Young Researcher Development Program Strengthens Academic Capacity at DACRC

SURABAYA, INDONESIA – The Dementia and Aging Care Research Center (DACRC), Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, carried out the Young Researcher Development Program from August to December 2025. The program aimed to strengthen research competence, improve academic writing skills, and prepare early-career researchers to publish in national and international journals. The initiative reflected DACRC’s mission to cultivate research excellence in dementia, aging, and health sciences.

Participants joined structured training sessions designed to enhance their understanding of scientific writing and research communication. The program introduced the fundamentals of journal article preparation, including structure, clarity, and scientific argumentation. Trainers encouraged participants to develop strong analytical thinking and to align their research with global academic standards. The session also emphasized the importance of ethical research practices and responsible data management.

Writing Clinics and Manuscript Development

Throughout the program, DACRC conducted writing clinics that allowed participants to receive personalized guidance. Mentors reviewed individual manuscripts and provided constructive feedback to strengthen scientific coherence and writing quality. The clinic sessions supported participants in refining methods, improving narrative flow, and strengthening data interpretation. The activity helped young researchers gain confidence in academic writing and manuscript revision.

The program also included group review sessions for collaborative learning. Participants discussed their research progress and exchanged feedback with peers under the supervision of DACRC mentors. These sessions encouraged academic dialogue and strengthened participants’ ability to evaluate scientific work critically. The supportive environment helped researchers improve their manuscripts through repetition, reflection, and guided revision.

Preparing for Journal Submission

Toward the final stage, participants engaged in focused sessions on journal selection and submission strategies. They learned how to identify appropriate journals, interpret author guidelines, and prepare submission documents. Trainers guided participants in responding to reviewer comments and improving their readiness for peer-review processes. The program aimed to enhance publication readiness and support long-term academic productivity.

By December 2025, participants completed manuscript revisions and prepared to submit their work to national and international journals. The initiative highlighted DACRC’s commitment to nurturing future researchers and strengthening scholarly contributions in dementia and aging care. Through this program, DACRC continues to advance research capacity, academic mentorship, and scientific excellence for Indonesia’s next generation of scholars.