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Pre-Conference Workshops

Dr. Thouraya Snouss
Associate Professor,
Chair of Mass Communication Department,
College of Communication,
University of Sharjah (UAE)
Publishing with Purpose: A Guide to Choosing the Right Journal
Date: 16th October 2025 | Time: 1.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. IST
Topic Overview-
“Publishing with Purpose” focuses on helping researchers strategically select journals that align with their research goals, audience, and academic aspirations. The session provides practical guidance on evaluating a journal’s scope, impact, peer-review process, ethical standards, and publication model (open access vs. subscription). It emphasizes aligning publication choices with the researcher’s career stage, discipline norms, and intended reach of the work, ensuring that their research contributes meaningfully to their field.
Key Takeaways
- Align with Scope and Audience
- Understand Journal Metrics
- Evaluate the Peer Review Process
- Assess Open Access and Copyright Policies
- Beware of Predatory Journals

Dr. Albert Anani Bossman
University of Media, Arts, and Communication,
Institute of Journalism,
Faculty of Public Relations, Advertising & Marketing,
South Legon - Accra, Ghana
From Research to Publication: Navigating Journal Submission in Media and Communication
Date: 1st December 2025 | Time: 9.30 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. IST
Topic Overview-
This session demystifies the journey from completing a research project to successfully publishing in academic journals within the media and communication field. It covers essential steps including manuscript preparation, journal selection, submission protocols, responding to peer reviews, and common pitfalls to avoid. Emphasis is placed on aligning with disciplinary standards, writing for specific audiences, and managing the emotional and strategic aspects of the publication process.
Key Takeaways-
- Know Your Contribution
- Choose the Right Journal
- Follow Submission Guidelines Rigorously
- Respond Constructively to Peer Reviews
- Stay Persistent and Ethical

Dr. Jess Block Nerren
Dept. of Communication and Media, California State University, San Bernardino.
Dr. Jess Block Nerren is a scholar, educator, and advocate for equity and disability inclusion, serving as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication and Media at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). She is also the Returning Faculty Disability Inclusion Fellow and Co-Founder of CSUSB’s Disability Studies Minor.
Dr. Nerren holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from CSUSB and an M.A. in Communications from CSU Fullerton. As an Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional, she integrates over 20 years of experience in public relations, journalism, and nonprofit advocacy with her academic work. Her teaching includes graduate and undergraduate courses in public relations, crisis communication, research methods, and disability studies.
Her research explores inclusive communication, autism advocacy, and equity-focused pedagogy. She has authored peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and edited volumes, and is a recognized voice in emerging frameworks such as DisCrit and AutCrit. In 2025, she won the Best Overall Presentation Award at the World Conference on Media and Mass Communication.
From Research to Publication: Navigating Journal Submission in Media and Communication
Date: 1st December 2025 | Time: 9.30 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. IST
Topic Overview-
This dynamic session explores how mass communication strategies can be leveraged by researchers and academics to identify, approach, and successfully publish in journals that align with their work. Drawing from public relations, digital media, and strategic communication principles, the session empowers participants to think beyond traditional submission methods and embrace visibility, storytelling, and alignment to enhance publication success. The workshop is especially useful for early-career researchers, graduate students, and interdisciplinary scholars navigating an increasingly competitive academic publishing landscape.
Key Takeaways-
- Leverage Communication Strategies for Publication Success
- Know Your Audience: Journal Positioning through Media Lens
- Crafting a Compelling Academic “Pitch”
- Build Scholarly Visibility Using Media Tools
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls with a Communicator’s Eye