Writing Impactful Engineering Articles

You didn’t become a scientist to write jargon-heavy papers no one reads. You started because something mattered to you. But if your research doesn’t connect to real-world problems, it stays invisible no matter how rigorous it is. That’s why I started framing my work through impact and purpose, and everything changed. 🪼 Funders cared 🪼 Readers engaged 🪼 Collaborators reached out Try this 3-step reframing:   1.  Problem: What issue does your research solve?   2.  Action: What did you do or find?   3.  Impact: Why does it matter, and to whom? Example: “We assessed salinization trends in aquifers.” vs. “Millions rely on groundwater. Our study shows how urban sprawl is quietly salting our water, and what can be done.” You don’t need spin. You need clarity. 🦕 The world can’t support what it can’t understand. Comment below: What’s ONE project you could reframe this way?

On writing papers with impact. I often hear people complain that academics don't write papers with real work impact. I tend to disagree bc I feel like we all study topics have an impact, but we simply don't know how to write them or frame them. While I am no expert, I came across a great editorial that offers insight how to design & write a study that communicates impact to broader audiences. Andrew Burton-Jones, Steven L. Johnson, & Ann Majchrzak editorial in MIS Quarterly on"Producing Significant Research" offers insight into how authors can enhance the impact of their research & better communicate its importance. So what do they advise? 1. When starting a project, authors should ask: * How does this paper address an unsolved challenge in practice? Example: If studying remote work, go beyond general benefits & identify specific challenges like "How do remote employees manage digital fatigue & maintain productivity?" * Does the paper consider multiple perspectives on this challenge? Example: If researching AI in hiring, consider perspectives from job seekers, employers, & regulators rather than focusing solely on HR professionals. * Does completing this project offer insight that benefits society? Example: If studying misinformation, clarify the broader societal impact: "Our research informs policymakers on how to design social media regulations that balance free speech with misinformation control." 2. When writing a paper, authors should make it: * Accessible: Use clear, straightforward language accessible to non-academic audiences. * Credible: Support claims with empirical evidence and examples of practical applications. * Arresting: Clearly articulate the real-world problem, limitations of existing knowledge, and how the study advances understanding. They also suggest avoid: * Overuse of technical jargon that reduces accessibility. * Vague generalizations in the discussion and implications sections. * Failing to specify which stakeholders will benefit from the findings. 3. Never forget practice. * Consider practitioner perspectives early in the research process. Example: Consult working professionals instead of relying solely on academic literature. * Engage with real-world problems rather than purely theoretical gaps. Example: Investigate "how flawed data models led to incorrect credit scores, impacting millions of consumers." * Frame research for multiple audiences (academics, industry, policymakers). Example: Tailor takeaways separately for stakeholders. * Seek feedback from non-academic peers on clarity and impact before submission. Example: Ask a non-expert colleague to summarize the key takeaways. If they struggle, simplify and clarify your message. Andrew, Steven and Ann argue that authors who proactively embed impact into their studies will be better positioned to contribute meaningful, high-quality research. I think they are right. Give it a crack! Editorial here: https://lnkd.in/ePyeFk_k

My data's strong, but my paper's weak. 😱 Don't just write; guide your reader. How to use the PASTOR framework: (It's from marketing, but we can apply it to academic writing:) 1. PROBLEM: Identify the gap • State a clear gap in existing literature. • Pinpoint the issue your research tackles. Be explicit about the problem. ❌ 'This area needs more study.' ✅ 'Current methods fail to address X accurately.' Vagueness won't cut it. Clearer = better. 2. AMPLIFY: Make the gap painful. • Discuss the impact • Show what we lose by not addressing it. Emphasize the stakes. ❌ 'It's a significant problem.' ✅ 'Ignoring it costs companies millions annually and impacts the health of X people.' Impact is measurable, not a claim. 3. STORY: Share a story • Use a real example. • Link it to your problem. Make it relatable. ❌ 'Some people struggle with this.' ✅ 'Dr. Wang couldn't complete her grant-funded research project on human DNA because of this.' Anonymous examples don't stick. Real names do. 4. TRANSFORM: Use testimonials academia style • Cite related work for the problem. • Point out what's missing. Show. Tell. ❌ 'Similar studies have been conducted.' ✅ 'Smith's 2020 study tackled A and B but missed C.' Don't just name-drop. Explain exactly what's missing. 5. OFFER: Contribute big • Show your research contribution. • Link it back to the gap you identified. Value over volume. ❌ 'We conducted 5 experiments.' ✅ 'Our research solves X by using a new methodological approach.' What you did is less crucial than what you achieved. 6. RESPONSE: Call for future action • Outline follow-up research. • Suggest practical applications. Guide, don't just end. ❌ 'More research is needed.' ✅ 'The next step is to apply these findings to Y.' Avoid vague endings. Give them the 'So what?'. TL;DR → How to use PASTOR in academic writing: 1. PROBLEM: Identify the research gap 2. AMPLIFY: Turn up the volume on that gap 3. STORY: Share a mini-story 4. TRANSFORM: Use testimonials academia style 5. OFFER: Make your contribution 6. RESPONSE: Call for future action Have you tried writing with this framework? #phd #research #marketing

How to Write Papers That Get Read and Have an Impact As scientists and engineers, our goal is to conduct research that makes a positive difference in society! Writing research papers that not only get read but also have lasting impact is essential to ensuring our work reaches beyond the laboratory. Here are three key tips to help you write papers that interest readers and make a meaningful difference in the scientific community: 1. Choose a Relevant and Significant Topic: To create an impactful paper, begin by selecting a topic that addresses a significant problem or gap in knowledge within your field. Familiarize yourself with the existing literature and the latest advancements in your area of research. This will enable you to identify areas where your work can contribute new insights or solutions. For example, one of my most cited papers discusses how to model the response of a radiation detector to neutron radiation. This niche topic was not widely discussed in the literature before, and therefore was an opportunity for new research. 2. Tell a Compelling Story with Your Research Results: Research results are fundamental ingredients of any scientific paper, but presenting them in a compelling way can greatly enhance the impact of your work. Instead of merely presenting data, use them to tell a coherent and engaging story. Organize your results logically, and make connections between different aspects of your research. By presenting your work as a narrative, readers are more likely to read, remember, and understand your key findings. 3. Establish Connections with Existing Literature and Practical Applications: Describe your work as it fits within the existing literature. Cite relevant studies and explain how your work builds upon or challenges previous research. This approach helps place your work in the framework of previous research and strengthens your contributions. If possible, show how your findings can be applied to real-world problems, as this can attract a wider audience and increase the relevance and impact of your work. By following these strategies, you can increase the chances of your papers being read, cited, and making a lasting impact. Well-crafted research papers have the potential to inspire others, foster collaboration, and drive positive change in the scientific community and beyond! And what have you found useful in writing impactful papers? Comment below! #engineering #science #research #security #graduateschool #graduatestudent #mtvconsortium #writingadvice #writing University of Michigan University of Michigan College of Engineering Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences—University of Michigan