Time

Program and Content

9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Registration and Tea Break

10:00 a.m.–10:10 a.m.

Opening Address by NAIHE CEO–Prof. Abhishek Singh Bhati

10:10 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Scientific Publishing Essentials 1—Delivered by MDPI

• Introduction to MDPI, Open Access, the Editorial Process, and Journals
  This session introduces MDPI’s mission as a leading open-access publisher, highlighting its rigorous peer review, fast turnaround, and broad research reach. Participants will explore relevant journals and the benefits of open access, including increased visibility and funding compliance.

• Reasons for Rejection at Pre-Check
  This session explores common pre-check rejection reasons—formatting issues, lack of novelty, language quality, and scope mismatch. Participants will gain practical tips on submission preparation, ethical compliance, and journal alignment, along with strategies to avoid these pitfalls.

• Q&A Session

11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Delivered by Dr. Kok Chiang Liang (NAIHE) and Dr. Teo Tee Hui (SUTD)

• Introduction of 3 Special Issue(s)
• Q&A Session

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Kickstart Activity

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Scientific Publishing Essentials 2—Delivered by MDPI

• How to Respond to Peer Reviewers
  This segment offers practical tips on responding to peer reviewers—addressing feedback, providing respectful rebuttals, and revising manuscripts. It emphasizes a collaborative tone and thorough responses to boost publication success.

• Skill Lab: Reviewer Says, You Respond
  Participants will practice crafting professional responses to sample peer reviewer comments. They will learn to address feedback, provide clear rebuttals, and revise manuscripts while maintaining a collaborative tone.

• Q&A Session

3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Tea Break

3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Scientific Publishing Essentials 3—Delivered by MDPI

• How to Write and Structure a Journal Article
  This session covers the essentials of manuscript writing, guiding participants through structuring key sections (abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion), maintaining scientific rigor, and using clear, concise language. It also focuses on highlighting research significance and aligning with the target journal's audience and style.

• Skill Lab: Catchy Yet Clear
  Participants will practice writing concise, informative, and engaging research paper titles that reflect the content of a study and attract potential readers.

• Q&A Session

4:30 p.m.–4:40 p.m.

Closing Accolades

4:40 p.m.–4:50 p.m.

Closing Address by Dr. Teo Tee Hui (SUTD)