MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop at Case Western University, 17 December 2025

This Academic Publishing Workshop will be led by MDPI Regional Journal Relations Specialists Dr. Barnaby Crook and Dr. Antigona Ulndreaj on the following topics: “How to Write a Research Paper”, “Responding to Peer Reviewers”, “Abstract Writing”, “Publication Ethics”, and “AI in Publishing”. Participants will receive practical advice on essential aspects of writing academic articles and navigating peer review, guidance on how to avoid ethical pitfalls in research, and an introduction to contemporary issues around AI in publishing. They will also engage in a hands-on practice session on abstract writing. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the academic publishing landscape and how to successfully contribute to it.

Date: 17December 2025
Time: 10:00–15:00 (EST)
Venue: Case School of Dental Medicine, Case Western University, 9601 Chester Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106

Schedule:

Time	Program and Content	Speakers
10:00–10:10	Introduction
10:10–11:00	How to Write a Research Paper - Framing your research story - How to structure your research article - Tips and tricks for formatting your paper Q&A	Dr. Antigona Ulndreaj
11:00–11:40	Responding to Peer Reviewers - The peer review process step-by-step - What reviewers are looking for - How to write responses to peer reviewers Q&A	Dr. Barnaby Crook
11:40–12:00	Abstract Writing Workshop: Introduction - Principles for good abstract writing Preparing your research idea	Dr. Antigona Ulndreaj and Dr. Barnaby Crook
12:00–13:00	LUNCH
13:00–13:40	Abstract Writing Workshop - Practice writing an abstract for your research paper - Peer-to-peer feedback Group discussion	Dr. Antigona Ulndreaj and Dr. Barnaby Crook
13:40–14:15	Publication Ethics - Principles of publication ethics - Ethical issues in publishing (plagiarism, authorship etc.) - How to avoid ethical pitfalls Q&A	Dr. Antigona Ulndreaj
14:15–15:00	AI in Publishing - What is AI - How does AI impact publishing - How does MDPI navigate the challenge of AI Q&A / Final Discussion	Dr. Barnaby Crook

MDPI Speakers:

Dr. Barnaby Crook completed an MA in philosophy and neuroscience at the Humboldt University of Berlin in 2021 and a PhD in the philosophy of artificial intelligence at the University of Bayreuth in 2025. After moving from Germany to Toronto, Dr. Crook began working for MDPI as an Assistant Editor with the journal IJERPH. He now works as a Regional Journal Relations Specialist for North America. In this role, Dr. Crook builds and maintains relationships with academic stakeholders, fostering collaboration and developing partnerships. He is passionate about scientific communication and research integrity.

Dr. Antigona Ulndreaj holds a PhD in medical science from the University of Toronto and has completed three postdoctoral fellowships specializing in regenerative medicine and clinical diagnostics. She currently serves as an Assistant Editor for Pharmaceuticals and as a Regional Journal Relations Specialist. With extensive experience in academic publishing, Antigona has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, reviewed more than 25 manuscripts, and, in her editorial role, has processed over 130 manuscripts. Her multifaceted perspective on research and publishing allows her to guide academics in effectively translating their data and ideas into clear, impactful manuscripts.

Organizers: