From Thesis to Potential Scientific Contribution: A Guide for Researchers in Applied Sciences
Abstract
Converting a doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis into a publishable journal article is a critical yet often neglected step in disseminating scientific knowledge. This paper provides a detailed methodological guide, grounded in academic experience, for transforming lengthy theses into focused journal articles that meet the requirements of peer-reviewed journals in applied sciences. Drawing on recent literature (2023–2025), the paper first delineates the fundamental differences between a thesis and a journal article, and then proposes a two-phase methodology: a planning phase and a restructuring phase based on the IMRaD model. The paper argues that successful conversion is not merely an act of shortening but a process of Reconceptualization of the research contribution for a broader disciplinary audience, requiring careful selection of evidence and references and strict adherence to IEEE citation style. Comparative tables, practical tools, prominent in-text citation examples, and common pitfalls are presented, making this paper a practical reference for postgraduates in applied sciences.