Conducting and publishing research is a core requirement for university academic staff and other scholars. Funders of research project, governments, policy makers, university administrations and the public expect researchers to continuously collect data, analyse and publish their findings. However, a common challenge facing research projects and scholars is that the scientific papers planned for publication are delayed or never prepared after a project ends due to several factors, including heavy teaching loads for academic staff, a lack of or limited writing support and a lack of writing expertise (Busse et al. 2022, refs). Responding to this challenge, Melecki Scientific Cafè (MSC) is providing writing and publishing support through in-person and online Journal Manuscript Writing bootcamps. The writing bootcamp is a hand-on intense writing exercise in which participants prepare actual manuscripts with advice and guidance on journal requirements, scientific quality and writing style from an experienced facilitator, Dr. Meleckidzedeck Khayesi.
MSC delivered its first writing bootcamp on 24-27 April 2026 to nine participants from Making and Implementing Decisions in Urban Transport in Africa (MID-UTA) and other projects. Using protected time and space, all the nine participants got the drafting of their manuscripts off the ground, identified journals for submission and registered on the submission pages of selected journals. A second online bootcamp for this group is scheduled for June 2026. In the meantime, the nine participants are continuing with writing their manuscripts by devoting 60 minutes daily to this exercise and sharing their experiences with one another through a WhatApp group and consulting the facilitator directly on any question that they have-
Reference
Busse, C. E., Anderson, E. W., Endale, T. et al. (2022), Strengthening research capacity: a systematic review of manuscript writing and publishing interventions for researchers in low-income and middle-income countries. BMJ Global Health, e008059. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-008059