Scientific writing is an essential skill that every student must possess. It is not enough to only master coursework and clinical practice; students are also expected to be able to convey their ideas and findings in the form of structured scientific writing that can be published in reputable journals.
To achieve this, the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) held a seminar titled “How to Write an Excellent Publication in a Reputable Journal: An Easy, Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Clinical Case Report and an Original Article” on Monday, 2 June 2025. The event featured Professor Lakshman Samaranayake, DSc., DDS., from the University of Hong Kong, a leading dental expert with extensive publication experience.
The seminar was attended by postgraduate students at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels, aiming to provide participants with fundamental knowledge and practical strategies in preparing and submitting publishable scientific articles.
Prof. Samaranayake emphasized that producing high-quality scientific publications is one of the most crucial skills for academics and researchers, yet many are unsure how to start effectively. “By understanding basic structures, publication ethics, and proper journal selection, I believe students can build greater confidence in writing and submitting their manuscripts,” he said.
He encouraged students to begin with a clear idea, write logically, and follow the target journal’s guidelines. He also stressed the importance of academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism, as credibility must always be the foundation of scientific writing.
Prof. Samaranayake praised the enthusiasm of the participants, noting that Indonesian students have great potential to produce quality scientific work. He also highlighted that FKG UGM already has excellent lecturers, and with proper guidance and eagerness to learn, he is confident that the faculty can produce productive and influential scientific writers in the future.
Event coordinator, Dr. Drg. Ananto Ali Alhasyimi, MDSc., Sp.Ort (K)., expressed hope that this seminar would be a starting point for students to become more active in scientific writing and publishing. “Through this activity, we want to encourage students not only to understand the importance of scientific publication but also to be equipped with the practical tools to get started. Hopefully, this will spark a continuous passion for writing and producing scholarly work,” he said.
Prof. Samaranayake is a distinguished oral microbiology expert affiliated with the University of Hong Kong. He has been actively publishing since the late 1980s and is widely recognized in the international scientific community for his consistent contributions to research and publications. To date, he has authored more than 450 scientific papers, cited over 33,000 times, with an h-index exceeding 100, making him one of the most influential academics in dentistry.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi H.
