acknowledgement for research paper

Guri Bee

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17-10-2024

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Giving Credit Where Credit is Due: A Guide to Acknowledgements in Research Papers

The Importance of Acknowledgements

A research paper is rarely a solo effort. Many individuals contribute to its success, from providing guidance and resources to offering valuable feedback and technical support. Acknowledging these contributions is crucial, not only as a gesture of gratitude but also to maintain academic integrity and ensure proper attribution.

What to Include in an Acknowledgement Section

The acknowledgement section is typically placed at the end of the paper, after the references but before the appendices. It is generally brief and concise, typically focusing on the following:

• Funding Sources: Clearly indicate the funding organizations or grants that supported the research.
• Individual Contributors: Express appreciation to individuals who have played a significant role in the research, but whose contributions do not warrant authorship. This includes mentors, collaborators, data providers, technical assistants, and others who provided valuable insights or assistance.
• Institutional Support: Acknowledge the institutions, departments, or labs that provided resources, facilities, or equipment for the research.
• Specific Contributions: When possible, describe the specific nature of each contribution, making it clear how they impacted the research.
• Software and Data: Mention any software, databases, or data sets used in the research, particularly if they were developed or collected by others.

Examples from GitHub

Here are some examples of acknowledgement sections from research papers published on GitHub, illustrating different approaches:

• Example 1 (from a paper on deep learning):

  • "We would like to thank the authors of the [software name] library for providing such a powerful tool for our research. We also acknowledge the support of the [funding agency] and the [department name] for providing resources and computing infrastructure." (Source: https://github.com/user/repository)

• Example 2 (from a paper on natural language processing):

  • "We are grateful to [name] for their invaluable assistance with data collection and processing. We would also like to thank [name] for their helpful discussions and feedback on our manuscript." (Source: https://github.com/user/repository)

Additional Tips for Writing Acknowledgements

• Be Specific and Clear: Avoid generic phrases. Instead, state specific contributions and the impact of the assistance provided.
• Maintain Professionalism: Use formal language and avoid excessive praise or personal anecdotes.
• Double-Check Names and Affiliations: Ensure all names and affiliations are accurate.
• Seek Permission: If acknowledging specific contributions from individuals, seek their permission before including their names.
• Express Gratitude: Thank those who have helped make the research possible.

Why Acknowledgements Matter

• Academic Integrity: Acknowledgements ensure transparency and proper attribution for the work of others.
• Professional Courtesy: It is a common courtesy to recognize the contributions of colleagues, mentors, and collaborators.
• Networking: Acknowledgements can strengthen relationships and build professional connections.
• Future Collaboration: By acknowledging the support of others, you may encourage future collaboration and knowledge sharing.

In Conclusion

Acknowledging the contributions of others is essential for academic integrity, professional courtesy, and fostering collaboration. A well-written acknowledgement section is a testament to the collaborative nature of research and reflects the respect and gratitude you hold for those who have supported your work.