The availability of scientific publications is a mandatory requirement, without which the thesis defence is impossible. In an increasingly competitive academic environment, publications in reputable professional journals, participation in conferences and other forms of scientific communication are becoming key factors that determine the chances of a successful dissertation defence. In this article, we will look at the importance of scientific publications in the preparation and defence of dissertations for the PhD degree and Doctor of Science.
Publications and obtaining a PhD
All requirements for the preparation and preparation of supporting materials for a dissertation for the PhD degree are set out in the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 44.
In order for a candidate to be admitted to the thesis defence, he or she must publish the results of his or her research in at least three scientific journals. We will now take a closer look at where exactly this can be done.
1. Professional journals of Ukraine
Articles in scientific journals included in the list of scientific professional journals of Ukraine on the date of publication are of particular importance for obtaining the PhD degree. These publications are important evidence of the applicant's scientific activity and testify to his or her competence in the chosen field.
The publication of scientific articles in recognised professional journals increases the chances of a successful defence, as they confirm the relevance and significance of the research.
2. Indexed scientific journals
Another type of publication where you can publish the results of your dissertation research is in periodicals indexed in the Web of Science and/or Scopus databases. However, it is important to keep in mind that this list does not include the journals of a state recognised by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as an aggressor state.
3. Monographs
Single monographs that are recommended for publication by the Academic Council of the educational institution and have been reviewed can be used for the degree, except for monographs published in a state recognised by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as an aggressor state. Single monographs also include single chapters in collective monographs under similar conditions.
4. Prestigious publications
The SCImago Journal and Country Rank (SJR) and Journal Citation Reports (JCR) are systems that evaluate scientific publications for their impact and quality. An article published in a journal that belongs to the first, second or third quartile (Q1-Q3) of this classification or a single monograph that meets these requirements is considered to be two scientific publications.
Publications and obtaining a doctorate
A doctorate is the next step after a PhD. However, in order to successfully defend your dissertation, you must comply with all the requirements detailed in the Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution No. 1197.
1. Professional journals of Ukraine
To obtain a doctoral degree, a doctoral student must publish the results of his or her research in professional journals of Ukraine – peer-reviewed journals that specialise in a particular scientific or professional field. Approval of professional journals in Ukraine is carried out by the Higher Attestation Commission of Ukraine (HAC), which controls the quality of scientific publications. Publications in such journals are an important criterion for assessing scientific activity, as they confirm the level of knowledge and scientific contribution of the applicant.
2. Prestigious publications
The applicant is required to have at least three publications on the topic of the doctoral dissertation in journals classified as the first and second quartiles (Q1, Q2) according to the SJR and JCR classification.
3. Scientometric databases
A doctoral student must publish the results of his or her research in scientific journals included in the international scientometric databases Web of Science Core Collection or Scopus. This requirement is mandatory, unless the dissertation contains information that constitutes a state secret.
4. Thematic journals of other countries
One of the key criteria for a successful dissertation defence is the availability of publications in prestigious scientific journals abroad on the relevant topic. This indicates the relevance of the research and its compliance with international scientific standards. However, it is important to remember that this list does not include professional journals of a state recognised by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as an aggressor state.
5. Monographs
This item includes both single monographs and chapters in collective monographs. However, in the case of collective monographs, it is necessary to describe the contribution of the dissertator to the work.
6. Other types of scientific publications
In addition to scientific articles, applicants may submit other types of publications, such as:
- patents, textbooks, manuals, state standards, industrial designs, algorithms and programs that have passed the examination for novelty;
- publications of historical sources, articles in thematic scientific collections, manuscripts deposited in the institutions of the state system of scientific and technical information and annotated in scientific journals; brochures, preprints; technological parts of projects for the construction, expansion, reconstruction and technical re-equipment of enterprises;
- information cards for new materials included in the state data bank; abstracts, reports and other materials of scientific conferences, congresses, symposia, seminars, schools, etc.
It is also worth saying a few words about the approbation of research materials, participation in which is a mandatory requirement for both PhD and doctoral students.
Approbation – is the process of checking, discussing and evaluating the results of scientific work in a circle of specialists. Participation in scientific conferences, seminars and other events is an integral part of this process, as it allows researchers to demonstrate their results to a wider audience. This not only confirms the scientific novelty and significance of the work, but also provides an opportunity to receive useful feedback from experts in the relevant field. If you would like to learn more about the importance of student participation in scientific conferences, we recommend that you read our article on this topic.
Scientific publications play a key role in the process of defending dissertations and obtaining new academic degrees. Thanks to these publications, researchers have the opportunity to successfully complete their dissertation defence and obtain the desired degree.
If you need help with writing a dissertation or a scientific article, you can contact the specialists of "Scientific Papers". Our specialists guarantee a high level of work and comprehensive support at all stages of cooperation. Leave a request and the manager will contact you as soon as possible.
