Scholars under the Norway-Pacific Ocean-Climate Scholarship Programme (N-POC) at The University of the South Pacific (USP) attended a PhD writing and publishing workshop in early March to be better equipped in composing their PhD theses and preparing their researches for publication.
The workshop was conducted by the University of Bergen (UiB) and facilitated by Dr Natalya Gallo, who was supported by Professor Edvard Hviding and Professor Amund Maage. The week-long programme focused on enhancing academic writing and understanding the publication process.
The N-POC scholars expressed profound appreciation for Dr Gallo’s structured teaching approach, which simplified the complexities of writing research articles. The key topics covered during the workshop included developing a coherent narrative, selecting suitable journals, and navigating the peer review process.
Kiali Molu, an N-POC candidate from Tuvalu pursuing his PhD in Politics and International Affairs, shared his thoughts on the workshop.
“The workshop was a transformative experience that has significantly enriched my approach to academic writing and publishing. I now feel more equipped to take deliberate steps toward not only completing a well-structured and compelling thesis but also preparing my research for dissemination in reputable journals. The knowledge and skills gained from this workshop will undoubtedly contribute to my academic growth and professional development.”
Scholars showed increased confidence in their writing skills and a clearer understanding of how to effectively communicate their research findings, emphasising the workshop’s impact on their academic journeys. Ulamila Vakaloloma, who is pursing her PhD in Marine Science, shared that, “the workshop exceeded my expectations. It has been invaluable in my academic journey as I not only made progress on my review paper but also gained confidence in my writing abilities.”
Additionally, the workshop created an interactive and collaborative environment, where participants engaged in practical exercises, such as drafting abstracts and mapping out their papers. The hands-on activities demystified the publication process and encouraged camaraderie and support among peers.
Each reflection highlighted the motivation gained and the practical skills learned, which were deemed essential for successful publication in high-impact journals. Overall, the workshop significantly enriched the participants’ knowledge, equipping them with the tools necessary to advance their academic careers and contribute meaningfully to their fields.
This workshop is part of an ongoing collaboration between USP and UiB, as outlined in the bi-institutional agreement governing PhD degrees for N-POC scholars. It aims to enhance the academic and professional development of the PhD candidates, ensuring they received the support needed to excel in their research careers.
The Norway-Pacific Ocean-Climate Scholarship Programme (N-POC) is an ambitious research and PhD training partnership between the University of Bergen in Norway and The University of the South Pacific (USP). It is funded for 2021–2026 by Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad).
