The PhD student life is a thrilling and demanding adventure. Each day is filled with numerous classes, seminars, research endeavors, and the relentless pursuit of
Author: Elizabeth George
![What is Beall’s List and why was it shut down?](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pexels-pixabay-164686.jpg)
In 2010, Jeffrey Beall, an academic librarian and associate professor at the University of Colorado Denver, published the ground-breaking Beall’s List of predatory journals. This
![Gray literature in research: Definition, Types, Sources and Drawbacks](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pexels-mauricio-mascaro-376533-1.jpg)
In academia, researchers traditionally turn to peer-reviewed research publications and academic journals as reliable and verified sources of information. Over the years, however, gray literature
![R Discovery strengthens medical research content bank with new CACTUS-BMJ partnership](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3760067-scaled.jpg)
Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with BMJ, a renowned global healthcare knowledge provider. This
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Being a mom is one of the toughest jobs in the world. It’s a full-time responsibility that demands immense dedication, patience, and love. But what
![Primary vs. secondary sources: Differences and examples](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pexels-cottonbro-studio-4855552.jpg)
Understanding the difference between primary vs secondary sources can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting out in academia. Researchers today have access to a
![Open access vs Traditional publishing: How to make the right choice](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-874242-1-scaled.jpg)
While it’s clear that getting your research published is important for researchers to grow their academic career, choosing between open access vs traditional publishing can
![](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3794188.jpg)
Researcher.Life, a brand under Cactus Communications, has partnered with Underline Science to add top-tier scientific video streaming content to the R Discovery academic research library.
![](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-tara-winstead-8386422-scaled.jpg)
You must be aware of the speed at which technology is revolutionizing the way we discover and read research. With this rapid change, the research
![research paper paywalls](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-harri-hofer-9554231-scaled.jpg)
Despite calls for open access, 64% of scholarly publications still have research paper paywalls in place, says the European Commission of Research and Innovation, an
![How to choose a PhD program: 7 Key considerations](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/young-lady-holding-mobile-phone-while-making-scales-gesture-beige-sweater-jeans-looking-confident-front-view.jpg)
One of the most common questions among budding researchers is how to choose a PhD program that is the perfect fit for their interest. The
![Research misconduct: Reasons and types of research misconduct](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/tired-man-sits-front-computer-with-cup-coffee-colored-lighting-scaled.jpg)
Science and is built on the foundation of integrity and trust, and questionable research practices or research misconduct is counter-productive to the production and use
![9 Critical reading strategies and how it improves your research writing](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/young-woman-reading-library.jpg)
Reading, especially critical reading, is an integral aspect in the research process. However, research reading is not just about skimming through research papers, it is
![PhD student life: 11 Strategies to put your career on the growth track](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-anete-lusina-5240858.jpg)
The PhD student life can be both exciting and challenging. A typical day in a PhD student’s life includes attending classes and seminars, conducting research
![women in research](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-garon-piceli-852793-scaled.jpg)
Women in research have made significant contributions to science, breaking barriers and advancing our understanding of the world around us. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles,
![Academic writing and the impact of social media language](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/language-communication-message-written.jpg)
Social media language and lingo have become ubiquitous, and its influence is creeping into academic writing. With researchers increasingly using academic social networks such as
![Top 16 digital tools that every researcher should know about](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/working-with-apps-cup-coffee-1-scaled.jpg)
Using digital tools for researchers effectively can be the difference between an average and an excellent piece of research. But today, with the long list
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Disruptive science and innovation have been the driving forces behind human progress for centuries. From the invention of the wheel to the development of artificial
![A comprehensive glossary of open access terms](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/books-imagination-still-life.jpg)
As a researcher, I am sure at some point you would have wanted a comprehensive glossary of open access terms to understand key concepts associated
![Identifying keywords for scientific papers: A 5-step guide](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/finger-pressing-search-engine.jpg)
Academic writing is an essential component of research work, and one of the most critical elements is identifying the right keywords for scientific papers. As
![ChatGPT and authorship in research: What top publishers are saying](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-alex-knight-2599244-scaled.jpg)
Over the past few months, the Internet has been abuzz with talk about ChatGPT, which has put a spotlight on the increasingly advanced capabilities of
![R Discovery expands content library with strategic JAMA partnership](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-cytonn-photography-955395-scaled.jpg)
R Discovery, a Researcher.Life solution by Cactus Communications, announced its partnership with the JAMA Network, which will make the content published in the 13 peer-reviewed journals in
![Challenges in reading research as a multilingual author](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-mikhail-nilov-8872741.jpg)
There are 8.8 million researchers across the globe,1 and a majority of these are multilingual authors from countries where English is not the first language.
![Two ways to save time, boost productivity: R Discovery and Global Journal Database](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/back-school-concept-books-colored-pencils-clock.jpg)
Navigating the intricacies of the traditional journal publishing workflow can be particularly daunting for young researchers. There is a seemingly endless list of tasks and
![Preprint articles: The importance and future of preprint publications](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/idea-concept-with-light-bulb.jpg)
Preprint articles, or pre-peer-review open-access articles, have cemented themselves as an integral part of scientific publishing. This is because for researchers, free and rapid dissemination
![R Discovery partners with SAGE to expand its content archive](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5673488-scaled.jpg)
Earlier this month, R Discovery, a Researcher.Life solution by Cactus Communications, partnered with SAGE Publishing (named after its founders, SAra and GEorge), a global academic publisher of
![ChatGPT for Research Writing: Game Changer or Ethical Risk?](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/robot-handshake-human-background-futuristic-digital-age.jpg)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical part of our lives and the rapid development of AI-powered tools has helped to automate and simplify some
![](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/picture-man-blackboard-with-crown-text-successful.jpg)
Year after year, people with different personalities and backgrounds step into the field of research eager to develop the key qualities of a good researcher,
![PhD student lifestyle: 6 Steps to create the perfect routine](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-ivan-samkov-5676744.jpg)
Most budding academics quickly come to realize that the PhD student lifestyle and pursuing a doctorate is challenging in many ways. Life as a PhD
![Mental health in academia: 5 Ways to nurture researcher well-being](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-774866.jpg)
While there has been recent focus on researcher well-being, there is still considerable stigma around the issue of mental health in academia. Researchers, irrespective of
![Back to work after holidays: 7 Tips to avoid feeling overwhelmed](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hands-showing-colorful-letters.jpg)
There is often nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than taking a much-deserved break during the holiday season. However, as the festivities wind down, thoughts of
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New year resolutions for researchers can be a great start to build good habits. And it takes no more than cultivating positive habits to
![Publication strategy: Create a journal publication schedule that works](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-skylar-kang-6045025.jpg)
As students and early career researchers, it is essential that you get your work published in academic journals. However, this can be a rather gruelling
![4 Types of journals and publications in research](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-jess-bailey-designs-1018136-1-scaled.jpg)
There are many types of journals being published today that cater to the student, research and academic community. Some of the basic types of journals
![R Discovery adds 3 leading titles from NEJM Group to its content repository](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-fauxels-3184294-scaled.jpg)
Earlier this month, R Discovery, a Researcher.Life solution by Cactus Communications, added three leading journals from the NEJM Group to its roster of titles, including
![4 benefits of choosing the right journal early in the research process](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3769708.jpg)
While researchers strive to have their work published in established journals and publications in their respective areas of specialization, they often do not give sufficient
![Research paper abstract writing: A practical guide for authors](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-6837638.jpg)
There are millions of research articles being published every year, which makes finding and reading the right literature even more challenging and time-consuming. When it
![Australia and New Zealand strike the largest of its kind, open access deal with Elsevier](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-fauxels-3184430-1-scaled.jpg)
Last month, Australian and New Zealand universities signed one of the largest transformative open access deals with Elsevier, a global leader in research publishing and
![Research conferences: How to become a more confident presenter](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-8761515.jpg)
Just conducting your research and getting it published is no longer enough! A study on research paper readership and citations revealed that about half the
![Common PhD problems and simple ways to overcome them](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6344094.jpg)
When one embarks on the doctoral journey, they are not thinking about PhD problems. Most PhD students are just excited about being able to develop
![Answering the 5 most common questions about peer reviews](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-ann-h-10981241.jpg)
In the world of science and research, work submitted for journal publication usually goes through a thorough peer review process. However, despite the important role
![A guide to authorship in research and scholarly publishing](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-ds-stories-6990411.jpg)
Scientific and academic authorship in research publishing is a critical part of a researcher’s career. However, the concept of authorship in research publication can be
![R Discovery partners with AIAA to create a global content library for researchers](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-fauxels-3184465-scaled.jpg)
Earlier this month, R Discovery, a Researcher.Life solution by Cactus Communications, tied up with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the largest aerospace
![Research skills: 7 Ways for students to restore focus on learning](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-alex-fu-945966.jpg)
Do you know that there are some simple research skills that can give your PhD journey a boost? You have embarked on your doctoral journey,
![5 Proven tips to become a good science communicator](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pexels-gezer-amorim-2293558.jpg)
Scientists and researchers are making incredible new breakthroughs regularly in different fields from healthcare to agriculture, ecology to technology and much more. Communicating these research
![5 essential steps to manage your research funds effectively](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pexels-karolina-grabowska-4386431.jpg)
Seeking and procuring research funding is a critical part of a researcher’s career. However, effective grant management requires careful monitoring and accountability. Ensuring the proper
![5 Tips for PhD students to improve research productivity levels](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pexels-julien-bachelet-907810.jpg)
Acquiring a PhD degree is perhaps one of the most challenging steps in one’s academic journey. Having to spend several long hours on research,
![benefits of reading research papers](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pexels-pixabay-256424.jpg)
Understanding the benefits of reading research papers and developing a regular reading habit is an advantage, irrespective of the profession you’re in, but especially
![Polish your presentation skills for the next research conference](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pexels-christina-morillo-1181623.jpg)
It’s a common misconception that researchers simply need to carry out research work and get it published to attract more readers and make an
![Creative thinking strategies: How to find good research topics](https://blog.researcher.life/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3973059.jpg)
Scientific research requires academics to recognize gaps in knowledge and address these to help advance their field of research. In fact, successful researchers are