In 2024, many ATM authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2024)

Kalevi Kairemo, The Docrates Cancer Center, Finland

Hongtao Liu, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

Nur Adila Ahmad Hatib, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore

Anna Pick Kiong Ling, International Medical University, Malaysia

Rohan Kulkarni, The University of Utah, USA

Bruno de Paula, University of Surrey, UK

André Pereira dos Santos, The University of Washington, USA

Sayed E. Wahezi, Montefiore Einstein, USA

Lynn Pezzanite, Colorado State University, USA

Fernando Korn Malerbi, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil

Outstanding Author

Kalevi Kairemo

Prof. Kalevi Kairemo graduated with a MSc (Eng) degree from Helsinki University of Technology (Chemical Engineering) in 1980 before undertaking medical training (MD (1986), PhD (1993)) at the University of Helsinki, Finland. He had a post-doctoral research fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1989-1993 in New York. He has held posts as Professor in Clinical Chemistry at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (1998-1999), Professor in Nuclear Medicine at Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden (2001-2005), and as the Head of the Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Oncology at Helsinki University Central Hospital (2004-2009). From 2009-2018, he was the Chief of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Radiotherapy (Theragnostics) at the Docrates Cancer Center, in Helsinki. Besides a few patents, Prof. Kairemo has published more than 250 original publications in peer-reviewed journals. He currently serves as the president of the World Association of Radiopharmaceutical and Molecular Therapy, which is a global non-profit organization. He has arranged multiple international conferences and serves as an editorial board member in several periodicals and has edited multiple special issues. His research interests lie in radionuclide imaging, PET, nuclear oncology, early response assessment, new radiopharmaceuticals, tumor targeting, theragnostics, translational research, radionuclide therapies, dosimetry and, dose planning.

In Prof. Kairemo’s opinion, there are several elements of a good academic writing. Firstly, one has to have something to say and secondly, when one says something, there must be a plot. The work must be cohesive and it has to be organized logically meaning that the elements are connected with each other to make a unified content. The narrative links between statements should make the story readable. In his view, a good paper moves from the general context to the particular issues of the problem, so that every scientist has a possibility to understand something about the work. The actual work description begins with the context of the work within the particular research topic and moves through the statements to the problem-solving using approved criteria for scientific publications. Moreover, The strength of the paper lies in the discussion (basically, the more comprehensive, the better), and conclusions should be made only with statements that are supported by the findings of the paper.

Prof. Kairemo thinks that, while preparing a writing, authors should check if the paper fits within the scope of the journal, followed by reading the instructions of the journal besides applying commonly approved criteria (or sometimes even required standard criteria) for scientific publications.

“I am retired from clinical work and I do not have to publish anything for my career development. Sometimes it can be fun. I have gained so much knowledge during my active academic years which I still consider important. I want to share that. A scientific publication is a letter to my close friends in the academic community stating that I still exist and hopefully have something to say,” says Prof. Kairemo.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Hongtao Liu

Dr. Hongtao Liu is a hematologist, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, stem cell transplantation, and cellular therapy. He is currently an associate professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, directing the program of stem cell transplant and cellular therapy. He received an MD and Ph.D. in immunology from Beijing Medical University, and finished his hematology/oncology fellowship training at the University of Chicago. Dr. Liu aims to develop novel therapies to fight leukemia and prevent disease relapse. He is an active member of ASH, ASCO, ASBMT, and CAHON.

Dr. Liu thinks a good academic paper needs to have innovative findings and real and valid breakthroughs in the specific field.

From Dr. Liu’s perspective, the best way to avoid biases in academic writing is the awareness of the biases. He states that authors must be honest with themselves about their research findings with an objective mindset to start with. Reviewing the article with sincere comments by the co-authors and other colleagues unrelated to the research will help to avoid biases in some way.

“It is an exciting and challenging time to be an academic writer at a time with rapidly evolving breakthroughs all the time with new technologies, creative ideas, and abundant opportunities. Stay focused and hardworking with perseverance will be the keys to being successful,” says Dr. Liu.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Nur Adila Ahmad Hatib

Dr. Nur Adila Ahmad Hatib is currently a consultant with the General Paediatrics Service in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, and the head of the Sengkang General Hospital Paediatrics Service. She is also a clinical assistant professor with the Singhealth Duke-NUS Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme. She has a keen interest in the development of community paediatrics in Singapore, through continued engagement with the primary healthcare sector and various community partners, to advance child health for all. In addition, her other interests include clinical innovation for paediatric care. Her research focus has included novel devices for vital signs monitoring in children. Most recently, she was the principal investigator for a clinical study on the use of remote photoplethysmography in the paediatric population. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

In Dr. Ahmad Hatib’s opinion, one of the key elements of a good academic paper is to have a focus or topic that is clinically relevant and may potentially add value to the most important stakeholder, the patient. A good paper should also be able to capture the interest of any reader, regardless of research experience or knowledge in the same field. In addition, the paper should have clearly defined aims and objectives and a robust methodology section that explains the study protocol such that it is reproducible.

Dr. Ahmad Hatib believes that the preparation of a paper should begin at the same time as planning for the actual research study. This allows the author to have a framework in mind for presenting the methodology and findings once the study is completed. Collaboration and advice from colleagues who have experience in relevant fields, e.g., statistical analysis is also crucial during the process of preparation for the study and the paper. Finally, always ensure to obtain approval from the institutional review board as this will have a great impact on whether a paper is accepted for publication.

“I started without a strong research background, and what motivated me was having very experienced mentors who are illustrious in their respective fields. In my opinion, the best way to learn and develop is through sound mentorship and guidance,” says Dr. Ahmad Hatib.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Anna Pick Kiong Ling

Prof. Anna Pick Kiong Ling is currently the Dean of the School of Health Sciences at IMU University. She has more than 20 years of teaching experience in the field of biomedical science and medical biotechnology. Besides teaching, she is also actively involved in research and has successfully supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her major fields of research include neuroscience and edible plant vaccine production. As a consequence of her work in plant biotechnology since 1996, she has also expanded her research in mutation breeding. Together with her research team from the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, the rice mutation breeding project was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award in Plant Mutation Breeding by the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as well as the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Excellent Research Team Award. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Prof. Ling believes a good academic paper should present the research question, and state the objectives and the rationale of the studies clearly. This clarity ensures that readers understand the purpose and scope of the paper from the outset. A good paper should also use relevant and credible evidence including scientific data, examples, and scholarly sources to support the findings and arguments. All these data and scientific evidence are to be critically analyzed to support the arguments and provide a comprehensive background to the topic. Additionally, it should also be written using appropriate language and in a logical structure such as introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion to guide the readers through the research process and facilitate understanding of the key findings. A good paper will normally end with a conclusion that summarizes the key findings, acknowledging the scope and boundaries of the research and highlighting the new insights/perspectives or discoveries in the field.

Prof. Ling stresses that authors should carefully review the “Aim and Scope” of the journal to ensure that their research aligns with its focus. Following this, they should meticulously adhere to the “Instructions to Authors” when preparing their paper. Very importantly, authors must also adhere to academic standards and ethical guidelines, upholding integrity through accurate citation of sources, proper acknowledgment of prior work, and avoidance of plagiarism. She adds that attention to language and writing style is also crucial, as clear and engaging writing not only enhances the paper's readability but also strengthens its impact on readers and the academic community.

“In the pursuit of scientific discovery, we often encounter challenges that test our patience and resilience. However, these challenges typically drive our innovation and allow us to generate greater/better research ideas and solutions. While we strive for excellence in research and publication, it is of utmost importance that we continue to maintain high standards of academic integrity and intellectual honesty,” says Prof. Ling.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Rohan Kulkarni

Rohan Kulkarni, Ph.D., is a researcher and stem cell scientist working in the field of leukemia and bone marrow transplantations at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. His research interest mainly revolves around understanding hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology, the role of bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) in normal hematopoiesis and leukemia, and the process of hematopoietic aging. He earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the National Center for Cell Science, India, affiliated with the University of Pune. Later, he completed his postdoctoral training at INSERM, France, and the Ohio State University, USA, where he worked on understanding the mechanism behind the molecular regulation of HSC functionality. Currently, at the University of Utah, the focus of his research is on understanding the role of BMM during normal hematopoiesis and the underlying dynamic changes in BMM during the progression of leukemia.

Dr. Kulkarni thinks a good paper has a lasting impact on fellow researchers working across different labs globally and it takes forward state-of-the-art knowledge in the field. A great paper has a strong discussion about the findings which leaves room to build upon what is reported in the paper. Often such papers are aimed at attempting to address the key gaps/demands in the field. In short, a good paper is well-written, systematic, and simple to follow.

In Dr. Kulkarni’s view, authors should understand that a good paper adds significantly to the understanding of the study area when they prepare a paper. Their paper should be drafted in a way that encourages potential readers to pursue and lead the research community reliably. This eventually may lead to the practical application of the science and facilitate a fair/open discussion regarding the findings reported in the paper.

“Academic writing indeed takes time and effort but doing so helps me keep up with the recent research. Research is an ever-ongoing process. However, writing and publishing offer a sense of accomplishment to the authors. This can be quite motivational as well as satisfying to do my part in taking the science forward. It serves as the means to learn and be heard by the various teams focusing on similar challenges,” says Dr. Kulkarni.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Bruno de Paula

Dr. Bruno de Paula is a Medical Oncologist, PhD candidate, and currently a visiting Fellow at University of Surrey and Clinical Fellow Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust. His research is dedicated to breast cancer and more specifically to developing affordable therapeutic interventions as well as biomarkers. Most of his research was performed thanks to the amazing team from the National Cancer Institute in Brazil (INCA). The whole research department is very committed to advancing research responsibly, which was crucial for his studies to run as expected. On another note, his team was particularly successful thanks to the collaborative leadership of Prof. Dr. Susanne Crocamo, head of the Breast Cancer Clinical Research department, and Prof. Dr. Eliana Abdelhay, Senior Scientist.

Dr. de Paula believes having a trustworthy source of knowledge is paramount for science to continue to advance, as authors often leverage other colleagues’ outputs. He thinks academic writing is crucial in science for communicating research findings. It allows scientists to share their methodologies, data, and conclusions with the broader scientific community and the public. This communication is essential for ensuring that new discoveries are disseminated widely, contributing to the overall body of scientific knowledge and enabling other researchers to replicate or build upon the work. Moreover, the peer-review process, facilitated by academic writing, is vital for validating research. Through submission to peer-reviewed journals, scientists subject their work to scrutiny by experts in the field, which helps ensure the accuracy, reliability, and originality of scientific contributions. Additionally, academic writing serves as a permanent record of scientific progress, fostering collaboration and education. By documenting research in journals and books, scientists create resources that educate new generations of researchers and support ongoing learning. This written record also allows researchers from different backgrounds and regions to collaborate effectively, further advancing scientific innovation and its application to real-world problems.

To keep academic writing up-to-date in the rapidly advancing field of science, Dr. de Paula regularly reviews the latest literature. Artificial intelligence and algorithms can assist in being updated in journals he reviews less frequently. Attending conferences also provides exposure to the most recent research developments, and although the COVID-19 pandemic was devastating in many ways, attending conferences remotely was a very fortunate benefit to the community. Besides, continuous collaboration and active participation in academic networks and professional organizations are crucial. By engaging in discussions with peers, both online and in-person, authors can gain valuable insights and feedback that enhance their work. These interactions help in informed about new findings and emerging trends in their field.

Even though academic writing takes a lot of time and effort, Dr. de Paula says, “I think first you must be passionate about writing. Scholars are motivated to engage in academic writing for several key reasons, but I have the desire to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in my field, which is probably the most significant driving force. Being also a clinician, I know first-hand that sharing research findings, solving real-world problems, and pushing the boundaries of what is known. Secondly, it is undeniable that academic writing is essential for career advancement. Publishing in reputable journals is often a requirement for securing research funding, and gaining recognition in the scientific community. These publications enhance one’s reputation, open up opportunities for collaboration, and increase their influence in their field. Finally, I am definitively driven by intellectual curiosity and the intrinsic satisfaction of discovery. The process of researching, writing, and publishing allows me to explore my interests deeply, contribute original insights, and engage in meaningful discourse with peers. This intellectual fulfillment is probably what drives me and the teams I had the pleasure to work with. I remember quite vividly the great discussions with Prof. Crocamo and Dr. Sousa beyond working hours and even after a tiring day of oncology clinics, I felt renewed with our discussions and learnings together whilst amending our manuscripts to report our latest data.”

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

André Pereira dos Santos

Dr. André Pereira dos Santos is an Acting Instructor in the Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing at the University of Washington, Seattle. He holds a Bachelor's and Licentiate degree in Physical Education from Claretiano - Centro Universitário de Batatais and specialized in physical education for pathophysiology and special populations. He also specialized in nutrition at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMRP/USP). He earned a Master's in Medical Sciences from FMRP/USP and a Ph.D. in Nursing Sciences from EERP/USP, supported by a CAPES scholarship. He has completed two postdocs, one at USP/Brazil and another at the University of Porto/Portugal. His research interests include body composition, physical exercise, public health, sarcopenia, and predictive models for people living with HIV/AIDS. Currently, he is working on projects related to HIV and complementary therapies, including multimodal exercises, HIIT, and relaxation techniques using essential oils and massage therapy. More information about his publications can be found here.

Dr. dos Santos thinks one of the most commonly encountered difficulties in academic writing is the challenge of clearly and concisely conveying complex ideas. Researchers often grapple with translating intricate data and nuanced findings into accessible language that can be understood by a broad audience. This involves balancing technical accuracy with readability, which can be particularly challenging when dealing with specialized topics such as HIV research. Another significant difficulty is maintaining a coherent structure throughout the paper. Ensuring that each section logically flows into the next and that the narrative build towards a compelling conclusion requires meticulous planning and organization. Additionally, managing and integrating feedback from multiple co-authors or reviewers can be a complex process that demands strong communication and collaboration skills. Finally, time management is a pervasive challenge. Academic writing often competes with numerous other responsibilities, such as conducting research, teaching, and administrative duties. Finding dedicated time for writing, revising, and polishing manuscripts can be difficult but is essential for producing high-quality work.

In Dr. dos Santos’s view, authors should prioritize clarity and precision when they prepare a writing. It is crucial to clearly define the research question, hypothesis, and objectives at the outset. This helps to maintain focus throughout the writing process and ensures that the paper remains relevant and targeted. Authors should also be mindful of their audience. Understanding who will read the paper influences how complex concepts are explained and how much background information is provided. Tailoring the writing to the knowledge level and interests of the target audience can significantly enhance the paper's impact. Additionally, thorough literature review is essential. Positioning the new research within the context of existing studies not only demonstrates the relevance of the work but also highlights its contribution to the field. It is equally important to meticulously document methods and results to ensure reproducibility and transparency, which are cornerstones of scientific integrity. Lastly, attention to detail in terms of formatting, referencing, and adherence to journal guidelines cannot be overstated. These aspects, while sometimes seen as tedious, are critical for ensuring that the paper meets publication standards and is taken seriously by peer reviewers and editors.

“To my fellow academic writers, I want to express my deepest admiration and respect for your dedication and perseverance. The path of scientific inquiry is fraught with challenges, yet it is your relentless curiosity and commitment to truth that drive progress and innovation. Remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Rejections and revisions are part of the process, not reflections of your worth or the importance of your work. Embrace them as steps toward refinement and excellence. Your contributions, no matter how incremental they may seem, are vital to the collective advancement of knowledge. Each paper, each discovery adds a piece to the vast puzzle of human understanding. Stay inspired by the potential impact of your work on improving lives, shaping policies, and guiding future research. Keep writing, keep questioning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what we know. Your work matters, and the scientific community is stronger because of your efforts,” says Dr. dos Santos.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Sayed E. Wahezi

Sayed Emal Wahezi, MD, is Professor and Program Director of the Pain Medicine Fellowship at Montefiore Einstein. His clinical focus is on interventional pain medicine. His research interests include innovative percutaneous pain treatments and his basic science interests include the physiology of neuropathic and orthopedic pain. He is actively involved in basic science and clinical studies in pain management. Dr. Wahezi has authored more than 100 publications in peer-reviewed pain journals, book chapters, abstracts and posters. Many of his publications have led to the innovation of novel interventional pain procedures. He has given more than 200 academic lectures in pain management across the country. He is a reviewer and editor for several pain journals.

In Dr. Wahezi’s opinion, the essential elements of a good academic paper include thoughtful hypothesis that generates discussion and visibility in the academic space that the paper is being published; well-developed methods section which provides an intelligible and transparent conclusion; and discussion that reports on the value of the findings to promote future research and thought leadership. He believes that in constructing a paper, authors should bear in mind how their ideas, methods, and results will be received by the community for which it is being published. Good papers create healthy discussion and often more papers in the same space.

Seeing the prevalence of data sharing in recent years, Dr. Wahezi reckons that research data are confidential and should not be used by anyone unless the owners of the data and overseeing IRB permit this before the data are conceived. However, after the data are published, they may be used by other research groups for post hoc critical analysis.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Lynn M. Pezzanite

Lynn Pezzanite, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons, is a large animal surgeon and assistant professor of cellular and molecular biology within the Orthopaedic Research Center and Translational Medicine Institute at Colorado State University. Her research program can be divided programmatically into three focus areas in the field of comparative orthopedics and regenerative medicine: study of pathological responses in osteoarthritis, elucidation of the role of the gut microbiome in orthopedic conditions, and the development of cellular and immunomodulatory approaches to treat musculoskeletal disease. Her laboratory's work spans from bench to bedside, integrating basic molecular-cellular biology techniques and pre-clinical animal models of orthopedic conditions to inform clinical interventions in veterinary and human patients. The overall goal is to pursue a basic study of musculoskeletal homeostasis and disease to develop therapeutic strategies addressing key orthopedic challenges including osteoarthritis and multi-drug resistant infection. Connect with Dr. Pezzanite on LinkedIn.

In Dr. Pezzanite’s opinion, there are several elements to good academic writing, beginning with defining the clinical question to be addressed and then interpretation of findings in an unbiased and accessible manner to the readers. In preparing and publishing research, avoiding bias or over-interpretation of results to align expectations is key to her.

“It is an exciting and challenging time to be a clinician researcher. I am a veterinary clinician scientist whose work spans from benchtop to bedside including molecular techniques and investigation of naturally occurring animal models to inform on human conditions. I choose to publish in ATM because I appreciate the journal’s emphasis on the value of translational work and attention to details and professionalism in how reviews and edits are conducted,” says Dr. Pezzanite.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Fernando Korn Malerbi

Fernando Korn Malerbi, MD, PhD, is the Affiliate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. His research interests include diabetic retinopathy, epidemiology of ocular diseases, tele-ophthalmology, retinal imaging, real world deployment of AI in healthcare, AI explainability, public health strategies, health economics, digital education and e-health. He is an ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon, and currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Department of Ocular Health in the Brazilian Diabetes Society.

In Prof. Malerbi’s view, academic writing needs to be, most importantly, performed in a manner as clear as possible. The objective, or the research question, must be clearly stated; the methods need to be described as completely as possible to allow replication. The writing must be organized so that it makes sense for the readers, i.e. the research question must be answered (positively or negatively) by the results and conclusion. Academic writing also must be concise. The abstract of an article must attract the attention of the busy readers. These are, to him, the skills most needed for academic writers.

According to Prof. Malerbi, selecting appropriate evidence always begins with an adequate search in databases, using the relevant keywords. For credibility, academic books and journals will be used, preferentially peer-reviewed literature from well-recognized journals and authored by established experts. Often, the results of an initial search will bring an overwhelmingly high amount of information. For selection, the author must evaluate the relevance of the evidence to the initial research question, to the employed methodology; authors must also evaluate related works which allow comparison with the results and conclusions that are being presented. He adds, “A good tip is to organize the information from the retrieved articles in items or tables; in some cases, such tables may even be adapted to be used in the final publication. During the writing process, some information can also be displayed graphically or in figures, as a measure of evidence synthesis.”

In addition, Prof. Malerbi highlights that it is of utmost importance that authors disclose their conflicts of interest (COI) as a measure of managing potential biases. The disclosure of COI is a measure of academic integrity and an attempt to increase transparency; such disclosure will allow the editors and the readers to assess by themselves whether the conflicts may have influenced the objectivity of the reported findings and their interpretation. In summary, the disclosure of COI adds trust and credibility to academic writing.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)