For many students, a thesis is their first substantial piece of academic writing. Unfortunately, after the final defense and graduation, most theses end up forgotten stored away on a library shelf or buried in a computer folder. Yet with just a few adjustments, your thesis can be transformed into a publishable journal article. Doing so not only extends the impact of your research but also adds valuable credentials to your academic and professional journey.

In the world of research, there are various types of scientific publications used to present findings and analysis. One important format especially in the fields of medicine and health sciences is the case report. Although often considered lower on the hierarchy of evidence compared to experimental studies, case reports still hold significant scientific value and frequently serve as the foundation for future research.

So, how do you turn a thesis into a scientific article? Here are some practical steps:

1. Understand the Difference Between a Thesis and a Journal Article

The first step is recognizing that a thesis and a journal article have different structures and writing styles. A thesis is typically long and comprehensive, written as a complete report of your research. A journal article, on the other hand, needs to be concise, focused, and efficient in delivering information.

Key differences include:

• Length: A thesis can be hundreds of pages, while a journal article is usually between 6–15 pages.
• Purpose: A thesis fulfills graduation requirements; a journal article shares findings with the wider academic community.
• Language style: Articles are more compact, avoid repetition, and go straight to the point

2. Focus on the Core of Your Thesis

Not all sections of your thesis need to be included in the article. Instead, highlight the key elements of your research. A standard journal article typically includes:

• Title (max. 15 words; clear and to the point)
• Abstract (150–250 words summarizing the objectives, methods, results, and conclusion)
• Introduction (explains the background and research objectives)
• Methods (details how the study was conducted)
• Results and Discussion (presents and interprets the findings)
• Conclusion (summarizes the main insights and answers the research question)
• References (only the most relevant and cited sources)
• Eliminate sections such as approval pages, table of contents, or appendices that aren’t necessary for journal publication.

3. Simplify and Clarify Your Writing

One of the main challenges in adapting a thesis into an article is simplifying the content without losing its essence. Rewrite using more concise, academic language.

Tips:

• Merge paragraphs discussing similar ideas.
• Remove citations or theories that don’t directly support your argument.
• Focus on the most important and impactful findings.

Read More : Tips for Writing a Journal Ready Scientific Article

4. Update Your References If Necessary

If your thesis was completed over a year ago, review and update your references. Include more recent literature (preferably from the last 5 years) to strengthen your article and demonstrate its relevance to current scholarship.

5. Align with the Target Journal’s Guidelines

Every journal has its own submission guidelines (templates, citation style, word count, reference format, etc.). Make sure you thoroughly read and follow them. Nationally accredited journals (SINTA) and international journals each have specific standards. Ignoring these can result in your manuscript being rejected early in the review process.

6. Seek Feedback from Your Advisor or Peers

Don’t hesitate to ask your thesis supervisor or peers who’ve published before to review your draft. External feedback can help uncover weaknesses or inconsistencies that you might overlook.

7. Run a Plagiarism Check and Final Edits

Before submission, review your grammar, sentence structure, and similarity index (plagiarism). Use tools like Turnitin or iThenticate if available, to ensure your manuscript meets ethical publishing standards.
Turning your thesis into a journal article not only gives your academic work a longer lifespan it also opens doors to broader academic engagement. A published article strengthens your portfolio, builds academic credibility, and may even be the first step toward a career in research

Need help with editing or journal submission? Don’t hesitate to consult with a trusted publication service to ensure your process is smooth, professional, and secure
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