Why You Should Explore the Research Writing Course, Starting 28th Oct

By Seyi Somefun and Farooq Rathore 

Starting tomorrow, the 28th of October, the Getting Started with Writing and Publishing your Research course returns in a refreshed format - more relevant than ever for researchers navigating today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape. Whether you’re preparing your first manuscript or looking to strengthen your writing skills, this free online course offers practical guidance, peer learning, and a global community of support. Importantly, the latest version also addresses one of the most pressing topics in research today: how to ethically and responsibly use artificial intelligence (AI) in your writing and workflow.

Rising Scholars stewards Seyi and Farooq explain why the latest version of the Research Writing course is a must for anyone with questions about how to ethically and responsibly use AI in their research writing and workflow. 

When did you first take the research writing course and what did you gain from it?  

Seyi: I took the course in the summer of 2016. I had recently started my PhD then and was overwhelmed with knowing how to structure my writing for publications. I think the most important take away from the course was the structure it gave me in a simple form. There are so many tips online but the weekly structure: starting with the literature review, knowing how to navigate ethics and finally the writing was helpful. I also liked the discussion forums as it enabled me to learn from my peers. Another benefit was the practical activities and the peer assessment. The peer assessment helped me understand how to give feedback. 

Farooq: I first took the Research Writing course in 2013. At that time, I was searching for a low-cost, quality course that could help me improve how I wrote scientific manuscripts. There was no online course in research and writing in Pakistan at that time to the best of my knowledge. I was already a member of RisingScholars ( then AuthorAID) and when the opportunity came, I signed up. The course not only improved my writing skills but also gave me confidence in how to frame research questions, reading manuscripts, doing literature searches and on presenting data clear . The best thing was that it was online, had activities and discussion forums where I could learn from colleagues based in LMICs around the world who were facing similar challenges.

Why did you want to be involved in writing content for the course and working with the next generation of leaders in the international research community? 

Seyi: I would say that my involvement is a “full circle” moment. I was in the same position about a decade ago so I understand the need for this course and I understand why researchers signed up for this. Based on this, I want to help create the same “aha” moment for others. 

Farooq: I wanted to be involved because I know first-hand the impact this course can have. For many researchers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, access to free, online, high-quality training in research and writing is limited. By contributing to this course, I felt I could give back to the same platform that once helped me learn and grow. Working with the next generation of researchers (most of them being from LMIC) is a rewarding experience. Each of my contributions has the potential to amplify their voices in the global academic conversation and to strengthen international collaboration.

How do you feel about AI and research writing? What are your hopes and fears? 

Seyi: Personally, I think AI is a powerful tool but I think it's imperfect from my perspective. It is also possible I have not engaged with it thoroughly. It can be a good resource to push you to get started, for example, to help you overcome the initial hesitancy associated with writing, but you still need to write your paper yourself and confirm any information you get from AI. My hope is that AI can support people who need it as a language checker or other mundane tasks. I worry it may take away critical thinking skills. 

Farooq: AI has quickly become a powerful tool in research writing. Many researchers, writers, educators, and faculty around the globe are using it regularly. I see and use it as a research partner that can help me brainstorm ideas, improve the language, grammar and syntax of my manuscript and act as my personal peer reviewer and tutor. My hope is that AI will make high-quality research and writing support accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. This could reduce inequalities in academia and allow more diverse voices to contribute to global knowledge.

At the same time, I am aware of the risks and ethical concerns that I call the  “ Dark Side of AI” . Overreliance on AI (especially in young researchers and students)  can discourage critical thinking and creativity. There are also concerns about plagiarism, bias, and the ethical use of AI-generated content. For me, it is important to view AI not as a replacement for human judgment, but as a tool to enhance our thinking, while using it with integrity and transparency.

What are you most excited to see in the newest version of the research writing course? 

Seyi: There are so many links to external resources in this version and I wish I had that but I am also happy to see the inclusion of tips. 

Farooq: I am excited about the way the newest version integrates AI into the workflow of research and writing. It is a conversation and component that cannot be ignored in any course on research and writing in 2025. The revised version of the course guides participants on how to use AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively. It offers practical examples, clear guidelines, and a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges of AI tools. This is the kind of guidance researchers need today, as many are uncertain about where to draw the line between legitimate support and misuse.

What is unique about this course? Why is it special?  

Seyi: There are not so many courses that give you a step by step guide to writing. Another unique aspect of the course is the opportunity to belong to a community through engagement in the discussion forums. Assessing your peers also has a way of giving you confidence and building your competence as you may need to read more to assess effectively. 

Farooq: What makes this course truly unique is its global and collaborative nature. It is not simply a set of lectures or readings but a community where learners can engage with colleagues from different countries, disciplines, and stages of their careers. The peer feedback and marking system are particularly powerful, as it allows participants to understand research writing from multiple cultural and academic perspectives. This diversity enriches the learning experience in ways that no textbook can achieve.

Another important aspect is its accessibility. Being open access means that anyone, regardless of institutional affiliation or financial resources, can benefit. In a world where high quality training is often behind paywalls, this course stands out as a genuinely inclusive global platform of learning. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to structure your research writing, where to begin with publishing, or how to use AI responsibly in your work, this course is for you. You’ll gain skills, confidence, and the chance to connect with peers worldwide who share your challenges and aspirations.

The Getting started with writing and publishing your research course begins on 28th of October - don’t miss out! Head to the course and enrol, making sure to read and follow the enrolment instructions: http://learn.inasp.info/enrol/index.php?id=423