In an attempt to enlighten the research scholars, Ph.D students, including those who want to pursue research in their respective chosen field, a conference promoting open access for a better and effective research for all stakeholders was organised by the Department of Botany. The programme organised at St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi on Saturday emphasised on the importance of research materials, selection of appropriate journals for gathering inputs for compiling theses.
Making the students aware about the contents, recipient of South African President Award and an eminent scientist, Professor Namrita lall said, “In this era where materials are available through several mediums, it becomes difficult for the students to select the prominent matters. At a time of research, the students must focus both on the matters as well as on the publishers considering the advancement in the specific domain,” said lall.
Besides making the students familiar with several journals and publishers, lall, who was present as the Guest of Honour, focused on a few significant online journals and research papers. Methods of citation of articles while compiling the draft, including the impact of journal and its rating was also shared with the gatherings that included participants from national, international universities.
Research scholars were made familiar with predatory journals along with plagiarism rules. Along with the students, senior professors from Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Xavier’s Institute of Social Sciences (XISS) also participated in the conference.
The conference also aimed to elaborate the learning realm of the students through talks, panel discussions and presentations while expanding their networks by giving all the students a chance to find the collaborators. “Ultimately, the basic agenda of such seminars is to expand the horizon of students by utilising their research stuffs in local community development,” said Head of the Department, Botany, Dr. AK Srivastava.