Academic Publishing Workshop at the Tennessee State University—Research Ethics, Publication Best Practices, and Evidence-Based Decision-Making in AI Era, 28 September 2026

This Academic Publishing Workshop will be led by MDPI Regional Engagement Editors, Dr. Barnaby Crook and Dr. Sally Wu, on the following topics: “Research Ethics and Responding to Peer Reviewers” and “AI in Publishing: Challenges and Opportunities”. Participants will receive guidance on how to avoid ethical pitfalls in research, practical advice on navigating the peer-review process, and an introduction to contemporary issues raised by the increasing use of AI in academic publishing. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the academic publishing landscape and how to successfully contribute to it.

Learning objectives:

Exploring key issues in publication ethics and learning about best practices to ensure academic integrity when developing scientific publications;
Receiving practical guidance on revising manuscripts and responding to peer-review comments in an effective manner;
Learning about the various ways that artificial intelligence is impacting the world of scientific publishing and how to navigate these changes as an early career researcher.

Date: 28 September 2026
Time: 12:45-2:10 p.m. CDT
Location: Online via Zoom at https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/83660663152 (password: PHMLab) or at Tennessee State University, Humphries Hall 205

Program:

Speaker	Program and Content	Time (in CDT)
Dr. Aliyar Fouladkhah	Introduction	12:45–12:50 p.m.
Dr. Aliyar Fouladkhah	Evidence-Based Decision-Making from Public Health Literature	12:50–1:00 p.m.
Dr. Sally Wu	Research Ethics and Responding to Peer Reviewers Introduction to Research Ethics Responding to Peer Reviewers Q&A Session	1:00–1:35 p.m.
Dr. Barnaby Crook	AI in Academic Publishing: Challenges and Opportunities Introduction to AI in Academic Publishing Tips for Ethical AI Use Q&A Session	1:35–2:10 p.m.

Speakers:

Dr. Barnaby Crook completed an MA in philosophy and neuroscience at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany in 2021 and a PhD in philosophy of artificial intelligence at the University of Bayreuth, Germany 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 Engagement Editor 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. Sally Wu completed a PhD in medical science at the University of Toronto. She studied the metabolic side effects of antipsychotic drugs for patients with schizophrenia. Shortly after graduating, Dr. Wu began working for MDPI as an Assistant Editor for Cells. She now works as a Regional Engagement Editor. In this role, Dr. Wu travels across North America to attend conferences and other scholarly events, communicating with a diverse array of academic stakeholders. She is passionate about scientific communication and dissemination.