03/10/2024 – The Dili University (UNDILI) recently extended an invitation to Associate Professor Francisco Leandro to deliver a conference on the importance of international indexed and peer reviewed publications. The conference, attended by a diverse audience composed of bachelor, master, and Ph.D. students, as well as academic staff, underscored the critical role that such publications play in the global academic community. Professor Leandro highlighted how these publications not only enhance the visibility and credibility of researchers but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge across various disciplines. In addition, Professor Leandro pointed out that being published in indexed journals is often a benchmark for academic excellence and can significantly impact career progression and opportunities for collaboration.
During the conference, the Professor Leandro elaborated on the rigorous peer-review process that international indexed journals typically employ. This process ensures the quality and reliability of published research, fostering a culture of academic integrity and excellence. The audience was particularly engaged when Professor Leandro shared practical tips on how to navigate the submission process, select appropriate journals, and respond to reviewers’ feedback effectively. The event also featured a lively Q&A session, where students and faculty members had the opportunity to discuss their concerns and seek advice on their own research endeavors. The Professor Leandro approachable demeanor and willingness to share personal experiences resonated well with the attendees, making the session both informative and inspiring – the book Portuguese-speaking Small Island Developing States: The Development Journeys of Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste (2023, co-authored) was used as an illustrative example.
In closing, the Associate Professor Leandro reiterated the importance of perseverance and continuous learning in the pursuit of academic success as well as to reinforce the cooperation between the two institutions (University of Macau and the University of Dili). Professor Leandro encouraged the audience to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to remain committed to contributing valuable research to the global academic community. The conference at Dili University marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of high-quality research and publication envisaging high levels of institutional cooperation between China, Macau and the Portuguese-speaking countries, inspiring the next generation of scholars to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
Finally, as at the conference were the diplomatic representatives of Angola and Portugal, Professor Leandro highlighted that academic cooperation between Macau and Portuguese-speaking countries has been flourishing, driven by shared linguistic and cultural ties. Macau, with its unique position as a bridge between China and the Lusophone world, has established numerous partnerships with universities and these collaborations include student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and academic conferences. Such initiatives not only enhance educational opportunities but also foster mutual understanding and innovation. The University of Macau as a world top class institution (Rank 193 in the Times Higher Education), is at the forefront of these efforts, promoting a vibrant academic networking that benefits all participating nations.
This event has been reported by local media in the following languages: Tetum and Portuguese
https://www.jornaltornado.pt/angola-macau-portugal-e-timor-leste-defendem-investigacao-na-cplp/ (Newspaper Portuguese)
