Researchers, students and aspiring academics can now enrol for the 2026 Getting Started with Research Writing and Publishing course offered by Rising Scholars. The free online programme is designed for anyone who wants to begin their research journey or strengthen their existing understanding of academic research, scholarly writing and publishing.
The six-week course will run from 21 September to 4 November 2026 and provides participants with practical guidance on developing research papers, selecting suitable journals, responding to peer-review feedback and navigating research ethics.
The programme is delivered online and allows participants to learn at their own pace through readings, quizzes, discussions and peer-marking assignments. Optional Zoom sessions and thematic study clubs will also provide opportunities for participants to connect with researchers from around the world.
Successful participants will receive either a Pass or Merit certificate, together with weekly digital badges recognising their progress throughout the programme.
Getting Started with Research Writing and Publishing
The Rising Scholars course is intended for people at different stages of their research journey. It can be particularly useful for individuals who are preparing to write their first research paper, early-career researchers looking to refresh their skills, or participants seeking a better understanding of the academic publishing process.
Rather than focusing only on theoretical concepts, the course introduces practical aspects of preparing research for publication and navigating the peer-reviewed academic publishing environment.
Participants will work through a range of online learning materials and activities designed to help them understand how research papers are structured and how researchers can prepare their work for submission to academic journals.
What Will Participants Learn?
During the six-week programme, participants will develop knowledge and practical skills in several important areas of research writing and publishing.
Writing and Structuring a Research Paper
One of the core areas covered by the course is how to write and structure a research paper for journal submission.
Participants will gain an understanding of the elements that make up an effective academic paper and how research findings can be communicated in a clear and structured way.
This can help aspiring researchers move from having research ideas or findings to developing a manuscript that is suitable for consideration by an academic journal.
Selecting a Peer-Reviewed Journal
Choosing an appropriate journal is an important part of the research publication process. The course will introduce participants to considerations involved in identifying a suitable peer-reviewed journal for their research.
Understanding the scope and requirements of potential journals can help researchers avoid submitting manuscripts to inappropriate publications and improve the likelihood that their work reaches the intended academic audience.
Responding to Reviewer Feedback
Peer review is a central part of academic publishing, and receiving reviewer comments can be challenging, particularly for researchers who are new to the process.
The course will teach participants how to respond constructively to reviewer feedback and approach the revision process as part of developing a stronger research paper.
Participants can therefore gain practical insight into what happens after a manuscript is submitted and how researchers can work through requested revisions.
Research Ethics and Academic Publishing
Research ethics and responsible academic publishing are also key components of the programme.
Participants will explore ethical considerations relevant to research and publishing, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence in academic work.
This component is particularly relevant as researchers increasingly use AI-assisted tools during different stages of research and writing. Understanding responsible use can help participants approach these technologies while maintaining academic integrity and ethical research practices.
Flexible Online Learning
The programme is designed to accommodate participants who may have other academic or professional commitments.
Learning takes place through online readings, quizzes, discussions and peer-marking assignments, allowing participants to progress through the core materials during the six-week programme.
In addition to the self-paced learning activities, participants can take part in optional Zoom sessions and thematic study clubs.
These activities provide opportunities to engage with other researchers and learners from different parts of the world, potentially allowing participants to exchange experiences and perspectives on research and academic publishing.
Certificates and Digital Badges
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Pass or Merit certificate.
The programme also provides weekly digital badges, giving participants a way to demonstrate their progress and engagement with the course material.
The combination of a completion certificate and digital badges may be useful for learners seeking to document their professional or academic development.
Who Should Enrol?
The course is open to anyone interested in beginning or strengthening their research journey.
It may be particularly useful for students, early-career researchers, academics, research professionals and aspiring authors of academic papers.
Participants who already have some research experience can also use the programme to refresh their knowledge of academic writing, journal selection, peer review and publishing ethics.
Because the programme is delivered online and includes self-paced learning, it may also be suitable for participants who need flexibility around their existing studies or employment.
The 2026 edition of Getting Started with Research Writing and Publishing runs from 21 September to 4 November 2026.
Enrolment is currently open. Participants should create an account on the Rising Scholars learning platform or log in if they already have an account.
When enrolling, participants should select the 2026 cohort and enter the enrolment key OpenAccessIsAwesome.
Application Deadline
The provided course announcement does not state a separate closing date for enrolment. Interested participants are therefore encouraged to enrol while registration for the 2026 cohort remains open and before the course begins on 21 September 2026.
Course: Getting Started with Research Writing and Publishing
Provider: Rising Scholars
Format: Online
Cost: Free
Course dates: 21 September–4 November 2026
Certificate: Pass or Merit
Enrolment key: OpenAccessIsAwesome
