How can I participate in a clinical research study and publish the results as soon as possible?

From the Guidelines

To join a research study and get published quickly, it is essential to identify ongoing projects, contribute meaningfully, and target journals with quicker review processes, as emphasized by guidelines for clinical trial protocols and good publication practices 1. When searching for research studies to join, consider local universities, research institutions, or hospitals, and contact principal investigators directly to express interest and availability.

• Look for short-term studies or projects nearing completion where additional help might be needed for data analysis or manuscript preparation.
• Online platforms like ResearchGate, LinkedIn, and university job boards often list research opportunities.
• For faster publication, target journals with quicker review processes or consider conference proceedings which typically have shorter timelines.
• Be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the research, as authorship requires substantial intellectual contribution, and ensure that authorship eligibility guidelines are clearly defined, as outlined in the SPIRIT-AI extension 1.
• The role of the sponsor and any potential competing interests should be fully disclosed in all publications and presentations of the findings, as recommended by good publication practice guidelines 1.
• Remember that quality research takes time, and rushing solely for publication may compromise the integrity of your work and reputation in the academic community.

From the Research

Joining a Research Study

To join a research study, consider the following steps:

• Look for ongoing studies in your field of interest through online databases, academic institutions, or research organizations
• Review the study's objectives, methodology, and requirements to ensure it aligns with your goals and expertise
• Contact the study's principal investigator or research team to express your interest and inquire about potential opportunities for participation

Publishing a Research Paper

To increase your chances of publishing a research paper, follow these guidelines:

• Plan early and carefully prepare your manuscript, addressing authorship and writing group expectations upfront 2
• Ensure complete reporting, use electronic reference management software, and polish your manuscript before submission 2
• Select the right journal and follow its instructions precisely, and be prepared to respond to reviewer suggestions and critiques 2, 3
• Understand the basic structure of a scientific paper and include the necessary information in each section, avoiding common pitfalls 3
• Consider seeking input from others and taking the time to revise and resubmit your manuscript if necessary 2, 4

Writing a Scientific Manuscript

When writing a scientific manuscript, keep in mind:

• Start by writing the "Materials and Methods" section, followed by the "Results" and "Discussion" sections, and finally the "Introduction" and "Abstract" 4
• Organize your manuscript into main sections and subsections, dealing with each one separately to ease the composition process 4
• Use a methodical and sequential description of topics in each chapter, linking the sequence of paragraphs in the "Results" and "Discussion" sections to the sequence of concepts described in the "Materials and Methods" section 4