Defending a dissertation is an important stage in the work of every scientist. In addition, obtaining a doctorate is one of the most anticipated events in a scientific career. In today's article, you will learn why publications are necessary for a scientist to defend their dissertation.
Preparing for a dissertation defence requires considerable effort, attention and time on the part of the scientist. According to the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers' resolution “On the procedure and criteria for awarding a doctoral degree (promotion)”, a dissertation is necessary for scientists to obtain a doctoral degree (PhD). Below you will learn about the requirements for defending a dissertation and the necessary publications.
Criteria for evaluating a dissertation for public defence
Let us consider the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia “On the procedure and criteria for awarding the degree of Doctor of Science (promotion)”. The Doctoral Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council) shall decide on the acceptance of a dissertation for public defence within one month of its receipt. The dissertation is evaluated according to the following parameters:
- The candidate has justified the choice of topic, defined the aim and objectives of the research, described the scientific achievements in the chosen field and the methods used. In addition, the candidate has presented and analysed the results obtained, drawn conclusions and summarised them in the provisions to be defended.
- The dissertation is a complete independent study, the results of which are of significant importance to the relevant scientific field.
- The scope of the scientific work meets the requirements set out in the council's regulations.
- The study used modern methods of analysis and data processing.
- The work is not plagiarised or falsified and does not contain any other violations of academic integrity.
- The scientific results have been presented at international conferences or seminars.
- The results obtained have been published in scientific journals or in the form of a monograph, or confirmed by patented intellectual property.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to clause 8.6 of section 4 of this resolution. It states that when submitting a dissertation and accompanying documents to a higher education institution, the applicant is required to provide a list of scientific publications. These publications should reflect the results of the dissertation work.
So, as we can see, publications are necessary for an applicant to be admitted to the thesis defence procedure. Next, we will consider what publications are needed to defend a thesis.
What publications are required for the defence of a dissertation?
In accordance with paragraph 5 of the “Regulations on the Procedure and Criteria for Promotion”, the main results of the dissertation must be published (or accepted for publication) in at least five reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals. This list of publications must be approved by the Latvian Science Council, and the results of the dissertation must be presented at a minimum of two international conferences.
In addition, a scientist must have at least two scientific articles published or accepted for publication in Scopus and Web of Science journals in order to be admitted to the defence of the dissertation.
Why are publications mandatory for defending a dissertation?
In addition to the criteria specified in Latvian regulations and the individual requirements of universities, there are other reasons why publications are necessary for defending a dissertation.
- Validation of results. Publication of dissertation results in a reputable peer-reviewed journal means that the data has been verified by external independent experts in the field. This guarantees its reliability and ensures a positive assessment by the council.
- Enhancing the university's reputation. Publications in reputable scientific journals, such as those indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, improve the international rankings and image of universities. This directly affects the funding of scientific research and the attractiveness of the university to foreign students, leading scientists, etc.
- Increased recognition. Results published in prestigious journals will become available to the international scientific community and allow researchers to make a name for themselves. They will also have a positive impact on the citation rate of the work and the growth of the researcher's scientometrics indicators.
In summary, publishing the results of a dissertation in authoritative journals is one of the main requirements for obtaining a scientific degree. They confirm the candidate's readiness for further scientific activity. Published results contribute to further research in the field and record the scientist's contribution to the development of the chosen field and science in general.
To publish the works required for your thesis defence in Scopus and Web of Science in time, contact Scientific Publications. We will provide comprehensive support at every stage of publication, from finding a journal to submitting an article and ensuring its successful indexing. Still have questions? Fill out the form below, and our manager will contact you shortly. Together towards scientific achievements!
