Mistakes to avoid when writing the introduction to your paper

As a journal editor I read a lot of manuscripts. The introduction is often the hardest part of a paper to write, particularly for high impact journals where one must tread a fine line between shameless self-promotion and clearly explaining the importance of one's work in a manner that is appreciated by both specialists and non-specialists. Two mistakes crop up time and again:

Mass citations

"Extremely niche topic x has become a hot topic due to its potential applications [1-26]. Many novel effects have been reported [27-48]. These works have been extended to unprecedented directions [49-68], paving the way to..."

Yes, it is important to acknowledge relevant prior work on your topic. But when you cite papers en masse it gives the impression that you don't understand which papers in your research paper are really important!

 One sentence citations

 "Smith et al. explored applications of extremely niche hot topic x [1]. Brown et al. innovatively demonstrated a novel effect [2]. Newton et al. paved the way to...[3]."

 The opposite extreme of explaining each reference individually (but in a single sentence only, otherwise the introduction will be too long) has the same effect, suggesting you have merely skimmed the works you have cited without really understanding how they fit together and what the bigger picture is.

 

Don't do this! Cite one or two review articles instead, along with the specific works you are building on. Don't make the reader have to do a literature review just to tell whether your paper might be worth reading!

Part-time Associate Editor position in quantum science at Physical Review A

Physical Review A (PRA) is looking for a new part-time Associate Editor in the area of quantum science to join our team.

For more than 50 years, PRA has been publishing important developments in the rapidly evolving areas of AMO physics, quantum science, and related fundamental concepts. The journal is growing, and we are looking for someone working in the area of quantum science to join our team of editors on a part-time basis. The candidate would be expected to maintain their current academic position while serving as an editor for PRA.

The advertisement for the position can be found here, including further details about the expectations for this role, time commitment, how to apply, etc. We look forward to applications from qualified candidates. The deadline to apply is August 10th, 2024.

 

A few notes about the selection criteria:

 

(1) Current active involvement and stature in the relevant field of research. 

 

You should be publishing, and in good journals. Invited talks at or involvement in organisation of reputable conferences or awards can also serve as evidence of active involvement and stature in the field. Within quantum science there is an enormous breadth of sub-topics ranging from fundations to applications, so someone with experience in a wider variety of topics is likely to be preferred over someone with more narrow expertise. This is another reason why you should work on something a bit different after your PhD.

 

(2) An outstanding record as a referee and a demonstrated commitment to peer review. 

 

Serve as a good referee on papers when asked, obviously. If you haven't reviewed for APS, you can express your interest here. Write useful, constructive reports including suggestions on how the manuscript can be improved (even if you don't think it meets the standards of the journal). Return reports quickly and/or within the timeframe you promise. It's OK to decline if a paper is outside your expertise or you are too busy - we really appreciate fast responses. We don't have access to your referee record at other journals, so it is better to concentrate your refereeing service at a few publishers that you submit your own manuscripts too, rather than spreading your efforts across dozens of different publishers. Particularly for the case of for-profit publishers - if you don't publish with them why should you volunteer your time for their benefit?

 

(3) The ability to work within the editorial team and the desire to maintain the quality and reputation of the journal. 

 

Evidence of desire to maintain the quality and reputation of the journal can include service as a good referee and submitting your own good papers to the journal.

 

PhD openings at Singapore University of Technology and Design

I have just joined Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) as a faculty member. I will be slowly building up a research group as grant funding accumulates.

Presently there is an open call for applications for the SUTD PhD Programme for commencement in January 2025. The application deadline is 30th September. Successful scholarship applicants will receive a monthly stipend of S$3,500 (for Singapore citizens) or S$2,700 (for foreigners), with an additional $500 per month after passing the PhD Qualifying Exam.

Since these scholarships are not tied to any particular grant, I welcome applicants interested in working with me on theoretical projects related to any of the following topics:

• Photonics
• Topological materials
• Quantum technologies
• Quantum simulation
• Nonlinear waves
• Flat band systems
• Machine learning and physics
• Topological data analysis
  

Prospective applicants are invited to send me a CV and a short statement of research interests for more information on possible projects and the application process.