In 2024, many JMAI 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)
Ibrahim Kamel, Steward Carney Hospital, USA
Bushra Zaman, Utah State University, USA
M. Zakaria Kurdi, University of Lynchburg, USA
Pavithra Rao, Oregon Health and Science University, USA
Anne Sophie Overgaard Olesen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
Sofian Saidi, Higher College of Technologies in Sharjah, UAE
Simon Tobias Winkler, Reutlingen Research Institute of Reutlingen University, Germany
Helana Lutfi, Deggendorf Institute of Technology-European Campus Rottal-Inn, Germany
Kleython José C. C. de Lacerda, University of São Paulo, Brazil
Thomas F. Byrd IV, The University of Minnesota, USA
Vincent B. Liu, The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA
Desy Nuryunarsih, Newcastle University, UK
Lennard Y. W. Lee, University of Oxford, UK
Victor Chigbundu Nwaiwu, Lincoln University College, Malaysia
Outstanding Author
Ibrahim Kamel
Dr. Ibrahim Kamel is an internal medicine resident at Steward Carney Hospital in Boston and a clinical affiliate at Tufts School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from October 6th University in Egypt, receiving the Clinical Knowledge Award for his dedication. He continually seeks innovative methods to enhance patient care, with experiences spanning Egypt, France, and the United States. Recognizing his potential impact on healthcare policy, he pursued a master’s in healthcare administration at the University of La Verne, California. As a Randall Lewis Health and Policy Fellow at San Antonio Regional Hospital, he led a COVID-19 vaccination awareness campaign. Dr. Kamel has contributed to research at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and advocates for equitable healthcare access. Currently, he focuses on AI projects to improve cardiovascular diagnostics. Outside medicine, he enjoys squash and exploring new destinations. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter/X @Barahimoooo.
A good academic paper, according to Dr. Kamel, is composed of a clear research question, thorough literature review, rigorous methodology, transparent data analysis, novel findings, clear writing, logical structure, and proper citation.
Speaking of the difficulties encountered in academic writing, Dr. Kamel points out that formulating a clear research question can indeed be a daunting task, especially when a writer is at the edge of knowledge and unsure of what questions to ask. One approach is to immerse oneself in the existing literature related to his/her field of interest. By doing so, one can identify gaps, controversies, or areas where further investigation is warranted. From there, the writer can refine his/her focus and formulate a research question that not only addresses these gaps but also aligns with his/her interests and expertise.
“Academic writing is fascinating. The joy of venturing into unexplored territories within scholarly realms is truly exhilarating and invigorating, igniting a sense of wonder and excitement in researchers' hearts,” says Dr. Kamel.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
Bushra Zaman
Dr. Bushra Zaman, Ph.D., Post-Doctorate, is a distinguished Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer. She currently serves as the Director of Data Science & AI at Deepspatial Inc., headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Concurrently, Dr. Zaman holds an adjunct faculty position at the CEE Department, College of Engineering, Utah State University, USA. Her research interests encompass state-of-the-art machine learning, Geo-AI, statistical and predictive modeling, and evolutionary computation. She has extensive experience in UAV applications in research, remote sensing, GIS applications, and business analytics. Her specialization in Geospatial analytics emphasizes her commitment to exploring novel applications of Geospatial AI/ML technologies for solving intricate real-life problems. With expertise spanning academia to industry, Dr. Zaman has spearheaded numerous projects in government sectors like education, law enforcement, agriculture and health, employing cutting-edge Geo-AI modeling. Her extensive contributions include publications in esteemed international journals, patents, and consultancy services. Known for her proficiency in ML and data science, Dr. Zaman excels in guiding technical teams and driving innovative solutions to complex problems. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
From Dr. Zaman’s perspective, crafting academic papers, particularly those involving data science and machine learning, demands a multifaceted approach. Firstly, prioritizing applicability is key; it ensures that the models developed are not confined to theoretical constructs but can be practically implemented across diverse real-world scenarios. This involves not only demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies but also showcasing their adaptability and scalability. Secondly, clear communication of concepts and models is paramount. By eschewing convoluted language and embracing clarity, we facilitate understanding and replication by readers. This involves effectively articulating the research objectives, methodologies, and findings, enabling others to comprehend and build upon the work. Furthermore, leveraging available language enhancement tools can significantly refine the paper's readability and comprehensibility. Utilizing these tools for grammar and syntax checks, as well as readability analysis, can polish the manuscript and enhance its accessibility to a broader audience. Moreover, emphasizing the significance of data quality is crucial. Since the foundation of AI/ML lies in good, clean data, addressing data quality issues within journal articles is imperative. By ensuring rigorous data preprocessing, validation, and documentation, researchers can bolster the credibility and reproducibility of their findings. By integrating these considerations into academic papers, their relevance, clarity, and overall impact can be enhanced. Ultimately, she believes this not only advances the field of engineering but also contributes to the broader scientific community by fostering informed decision-making and driving meaningful advancements.
In Dr. Zaman’s opinion, during the preparation of a paper, authors must keep several key factors in mind to ensure the quality and impact of their work. Firstly, maintaining a clear focus on the intended audience is crucial; this involves tailoring the content to suit the level of expertise and interests of the readership while ensuring accessibility and readability. Originality is paramount; authors should strive to contribute fresh insights to the field, supported by robust methodology and adherence to ethical standards. This entails conducting thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge or areas ripe for exploration, allowing authors to position their work within the broader scholarly discourse effectively. Additionally, she points out that authors must adhere meticulously to formatting guidelines and citation styles dictated by the target publication. Consistency in formatting and accurate referencing not only enhances the professionalism of the paper but also ensures compliance with editorial requirements. Authors should also be prepared for rigorous peer review, engaging constructively with feedback to strengthen their work. Peer review provides valuable insights and perspectives that can help authors refine their arguments, improve clarity, and address any potential shortcomings in methodology or analysis. Ultimately, the goal of authors should be to produce research that not only meets academic standards but also has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the broader scholarly community and beyond. By adhering to these principles and practices, authors can enhance the quality, relevance, and overall impact of their work.
“JMAI's reputation as one of the leading journals in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence aligns perfectly with the importance of my research, as it deals directly with issues impacting human lives, particularly in Meghalaya. By publishing in JMAI, I aimed to leverage the journal's credibility and rigorous peer-review process to establish the significance of my findings within the academic community and beyond. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of JMAI provides an ideal platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration across various domains, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the potential for real-world impact,” says Dr. Zaman.
(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)
M. Zakaria Kurdi
Dr. M. Zakaria Kurdi is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia, USA. In addition to his Ph.D. in CS, he has an interdisciplinary background in Software Engineering, Cognitive Science, and Linguistics. Before joining the University of Lynchburg, he worked in several institutions in North America and Europe. His research interests are in text and data mining and their applications to areas like intelligent computer-assisted language education, authorship attribution, bioinformatics, and Social Network Analysis (SNA). He authored a two-volume textbook about Natural Language Processing (NLP) that was published in French and English. His recent work on text mining won two best paper awards and a nomination from three different international conferences. Get to know more about Dr. Kurdi here and connect with him on LinkedIn.
A good academic paper, in Dr. Kurdi’s view, is a paper that combines originality of the ideas and result novelty that sheds light on new aspects of the covered subject. Complex ideas are articulated in a way that is easily understandable to the target audience. The paper should not just present information but also critically analyze it, offering a thoughtful discussion of its results, implications, and limitations. The topic should be relevant to the field and address significant questions or problems. The paper should engage with current debates and issues within the discipline.
Academic writing involves converting complex ideas into a clear and objective text. From Dr. Kurdi’s perspective, a common challenge in this type of writing is presenting ideas in a clear and logical manner. Non-native English speakers may face extra difficulties in this process. Additionally, limitations on paper length set by journals and conferences can make it difficult for authors to effectively condense their ideas. Properly supporting claims and citing sources accurately are also significant challenges.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Pavithra Rao
Pavithra Rao is a fourth-year medical student at Oregon Health and Science University who is intending to specialize in anesthesiology. Her research interests include quality improvement, artificial intelligence, and oncology. Her recent projects include applying LEAN healthcare in lean settings, minimizing variance in pediatric surgical care through implementation of a perioperative colon bundle, a natural history of gastrojejunostomy tubes in children, standardizing gastroschisis management, and treating adults with rhabdomyosarcoma with pediatric chemotherapy regimens. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, and traveling.
According to Pavithra, an author needs to be organized, flexible, and have good time management skills. It is important for him/her to pay attention to detail, communicate well, and be creative. In order to avoid biases in writing, it is crucial to use a wide variety of resources and consider several perspectives. Having multiple individuals proofread one’s writing is helpful as well.
“I enjoy academic writing since clinical research leads to advancement of care and improved outcomes for patients,” says Pavithra.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Anne Sophie Overgaard Olesen
Dr. Olesen is a physician and PhD student at the Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark. She graduated from the University of Copenhagen in 2020 and has conducted cardiovascular research since 2018, focusing on optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure patients. Her passion for this field stems from hands-on experiences of how challenging it can be as a clinical physician to diagnose acute heart failure accurately and timely in dyspneic patients with multiple comorbidities. Dr. Olesen’s PhD project involves clinical trials exploring diagnostic methods for acute heart failure. This includes Remote Dielectric Sensing, chest CT scans, and the development of an artificial intelligence algorithm for detecting pulmonary congestion in myocardial infarction patients undergoing cardiac CT scans. She is also involved in the clinical DECONGEST trial, examining the most effective initial treatment for acute heart failure patients. Stay tuned for the results! Connect with Dr. Olesen on LinkedIn.
In Dr. Olesen’s opinion, a good academic paper addresses a specific clinical problem and presents a clear, compelling narrative with a well-defined message or solution. Essential elements include a precise research question, a comprehensive literature review, and a rigorously designed methodology. A good paper also acknowledges its limitations and potential biases, including conflicts of interest, to maintain transparency and credibility.
Dr. Olesen highlights that authors must ensure their research question is original and impactful, effectively filling a gap in existing research to justify publication. An appropriate study design is essential for addressing the research question accurately. Ethical standards should always be considered, with necessary approvals obtained and integrity maintained in data collection and analysis. Transparent reporting of both significant and negative results enhances the body of knowledge and prevents redundant research. Additionally, clear and concise writing makes findings accessible to a broad audience. Authors should aim to produce studies that provide meaningful insights, thereby upholding the overall quality and integrity of scientific literature.
Seeing the prevalence of research data sharing in recent decade, Dr. Olesen indicates that the practice has certain benefits, as it enhances transparency, fosters collaboration, and allows others to validate and build upon the research. However, this process must be carefully managed to protect patient safety and maintain anonymity. Proper safeguards should be in place to protect sensitive information while still making valuable data accessible to the scientific community. Consideration must also be given to the effort and resources invested in data collection. Researchers may have spent years gathering and analyzing data, and indiscriminate sharing could undermine their contributions. Therefore, data sharing should be done thoughtfully, ensuring that those who generated the data receive appropriate recognition and that the data are used responsibly and ethically. This ensures the integrity of the research, the trust of the public, and the respect for the researchers' work.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Sofian Saidi
Dr. Sofian Saidi earned both his Master's degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the prestigious National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT). Currently, he serves as a lecturer at the Higher College of Technologies in Sharjah, UAE, where he continues to contribute to academia and research. His diverse research interests span across biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, electromagnetic compatibility, near-field techniques, and power electronics. Dr. Saidi has also played a pivotal role in leading innovative projects within the government sector, including the development of a smart inspection glove, demonstrating his commitment to practical applications of his research. Follow him on LinkedIn and Google Scholar.
The way Dr. Saidi sees it, in both AI and biomedical engineering, academic writing presents unique challenges due to the interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving nature of these fields. Writers must integrate complex concepts from various disciplines—such as biology, medicine, and engineering in biomedical engineering, or advanced mathematics and computer science in AI—while making their work accessible to a diverse audience. For instance, explaining a new medical device or AI algorithm requires not only a deep understanding of the technical aspects but also the ability to convey its practical implications in a clear and engaging manner for both experts and non-experts. Balancing details with clarity is essential for effective communication in these cutting-edge fields.
When engaging in academic writing, selecting appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis is crucial for building a strong argument. In Dr. Saidi’s view, authors should prioritize evidence that is directly relevant to their research question, ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to their overall thesis. It is important to use high-quality, peer-reviewed sources to maintain credibility and to include a diverse range of perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of the topic. Additionally, authors must consider the validity of the evidence at the time of presentation, especially in rapidly evolving fields, and critically evaluate the methodology and validity of the sources. Balancing these factors helps create a coherent, well-supported analysis that withstands scrutiny.
In addition, Dr. Saidi emphasizes that it is essential for authors to disclose Conflicts of Interest (COI), as transparency is key to maintaining the integrity of the research process. A COI can significantly influence research by introducing bias into various stages of the study, from design and data interpretation to reporting results. Authors with financial or personal stakes in the outcomes may inadvertently or deliberately skew their analysis to favour their interests, affecting the study’s objectivity and reliability. Disclosure of COIs allows readers to critically assess potential biases and the credibility of the research findings, ensuring that conclusions are evaluated within the context of any possible influences. This practice upholds ethical standards and enhances the trustworthiness of academic work.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Simon Tobias Winkler
Simon Tobias Winkler currently serves at Reutlingen Research Institute of Reutlingen University, Germany. He completed a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Reutlingen in 2021 with the thesis "Development of a Finite Element Model of the Inner Ear for the Performance Evaluation of Stapes Prostheses". Since April 2023, he has been working on the project “Smart hearing diagnostics using in silico models and machine learning-supported evaluation of audiometric measurement data”. The research team uses a finite element model of the middle ear to generate training data for machine learning (ML) classifiers that automatically classify normal and pathological ears. Their goal is to improve medical care in the field of hearing impairment. By using machine learning, they would like to enable non-specialists, such as pediatricians or general practitioners, to make reliable diagnoses and make the diagnostic process more accessible to the public. Learn more about the research team here, and connect with Simon on LinkedIn.
In Simon’s opinion, academic writing is necessary for researchers to learn from and build on the work of other researchers. Sharing knowledge and the latest findings with the scientific community is the best way to advance the field of research. He thinks this includes writing about what had been tried and did not work or did not work well enough. Also, especially in his field of research, where some middle ear disorders are very rare, sharing (patient-) data can help other researchers a lot.
Science advances rapidly day by day. To ensure one’s writing is up-to-date and can give new insights to the field of research, Simon suggests monitoring companies on social media to stay informed about the latest industry trends and developments, subscribing to leading experts in one’s research field to receive automatic notifications when they publish new work, and pursuing research collaborations to work with experts with different perspectives and often slightly different expertise.
“Writing for publications is crucial for me as a PhD student because it allows me to document my research progress continuously, making the final Doctoral Thesis easier to compile and write. Therefore, writing is very important to me. While preparing for a publication, I prioritize the writing process and try to set aside 1-2 hours each day, whenever possible, to continue with the writing,” says Simon.
(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)
Helana Lutfi
Dr. Helana Lutfi is a research associate at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology-European Campus Rottal-Inn in Germany. She holds a pharmacy degree with honors from Malaysian Allied Health Sciences University in Malaysia and a Master of Science degree in Medical Informatics from Deggendorf Institute of Technology in Germany. Recognizing her potential interest in studying AI’s impact on healthcare, she pursued her doctorate degree at Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany, thus directing her recent research focus on user interfaces, machine learning, behavioral analysis, and digital health applications. Contributing to special healthcare projects, she received two awards for outstanding publications and excellence in research in the years of 2021 and 2022 respectively.
From Dr. Lutfi’s perspective, academic writing is the language of research communication. It plays a major role in science because it allows researchers to share ideas, discoveries, and findings clearly and credibly, establishing a knowledge base and foundation that future research can build upon, fostering continuous scientific progress.
Dr. Lutfi believes in-depth reading of recent studies and publications is essential for staying up to date on emerging trends and research gaps. Additionally, networking through conferences, and seminars, and engaging with colleagues and experts in the field further deepen the knowledge of current insights such as recent innovations and inventions in healthcare.
Although academic writing takes a lot of time, Dr. Lutfi says, “It would be the impact my research can have on advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems in the medical sector inspires me to invest time and effort. Besides, the opportunity to present findings that can help others to build upon or rethink their research interests based on current needs.”
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Kleython José C. C. de Lacerda
Kleython José Coriolano Cavalcanti de Lacerda, PhD, is an interdisciplinary researcher working at the intersection of Physics, Biology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a specialized focus on health-related models. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Physics, a PhD in Sciences from the Applied Physics to Medicine and Biology program at the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, a postdoctoral degree in Nuclear Medicine from the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (USP), and another postdoctoral degree in Neuropsychopharmacology from the Department of Psychology at USP. Currently, he leads the Statistical Physics, Neuroscience, and Artificial Intelligence Applied to Health Group, GFENIAAS (www.gfeniaas.com.br), where he coordinates innovative research on the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. His research spans the application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) for biomedical imaging and data analysis to the development of algorithms based on non-Markovian random walks with biased memory inspired by biological systems. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Dr. de Lacerda believes a good academic paper is clear, objective, and well-grounded, offering original contributions that address gaps in existing literature. It should be methodologically rigorous, with thorough analysis and conclusions that can be reproduced and applied by other researchers. Additionally, the paper should be accessible to its target audience, enhancing understanding and engagement within the scientific community.
To avoid biases in writing, Dr. de Lacerda thinks it is essential to maintain objectivity and rely on solid data and verifiable evidence. Careful literature reviews, critical source analysis, and consideration of multiple perspectives help mitigate biased interpretations. In developing models such as CNNs and MLPs, using a wide range of data and validating results across diverse contexts helps minimize algorithmic biases and ensure impartial outcomes. Continuous reflection on potential personal and data biases is also crucial to ensuring impartiality.
“Dedication to academic writing is essential for scientific progress. Each piece of research, especially in areas like AI, CNNs, and MLPs, contributes to a body of knowledge that benefits society. Persevere, be rigorous, and continue to seek innovation, as your work has the power to transform and enrich scientific and practical understanding. Science is built on incremental advances, and each contribution is a vital piece of this process,” says Dr. de Lacerda.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Thomas F. Byrd IV
Dr. Thomas F. Byrd IV is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota and an affiliate faculty member at the Institute for Health Informatics. As a hospital medicine physician specializing in health informatics, his long-term goal is to pioneer the safe and clinically effective implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within healthcare settings. His research focuses on developing AI-driven clinical decision support systems to predict and prevent adverse medical events, particularly patient deterioration in hospitalized patients. He is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and medicine to enhance patient outcomes and advance the field of healthcare. Connect with him on X/Twitter.
JMAI: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?
Dr. Byrd IV: In my experience, a good academic paper begins with a clear and compelling research question that addresses a significant gap in the field. It's essential to frame this question in a way that not only advances knowledge but also resonates with the broader challenges or debates within the discipline. A rigorous and transparent methodology is crucial, as it lends credibility to your findings and allows others to replicate or build upon your work. However, what sets an exceptional paper apart is the narrative that weaves all these elements together. Guiding readers through your thought process—including the obstacles you faced and the decisions you made—creates a more engaging and insightful experience. This storytelling aspect helps others understand not just what you found, but how you arrived there. Equally important is situating your work within the existing literature. Synthesizing prior research highlights how your findings contribute new insights or challenge prevailing assumptions.
JMAI: What do authors have to bear in mind during the preparation of a paper?
Dr. Byrd IV: Authors should remember that writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Cultivating a regular writing habit is invaluable—even if it's just 15 minutes a day. This consistency helps maintain momentum and keeps your ideas fresh. I often juggle clinical duties with research, so setting aside dedicated time ensures that writing remains a priority rather than an afterthought. Embracing an iterative process is also important. Start with an outline to organize your thoughts, and don't be afraid to write imperfect drafts. Revisions are where clarity and depth emerge. Collaboration is another key factor. Engaging colleagues for feedback can uncover blind spots and strengthen your arguments. Finally, always consider the real-world impact of your work. In healthcare, bridging the gap between research and practice means thinking about how your findings can be translated into tangible benefits for patients and clinicians alike.
JMAI: Would you like to say a few words to encourage other academic writers who have been devoting themselves to advancing scientific progress?
Dr. Byrd IV: I'd like to share an example from my field that underscores the profound impact academic research can have on real-world healthcare. A widely used proprietary predictive model was implemented across hundreds of hospitals to identify patients at risk of sepsis. While the intention was commendable, clinicians began to notice that the model generated many false alarms, leading to alert fatigue among healthcare providers. This strained resources and risked desensitizing staff to critical alerts, potentially compromising patient safety. A group of researchers decided to investigate the model's real-world performance. They published a paper revealing that the model was not performing as expected and highlighted significant issues with its predictive accuracy. Their findings didn't just remain on the journal pages; their publication prompted the company behind the model to take action. Because of the concerns that this single paper raised, the company (a very large company) revisited and improved the algorithm. And indeed, once it replaced the old one, the updated model resulted in fewer false alarms. This example illustrates how academic research can catalyze meaningful change. It shows that thorough, honest inquiry—even when it challenges established practices or technologies—can significantly improve patient care. Your research can uncover critical insights that lead to advancements on a scale you might not initially imagine. Embrace the challenges, persist through obstacles, and remain steadfast in your commitment to advancing knowledge. Your dedication can make a real difference in the world.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Vincent B. Liu
Vincent Liu is a 5th year PhD candidate in the Department of Statistics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with an undergraduate degree in Mathematical and Computational Science from Stanford University. His research involves the use and improvement of machine learning models in predictive analytics for large medical datasets involving diabetes, scleroderma, and ICU patients. His recent projects include the use of Greywolf optimization to enhance machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning models. He has also worked with the use of splines, a statistical methodology, in distinguishing between treatments over time in clinical trials featuring patients with scleroderma, an autoimmune skin disease. He has worked with professors in both the statistics and biostatistics departments at UCLA, as well as UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.
In Vincent’s view, academic writing is important because it contributes to the advancement of knowledge over time. It is particularly important because it is often the product of collaboration and work at universities, where inquisitive, smart, great minds gather to create new knowledge and push the boundaries of what is currently known. It is the way to solidify and generate lasting information in written format so that it can make its way to broader society, such as by discovering new treatments that will then be disseminated to communities across the globe and used in hospitals everywhere, by creating a new statistical model that coders then create a package for that is downloaded in computers across the world. In particular, the rigorous nature of the peer-review process and editorial process ensures that quality is paramount. When people read academic literature, they have a guarantee that the work they see has been scrutinized, has important implications, and has gone through many hands before appearing on the final page. Authors need all kinds of media in the society. Blog posts are very fast and have people’s opinions, conferences are where researchers can mingle with other like-minded scientists and share their ideas, and last but not least, journals are where they can publish significant, far-reaching, long-lasting original research for current and future generations that builds upon the work of the past.
Even though all science and research is “biased” as people bring their own lenses and worldviews to the work they do, Vincent believes that an author should nonetheless try to remain as unbiased and objective as possible. They should be up-to-date on all the recent research that is being done in their field and use the correct techniques for their particular specialty. They should have an inquisitive, eager, questioning mind that considers the range of possible options and explanations for the phenomenon they are observing, and then try to make an improvement upon existing methodology or try to discover why things work the way they do. It is not always necessary to think about the biggest achievement possible, such as curing cancer or ending world hunger. Sometimes, a tremendous discovery and advancement can be made by focusing on a small area for improvement. Authors should be resilient, not giving up in the face of adversity or setbacks. Lastly, they should set aside an ample amount of time to translate the research they are doing onto the written page for dissemination to society!
“Writing papers and being a scientist come hand-in-hand. On the one hand, interacting with my peers, colleagues, and mentors on a daily basis helps me generate new ideas and foster intellectual discussions about my research area and what people are thinking nowadays. When I was in high school and college, I volunteered in research labs about molecular genetics and stem cell biology and attended lab meetings about things I didn’t yet fully understand. Even if you are young and do not completely understand all the cutting-edge research that is being done, immersing yourself in the environment of academics will lead to tremendous growth in your mindset. Now, attending weekly meetings with my mentor’s research group leads to the generation of new ideas as well. This naturally leads to the creation of new approaches, and testing new hypotheses, which will lead to quality research being done and new insights and results obtained. Generating a paper itself usually comes quickly after all this work has been done, though it can take a few iterations,” says Vincent.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Desy Nuryunarsih
Dr. Desy Nuryunarsih is currently affiliated with Newcastle University. Her research focuses on public health, particularly cancer risk, hypertension, and the impact of infectious diseases like COVID-19. She engages in studies that analyze health risks and interventions using Cox regression, prediction models, multi-attribute utility theory, and algorithmic analysis. This includes examining dietary factors related to cancer risk and the characteristics of hypertension in different populations. Recently, she has been involved in projects such as the SIREN study on SARS-CoV-2 immunity and the CALIPER UK study funded by the World Cancer Research Fund. She contributes to seminars and conferences focused on public health, sharing insights from her research. She also mentors PhD students, guiding them through their research journeys and helping them develop their skills. She aims to make a meaningful impact through her work and collaborates with fellow researchers to drive innovation in health promotion and disease prevention.
Dr. Nuryunarsih believes a solid academic paper should have several essential elements. It must follow ethical guidelines, deliver a convincing scientific argument, and significantly contribute to an area of ongoing research. The formatting and structure should also be well-organized and consistent. The work's uniqueness, which entails presenting fresh concepts like creative calculating techniques or approaches, is what matters most, as it distinguishes the paper from others.
Dr. Nuryunarsih thinks one of the most significant skills authors need is time management. Without it, juggling different projects gets tough, and they would not have enough time for writing and revising. Additionally, when they have time, they put effort into providing credible proof to support their claims. This encourages creative thinking and attention to detail.
“In my experience with writing papers, I often find myself stuck in the middle of the process, circling back to brainstorming sessions. I tend to doubt my first draft and want it to be perfect right away. But then I reminded myself that this isn't just my project—it's a team effort! Additionally, there's the peer-review process at the end, which makes me realize that I need to do my best and let go of that perfectionist mindset. After all, while perfection can contribute to a good outcome, being too perfect could actually hinder progress,” says Dr. Nuryunarsih.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Lennard Y. W. Lee
Dr. Lennard Lee is a pioneering academic clinician who is reshaping the future of UK healthcare through the successful delivery of health mega projects in the UK. He is an associate professor at the University of Oxford, the medical director at the Ellison Institute of Technology, and a UK government advisor. With a mission to arm healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, and paramedics—with cutting-edge tools, like AI, he is working to uplift patient care and revolutionize the healthcare experience. His expertise spans from advancing cancer vaccines to large-scale diagnostics and pandemic initiatives, all aimed at making impactful changes that benefit patients. His accomplishments include leading the UK COVID Cancer Programme, delivering the NHS-Galleri trial to assess novel blood tests for cancer, spearheading national diagnostic initiatives like the lateral flow moonshot, and professional leadership in the UK Cancer vaccine advance. His approach blends technology, healthcare, and policy to bridge gaps and deliver real-world benefits to people. This commitment has earned him multiple prestigious awards, including the Department of Science Innovation and Technology Superhero Award, the Government Science Infinity Award for science, and the National ACP McElwain Prize. As a thought leader and advocate for innovative healthcare, he has been incredibly successful in creating meaningful, measurable impact across the health sector. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
JMAI: Why do we need academic writing? What is so important about it?
Dr. Lee: Communication is the most fundamental human tool. Through the power of words, the best ideas can rise, and we create a safe space to test, trial, and understand when new technologies come through like AI. Academic writing is fundamental to this. It advances knowledge, builds credibility, and fosters meaningful change across fields. In healthcare, where I work, it’s especially critical because research findings need to be shared in a rigorous, clear, and credible way. Academic writing transforms complex ideas and raw data into structured insights that can guide clinical practice, shape policy, and inspire future research. We must clearly avoid the pitfalls whereby academic writing stops being accessible, and we only communicate to small people in a different language. For instance, during my work on the UK COVID Cancer Programme, our academic publications, pulling data across the whole country, were completely accessible, and because it was communicated well, they became instrumental in sharing essential findings on cancer patient safety during the pandemic, influencing treatment protocols in real-time. Academic writing isn't just about documentation—it’s about contributing to a collective body of knowledge that can drive positive, measurable impact in society.
JMAI: How to ensure one’s writing is critical?
Dr. Lee: Ensuring that one’s writing is critical involves engaging deeply with the evidence, questioning assumptions, and constantly seeking to strengthen arguments. I approach academic writing as a process of discovery and refinement. When evaluating research, I ask myself, “What are the underlying biases here? Are there alternative explanations?” This process of questioning is key to developing a critical perspective. In my experience with large-scale trials, like delivering patient-administered lateral flow tests during the pandemic, a critical approach meant scrutinizing every stage, from the methodology to the data interpretation, ensuring the system of discovery and the writing was reliable and fair. I also find that discussing ideas with colleagues helps to challenge and refine my thinking, making the final work more nuanced and impactful. So many people said that we shouldn’t give tools to the public to test themselves for disease as they couldn’t be trusted with the results, and even now few would accept that this was the right course of action. Writing communicates our understanding of the world, and we must be open to new ideas and update our understanding when new information comes to light.
JMAI: Is there any interesting story during academic writing that you would like to share with us?
Dr. Lee: One memorable experience in academic writing came during my work on the NHS-Galleri trial. We had just completed an ambitious recruitment phase with over 140,000 participants in 10.2 months—a feat that required intense collaboration and precision. However, whilst that was remarkable, what was even more impressive was our UK Cancer Vaccine Advance, which brings together clinical trials, cancer patients, and AI in a groundbreaking way. This initiative isn’t just about testing a vaccine; it’s about reimagining the way we approach cancer treatment from a personalized, data-driven perspective. The complexity of documenting this project lies in weaving together the diverse elements—AI technologies, patient data, and cutting-edge immunology—to create a cohesive narrative that captures the innovation behind the work. We ended up stimulating the entire research field into life from the United Kingdom. Advancing such an agenda was an exercise in showing how these individual components could unite to form a powerful approach to cancer care, one that is not only scientifically rigorous but also incredibly hopeful for patients. This experience highlighted for me that academic writing can be a platform to tell stories of innovation and resilience, to show that when science, technology, and patient care come together, we can achieve things that once seemed impossible.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)
Victor Chigbundu Nwaiwu
Dr. Victor Chigbundu Nwaiwu is an Educator and Lead researcher at Lincoln University College, Malaysia, rounding up his PhD in Medical Sciences. He has a wealth of experience across private health firms, public hospital facilities, non-governmental/ International organizations (NGOs), and academic settings. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Radiography (Nigeria), a Post-graduate certificate in Ultrasonography (Nigeria), and MSc in Public Health (United Kingdom). He is an Editor and Mentor, with publications and has earned numerous national/international awards and accolades, including Distinction in Global Health Research (UK), an outstanding author award, and Scholarships for both MSc and PhD studies. He has been integral to the recorded successes of several health projects he participated in, such as PEPFAR, BCS, KP Care1, TB- LON, OVC, LSN, MHAC, and Patient. Ng. His research areas include Medical Sciences, Imaging, Artificial Intelligence, Public Health, Cardiology/Pulmonology, and Radiation Protection.
JMAI: Why do we need academic writing?
Dr. Nwaiwu: Academic writing is an evidence-based form of writing used to convey scholarly information. It includes essays, research papers, dissertations, reviews (literature and systematic) and reports; with a goal to inform or analyze a topic based on evidence and sound reasoning. Academic writing allows new findings and ideas to be communicated clearly and effectively. This activity teaches students how to communicate and develop their thinking capacities and the ability to understand others, thereby fostering academic discourse and collaboration. Again, academic writing is vital in contributing to the body of knowledge in various fields, helping to advance understanding and innovation. Academic writing is essential in the development of critical thinking and analytical skills for problem-solving, as it requires writers to evaluate evidence, construct coherent arguments, and engage with complex ideas. Lastly, academic writing is key for academic and professional success. It builds a scholarly community and remains a key component of most higher education curricula, playing a pivotal role in facilitating education, shaping research, and advancing knowledge.
JMAI: How can one ensure that their writing is critical?
Dr. Nwaiwu: Critical writing involves analyzing information to understand a problem or topic from more than one perspective, interconnecting ideas logically, and offering your own view on the topic based on your evaluation of the available evidence. To ensure that one’s writing is critical, the presentation of the writing or argument should indicate an unbiased view that is supported by good evidence, as well as a fair consideration of counterarguments that may show an alternative perspective on the subject. There are four main strategies for doing this after a comprehensive study of the subject-analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and persuasion. Analysis entails breaking the topic into parts and putting them back again to better understand the whole, capturing a holistic view of each part, including refutations. Synthesis involves combining all opinions and evidence and integrating relevant facts into your own observation. Evaluation establishes criteria and identity characteristics and applies it to assess how well these characteristics meet the criteria. Persuasion aims to change the beliefs or opinions of readers, who ought to be open-minded; not forcing them to accept but instead to consider your point of view or stand.
JMAI: Is there any interesting story during academic writing that you would like to share with us?
Dr. Nwaiwu: My academic writing journey has been a mixed and overwhelming experience, filled with intense demands across various fields like public health and cardiology. Yet, the rewards have been enriching. Over the past eight years, I've developed a critical and analytical mindset, enhancing my ability to source reliable academic materials and engage with quality articles to support my writing. My skills in verbal and written communication have improved significantly, making my work appealing to a wide audience, evidenced by millions of views. Through countless hours of mentorship and revisions, I've learned the value of patience. These experiences have shaped my career, enabling me to lead meetings, peer review scientific articles, host webinars, and give presentations at international conferences. While the journey has been challenging, it is now rewarding as I guide students through their academic writing, a crucial component for advancing knowledge and innovation.
(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)