Writing and Reviewing Scientific Papers -A (2026)

Welcome to Writing and Reviewing Scientific Papers - A (2026)

Description: The aim is to improve the participants' competence in writing and reviewing scientific papers. The course takes a practical approach and focuses on the craftsmanship needed as a scientist. It is recommended that this course is taken during the first period of a PhD study. PhD students from all areas of engineering and science can benefit from attending, although the course to some extent favors "hard science" disciplines. The discussions will address general issues related to scientific writing. The course is organised in three activities. First, the PhD students are asked to study selected literature on the subject. Second, two one-day seminars are devoted to presentations by the organisers, discussions amongst participants, and lectures by invited speakers. Third, the PhD students are required to practice both writing and reviewing in specially designed exercises. A collection of papers will be distributed before the course. In addition, a reading list of relevant books and papers is given.

Prerequisites: None in particular. The course is proposed early in course of the PhD as the participants are planning their first publications.

Learning objectives: Theoretical and practical knowledge of the peer-reviewing system, including the role of editorial board, program committee, editors, reviewers, commercial publisher, etc.  Theoretical knowledge and practical skills in structuring and organizing scientific papers and planning the writing process  Theoretical knowledge and practical skills in structuring and organizing reviews of scientific papers

Teaching methods: Lectures, Workshops, Peer-learning, Practical exercises

Criteria for assessment: 

Participation in lectures and workshops

Hand-in of three practical exercises (pass/non-pass)

Key literature: 

How to write a scientific paper. Robert A. Day.  

The Science of Scientific Writing. George D. Gopen and Judith A. Swan.  

Why and What for (Four): The basis for writing a good introduction. E.P. Papadakis. 

Create time to write reports. J.K. Borchardt.  

How to write consistently boring scientific literature. K. Sand-Jensen.  

The final step: Perfecting a document. Helena Chytil.  

The task of the referee. Alan Jay Smith.  

Student's guide: Peer review. Dennis S. Bernstein.  

How to Win Acceptances by Psychology Journals: 21 Tips for Better Writing. Robert J. Sternberg.  

Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals: Writing and Editing for Biomedical Publication. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.  

Sample: Article. Carsten Stegelmann.  

Sample: Review. Thomas Moeslund.  

Sample (Companion paper to lecture: Structuring a Journal Paper - a Control Engineering example): Bumpless transfer between observer-based gain scheduled controllers. International Journal of Control, 78(7):491-504, 2005. J.D. Bendtsen, J. Stoustrup, and K. Trangbæk. DOI: 10.1080/00207170500111028

Organizer: Jakob Stoustrup

Lecturers: Jakob Stoustrup

ECTS: 3.75

Time: 4 February, and 19 May 2026

Place: Aalborg University 

City: Aalborg

Maximal number of participants: 50

Deadline: 14 January 2026

Important information concerning PhD courses: 

There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.

For external PhD students: This course is a general course and is prioritised for PhD Students enrolled at Aalborg University. If there are available seats, PhD students from other universities will be accepted. You will be notified shortly after the deadline if you have been accepted.

To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.

We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.

For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at phdcourses@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.