A long way away
School placement semester abroad
From idea to publication
How does academic publishing work? To convey this during his studies, a budding historian came up with the idea of a student research journal.
A portrait of Frederic Forkel. The student co-founded the digital research journal “Licht & Wissen” (Light & Knowledge).
Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
Recorded by Sebastian Hollstein
Anyone embarking on an academic career will want to publish. In fact, the same applies to many who pursue other careers. After all, a considerable number of graduates end up working in an editorial office or a publishing house. So it’s useful to get to know both sides while still studying.
It was with this in mind that students founded the digital research journal »Licht & Wissen« (Light & Knowledge)—the first issue was published in January this year. It features 17 student contributions from all the university’s faculties. »We see ourselves as a training ground,« explains initiator Frederic Forkel. »On the one hand, we offer students an accessible opportunity to publish. On the other hand, they experience the process of academic publishing here—both as authors and as members of the editorial team.«
Most of the effort goes into the specially developed peer-review process, which all submissions undergo and which ensures academic quality. »We want to be perceived, read and cited,« says the editor-in-chief, emphasizing the journal’s ambition.
There are currently 15 students on the editorial team, though the number fluctuates. »A challenge for the coming years will be to consolidate the structures,« says Frederic Forkel. »We’d therefore be delighted if students from previous years would also take part.« In future, »Licht & Wissen« will be published twice a year. The editorial team is also working on themed special issues.
