Why publish research findings? Is it really necessary?
Here are five reasons why you should do so.
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Once you already have conducted your research and came up with conclusions supported by facts, it is not only necessary but a virtuous action to publish it.
I have listed at least five reasons on why publish research findings in a reliable scientific, or open-access journal, or even science blogs to inform others about your work.
Don’t let them stay hidden in your in your cellar—precious data or information that your have painstakingly gathered that would have benefitted someone. Data or information is only as useful as the people who know about it.
Hence, this article explains why publishing is important in various fields of endeavor—either for personal or societal gain.
Why Publish Research? 5 Reasons Why You Need to Do So
1. You add to the body of knowledge
Surely, your discovery will enrich the pool of literature on a given subject. Your findings will strengthen the arguments of others while it will refute others. It will help shed light on issues that need resolution and it will also help build theories that will help us understand the many aspects of how the world works.
Remember, a theory arises from a culmination of facts documented and discussed by a lot of researchers. Theories are plausible explanations of phenomena based on insightful thinking from evidences that were systematically gathered.
Theories of education, for example, help guide the administration of learning among students at different levels. These theories help us match the correct approach to certain groups of students to make learning effective.
Simply, a theory is just a generalization from what has been discovered so far.
Thus, it is always possible that a new, better theory will arise with new tools available for research. That could be your theory, or your theory as improvement on current theory, as evidenced by your research findings.
2. You will become a recognized expert in your field
If you have published a lot of research on a specific topic or issue, you will gain credibility and become a recognized expert in that particular field. If ever there will be government or non-government organizations who will need consultants along the area you focus your research on, you will have an edge over others who have not published anything.
You just have to make sure that you do your research right each time. Doing it right implies that you employed a rigorous investigation. Rigorous means you applied an extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate[1] approach in your review of literature, methodology, results and discussion, and conclusion(s).
The method or methodology, in particular, is crucial because if it is found defective or could not be replicated by others, the rest of the paper will be rendered spurious or unreliable.
3. Your findings will help develop or improve on existing policy
Research findings are very important inputs to policy making. Sound policies for good governance may be developed if policy makers are made aware of the results of your study.
This approach is referred to as science-based policy making or evidence-based policy making. This policy making approach can save a lot of time, money, and effort. A costly hit-and-miss approach is avoided.
For example, the implementation of the policy on reducing traffic congestion and air pollution that I discussed in my previous post, may be made more effective if baseline research has been made before its implementation. Performance before and after policy implementation can then be compared.
Lawmakers should be mindful of the dynamics of the local setting where they intend to bring order.
Hence, simply copying laws elsewhere without due regard to the specific needs and concerns of the local populace may not work.
In many developed countries, researchers are recognized by their governments as crucial players in policy making. This may be one of the reasons why those countries, though not that perfect, are progressive in many respects.
Evidence of support to researchers usually come in the form of grants or fund allocations for research.
For example, in a highly developed country like the US, research and development funding amounted to a whooping $185.4 billion in 2025. But budget cuts had been significant under the Trump administration for some reasons.
Note that this is an investment, not a cost that sees no results. If you invest, then you expect a good return on investment.
Research, therefore, must provide benefits that far outweigh the cost.
4. Your publications will help you advance your career
The number of quality publications you have produced can prop you up the ladder of success. Universities give credit to meritorious research work that advance knowledge and bring about innovation. Publishing your work will also give you a better chance of getting a promotion.
Large companies allocate a portion of their annual budget in research and development. As a result, greater income is expected from innovative products. If you have been tasked to develop such products, then that will be a good opportunity for economic gain.
5. You will gain inner satisfaction
If you are able to publish your research findings in a reputable scientific journal, that gives you an inner confidence that indeed you have been a good researcher. After endless nights of writing and re-writing your manuscript, you finally reap the fruits of your labor. It’s a painstaking process but the end justifies the means.
Nobody can buy what you feel. Just don’t get it over your head for it always pays to be humble.
Before publishing your findings, it will be good practice to present your research in scientific gatherings relevant to your field of expertise. Engaging colleagues will help you improve on your research paper through their critical comments as well as suggestions.
If you are not that confident in making an oral presentation in front of a large audience, then presenting your paper in poster form will be one of your best choices.
Surely, there are other benefits that can be derived from publishing your research findings. But the greatest benefit for all your pain will be sharing your knowledge to make this world a better place for everyone.
Of what use are your findings if you are the only one who knows it? This article underscores why publishing is important for personal and societal gain.
References
1. Oxford Dictionary, n.d. Definition of rigorous in English. Retrieved on July 20, 2013 from http://oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/rigorous
FAQ: Why Publish Your Research?
Q1. What does it mean to add to the body of knowledge?
When you publish your research, your findings enrich the existing literature on your subject. Your discoveries strengthen arguments made by other researchers, refute outdated claims, and help build theories that explain how the world works.
Theories develop from a cumulation of facts documented and discussed by many researchers over time. Your work contributes to this collective understanding.
Q2. How does publishing research make me an expert in my field?
Publishing multiple quality research papers on a specific topic builds your credibility and establishes you as a recognized expert. This recognition gives you an advantage when organizations seek consultants in your area of expertise.
However, this requires conducting rigorous research each time, meaning you must employ thorough, exhaustive, and accurate approaches in your literature review, methodology, results, and conclusions.
Q3. Why is methodology so important in research?
Methodology is crucial because if it is found defective or cannot be replicated by other researchers, the entire paper becomes unreliable or spurious. A sound methodology ensures your findings are trustworthy and can withstand scrutiny from the scientific community.
Q4. How do research findings influence policy making?
Research findings are vital inputs for policy development. When policymakers are aware of your study results, they can make evidence-based or science-based policy decisions. This approach saves time, money, and effort by avoiding costly trial-and-error methods.
Developed countries often recognize researchers as crucial players in policy making and support them through grants and research funding.
Q5. Can publishing research help advance my career?
Yes. The number and quality of publications you produce can significantly advance your career. Universities value meritorious research work and often use publications as criteria for promotions and tenure.
In the corporate world, companies allocate budgets for research and development, and successful innovation can lead to economic gains and career advancement.
Q6. What personal benefits come from publishing research?
Beyond career advancement, publishing your findings in a reputable scientific journal gives you inner confidence and satisfaction. After months of writing and rewriting, you experience the fulfillment of seeing your work recognized and shared with the scientific community.
Q7. Should I present my research before publishing it?
Yes, it is good practice to present your research at scientific gatherings relevant to your field before formal publication. Engaging with colleagues allows you to receive critical feedback and suggestions that can improve your research paper. If you are not confident making oral presentations, consider presenting your work in poster form.
Q8. What if my research findings are only known to me?
Research findings have limited value if only you know about them. Data and information are only as useful as the people who know about them. By publishing, you ensure your painstakingly gathered data benefits others and contributes to solving real-world problems.
Q9. Is research funding an investment or a cost?
Research funding is an investment, not a cost. When governments and companies allocate budgets to research and development, they expect a good return on investment. Quality research should provide benefits that far outweigh its costs.
Q10. What is the greatest benefit of publishing research?
The greatest benefit is sharing your knowledge to make the world a better place for everyone. Your research findings can help solve problems, improve policies, advance theories, and contribute to human progress and understanding.
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