Young researchers in Nigeria in the field of economics participated in a three-day boot camp where they got an opportunity to learn how to publish empirical papers that meet ethical requirements and the best practices in research.
About 30 researchers in different areas of economics participated in the boot camp on 11th-13th May 2023. The training was titled, academic writing and research ethics in economics postgraduate level.
Reason for the training
The objective was, according to Yonas Alem who facilitated the training, to provide cutting-edge knowledge on how to write and publish empirical papers in a way that meets the requirements of standard high-ranking journals
He added that the boot camp aimed to help participants learn the professional codes of conduct that research should follow and the dos and don'ts that could result in serious sanctions.
"The main problem in many countries, especially in developing countries, is lack of awareness. People commit unethical actions because they are not aware, they don't have the training," Yonas Alem said.
Training excites participants
Francis Ikechukwu Nwafe, one of the participants noted that:
"The training was an eye-opener to many of us, especially the doctoral students and other researchers. I am grateful for the updates on research ethics and standard methods of writing and publication.
"The training has enhanced the capacities of the participants and given us advantages in our academic pursuit."
Another participant, Chinasa Sylvia Onyenekwe was also enthusiastic about the boot camp.
"The training was very insightful. I learned a lot, especially in aiming for the top journals, the skills required to publish in such journals, and the need to seek ethical approval before embarking on research projects.
"I intend to apply what I have learned, especially now that I know that the top journals are not out of my reach."
The EfD Nigeria’ training was the third of its kind sponsored by the EfD. The first beneficiaries were EfD's young early career researchers, while the second were researchers at the University of Uganda.