contributing to several novel research activities together with international research group including the collaborators from the Department of Reproductive Health and Research of the World Health Organization (RHR/HRP-WHO), the Chongqing Medical University in China (111-Program), King's College London and the Brazilian Maternal and Child Nutrition Consortium.
This blog post is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY). Illustration adapted from Adobe Stock by David Jury.