ABM WEEK coordinator’s tips on how to prepare a good technical-scientific paper

The deadline for paper submission for the ABM WEEK’s 6th edition is May 31. The ABM Portal spoke with André Luiz Vasconcellos Costa e Silva, professor at the Federal Fluminense University and one of the event's technical coordinators, to get some valuable tips on the preparation and presentation of technical-scientific papers.

Objectivity

According to Costa e Silva, a clear, objective content is top priority. “The paper has to be described as a well-told story. But it cannot be suspenseful. Rather, it should clearly identify which gap of technical-scientific knowledge was addressed, why the study is relevant, how it was carried out, and what are the core research results. The presentation sequence must be clear and objective as well, with no surprises saved for the end,” he advises.

Coherence

The lack of coherence is a factor that can prevent a paper from advancing in the selection for a technical-scientific event or lead to a poor evaluation, warns the Professor. He points out that indicating a given objective and pursuing another one or coming to a conclusion that is not related to the objective and evidence presented is a common mistake.

“Karl Popper, an Austrian philosopher at the beginning of the 20th century, used to say that the best method to demonstrate that a thesis is not correct is to research. A single experiment that contradicts the proposed thesis is enough to destroy it. In other words: even if dozens of experiments confirm a thesis, if they are not carried out correctly and in an unbiased manner, they may not be enough to sustain it,” he adds.

Contribution

Another important aspect stressed by Costa e Silva is the relevance of the study. In his opinion, the more contributions a paper brings to practice, the better evaluated it will be. “It’s very important that the study brings some significant contribution to the area. Generally, this is the main factor behind a successful, awarded paper,” he explains. 

Presentation

In addition to the care with the writing and execution of the paper, participants in ABM WEEK should make a special effort in preparing their presentation, be it oral or poster. According to Professor Costa e Silva, a good presentation requires a great deal of preparation. “Practice, practice, and practice some more. A senior colleague taught us: practice alone, with your dog or cat, your family, and your colleagues, but never present something without practicing several times before. Think about how you’d be convinced of your ideas if they were presented to you by someone else.”

As any presentation is limited in time, regardless of whether it is oral or poster, Costa e Silva again warns of objectivity. “You’ll never be able to tell all the details of your paper. So, focus on the most important points. And remember: no one knows what you’re planning to say on each slide. If you forget something, go ahead. The chances of not being essential and no one noticing are enormous. Especially if you’ve practiced. Nobody knows your article better than you do,” he advises.

Opportunities

Some professionals in the mining and metals industry believe that technical-scientific events are relevant only for those who have an academic career. Costa e Silva explains that participating in this kind of event can also provide great opportunities for those who work in the industry.

“A technical-scientific paper is the prime form of communication between such professionals and academics. Countless collaborations between researchers, teachers, engineers, and students start with a published study. I myself have friends that I met because of their articles and that I only met in person years after we talked and exchanged many ideas based on our work,” he recalls.

Single event

Professor Costa e Silva highlights the uniqueness of ABM WEEK. In his view, the event plays a key role in promoting a constructive dialogue between industry and academia in Brazil.

“During ABM WEEK, we have the opportunity to expose our ideas to a very large number of professionals in our field, receive comments and suggestions, and look for synergies. It’s a forum of highly qualified professionals who are deeply interested in the technical issues discussed and closely linked to the day-to-day reality of the metallurgical, materials, and mining industry. But, most importantly, ABM WEEK provides a positive, constructive, and collaborative environment, with which I have lived for more than 40 years and which is extremely encouraging,” he points out.

Deadline

To find out more information and submit your paper to ABM WEEK, please access https://www.abmbrasil.com.br/por/evento/abm-week-6-edicao.

Important: May 31 is the submission deadline.