In 2024, many JPHE authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2024)

Zypher Jude G. Regencia, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines

Meggie Caravotta, University of York, UK

Beatrice Thielmann, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany

Giacomo Stroffolini, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Italy

Outstanding Author

Zypher Jude G. Regencia

Zypher Jude G. Regencia is a PhD candidate from the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, hoping to graduate in July 2024. He is currently doing a dissertation on body image and mental health. Aside from this current research, he is also involved in HIV research projects. He is presently involved in the Cooper HIV/AIDS Research Training (CHART) Program at the Kirby Institute of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. In addition, he is currently implementing a project on the acceptability and feasibility of using oral-based HIV self-testing kits among men-having-sex-with-men and transgender populations in the Great Manila Area. The results will be used as evidence for the national roll-out of these innovative test kits, which are aimed at reaching the vulnerable population, similar to his previous research project on blood-based HIV self-testing kits. Connect with Zypher on ResearchGate.

JPHE: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?

Zypher: When writing an academic paper, I can think of some elements to include to make it credible and effective. A clear and well-defined research question or thesis statement is the main frame that forms the sturdy foundation of a good academic paper. This research question or thesis statement should be well-built, based on the bricks and pieces of a thorough, rigorous, and comprehensive review of existing literature and research. Effective academic writing also necessitates careful attention to the overall organization and structure of the paper. It is important to ensure that ideas and notions flow logically and coherently from one paragraph to another, enhancing readability and comprehension. In addition, proper compliance with academic conventions and formatting guidelines, including citing references from reputable sources, clearly presents scholarly integrity and allows traceability of documentation conducted.

Furthermore, it is crucial to demonstrate originality and depth of understanding within a field through critical examination, analysis, and data interpretation. This would involve displaying findings and objectively presenting arguments while acknowledging potential methodological limitations. Lastly, it is important to communicate effectively. Clear writing, precise language, and coherent argument are vital to ensure that a paper is well-received by the intended audience and adds value to the scholar and academic discourses.

JPHE: What do authors have to bear in mind during the preparation of a paper?

Zypher: To me, research authors should consider several key factors when preparing a paper. The definition of the research scope and clear citation of research questions define the overall extent of the research conducted. A comprehensive review of the literature will give the authors proper support when presenting arguments or findings. This careful and comprehensive examination of the literature necessitates the assessment and synthesis of critical information to develop substantiated arguments.

Expanding on the above question regarding elements of a good academic paper, authors should consider the organization and structure of their paper, ensuring that it follows a logical and cohesive flow from the introduction to the conclusion. Each section of the manuscript should have a clear purpose that contributes to the general argument and narrative of the paper.

Authors should remember that feedback and revisions should be well-received while preparing a paper. Recognizing scientific writing as an iterative process is an important trait the authors must possess since publishing a paper often requires multiple drafts.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Meggie Caravotta

Meggie Caravotta is a human rights specialist with a background in Health and Social Wellbeing. Her passion for defending individuals' civil and political rights and advocating for social justice led her to pursue a Master's in Applied Human Rights at the University of York, UK. Meggie is highly interested in research for policy and program shifts, recognizing its fundamental role in strengthening the health and social protection systems. She has research in the fields of public health and health behavior change, mental health, refugee rights, and gender-based violence. She is passionate about research and humanitarian work to create positive change, advocate for the rights of individuals, and empower communities. Meggie is currently working as a Domestic Abuse Advisor, offering practical and psychosocial support to women and children, survivors of domestic violence, conducting risk assessments and managing multi-agency coordination to ensure their safety and well-being. She is actively seeking research opportunities with researchers and individual organizations to contribute to society and drive for positive change. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

When it comes to composing a good academic paper, Meggie believes its quality is multifaceted. Transparency is a fundamental concept that should be incorporated consistently throughout each research process due to its ethical values and principles and to enhance the trustworthiness of its findings. The organizational structure is also essential, guiding readers through the flow of ideas with clarity and cohesion with sections like introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Within this framework, a comprehensive literature review situates the research within the broader scholarly context, demonstrating its relevance and contribution to existing knowledge. Additionally, the most suitable research approach, in her opinion, helps determine the success and overall quality of the research, together with robust data analysis methods to support the findings. The research paper should be characterized by conciseness and clarity, with a firm conclusion and discussion section that presents and synthesizes the findings, drawing meaningful connections to existing research and underscoring the significance of the study.

In preparing and designing a paper, Meggie highlights that it is essential to integrate the critical elements derived from a comprehensive literature review within the relevant field and identify the gaps in the study research area. This systematic approach establishes the study's foundation and guides the proposed research's direction, results, and potential impact. She has found that using techniques such as creating mind maps, engaging in reflective inquiry to visualize the research landscape, and identifying keywords were invaluable steps in conceptualizing ideas in a structured and innovative manner. By doing this, she clarified the research objectives, defined the scope of the study, and articulated its significance within the academic field, including its pragmatic integration into applied practice.

“I chose to publish my research article “Factors associated with non-adherence to preventive measures among adolescents and young people (18 to 29 years) during the three epidemiological waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain” in JPHE due to its focus on health protection and improving health strengthening systems, alongside its high-quality peer-review process. My research article aims at enhancing community engagement and trust in global and local emergency responses to situations like pandemics, aligning with field of the journal. Additionally, JPHE open-access articles reflect commitment and dedication to academic integrity and also amplify the visibility and influence of the researcher’s work,” says Meggie.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Beatrice Thielmann

Dr. Beatrice Thielmann has been a visiting scientist at the Institute of Occupational Medicine at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, since 2012. She leads the working groups "EMS Research" and "Psychocardiology". She is also a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology (since 2017), an active emergency physician (since 2014), and former chief emergency physician of the Segeberg district in Schleswig-Holstein (2016-2018). Since 2021, she has also trained in occupational medicine in Hamburg, Germany. Learn more about her here.

Academic writing can pose a number of challenges, according to Dr. Thielmann, even for experienced writers. For example, efficiently organizing one’s ideas into a logical and coherent structure is crucial. Many struggle to produce an outline that effectively organizes their main points, arguments and evidence. Developing effective writing habits and good time management are essential skills for academic writers. Procrastination and poor time management can lead to rushed writing sessions and poor-quality work. For non-native speakers, writing at an academic level in another language can be particularly daunting. This includes mastering vocabulary, grammar, syntax and general fluency. Formulating a clear, specific and arguable thesis statement can be difficult. The thesis statement is the central argument of the paper, and all other elements of the essay should support or relate to it. Receiving and incorporating feedback can be challenging, especially if it requires significant revision. Learning to see feedback as a constructive tool for improvement is essential.

On selecting the appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis, Dr. Thielmann suggests using sources that are credible and authoritative. These include peer-reviewed journal articles, books from reputable publishers and sources that have been checked for academic use. Authors should avoid unreliable websites and sources with obvious bias without academic backing. Depending on one’s field, it is important to use the most recent research available to ensure the relevance and timeliness of one’s arguments. In fast-changing fields such as technology or medicine, recent studies are particularly important. They should also include a range of sources, including studies with different viewpoints or findings. This diversity allows for a fuller understanding of the topic and demonstrates an unbiased approach to research. The evidence must directly relate to and support the thesis or main points of one’s essay. Each piece of evidence should make a clear and direct contribution to one’s argument.

In addition, rather than simply summarizing each source, Dr. Thielmann points out that authors should focus on integrating the evidence to build a coherent argument and show how the evidence relates to one’s points and to each other, creating an argumentative structure that enhances understanding. They should then critically analyze and question the evidence and consider the methodology, biases, limitations and context in which the research was conducted. This critical approach can provide deeper insights and strengthen one’s argument.Authors should balance their use of different types of evidence, such as qualitative and quantitative research, to provide a rounded perspective on the issue. This balance helps them address the issue comprehensively. Lastly, they should aim to synthesize the evidence in a way that provides new insights or perspectives on the research question. This involves looking beyond the obvious connections and exploring deeper implications, contradictions, or gaps in the research.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Giacomo Stroffolini

Giacomo Stroffolini graduated from Medical School at Sapienza University of Rome in 2016. He specialized in infectious disease at the University of Torino. He had the chance to work at Belgian, Spanish, and French institutions within exchange programs. In 2013, he cooperated with NGOs, working in the Central African Republic and in 2024 in Angola. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked in the high-dependency unit wards and was selected for the EMT2- Emergency Medical Team for a COVID-19 Mission in India, New Delhi. He obtained with Merit a Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in 2020. He attended the European Educational Programme in Epidemiology 2022 and completed an observership period in an ESCMID center in Lausanne (2022). Nowadays, Dr. Stroffolini is working as a research clinician within the REVERSE Horizon Europe project and as a clinical consultant in Infectious diseases and tropical medicine at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy. He is also taking part in the ESCMID AMS certificate group 2023-2025. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

JPHE: What do you regard as a good academic paper?

Dr. Stroffolini: In academic papers, I prefer elements of innovation, but my main focuses are methodology and relevance of the research question.

JPHE: What are the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing?

Dr. Stroffolini: Nowadays, we are confronted with an increasing “demand” for publishing. Unfortunately, these needs do not always reflect the actual goals for academic research. Moreover, reviewers are increasingly scarce in number and frequently do not address the review work appropriately, as being a reviewer is stressful, poorly rewarding and very demanding. Academia requires time, and this is not always respected in many aspects of research and publishing processes.

JPHE: What is fascinating about academic writing?

Dr. Stroffolini: The idea of vehiculating ideas throughout research papers is fascinating by definition. It is a way of building up common knowledge and shared views. So much work is condensed in few pages and transmitting specific messages can be very challenging but satisfying. Opening up debates and addressing health challenges trough academic writing is very inspiring.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)