Semarang, September 22, 2025 – The Doctor of Social Science Program at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Diponegoro University (FISIP Undip), held an article writing workshop titled “Building the Foundation of Scientific Articles” in the Antawirya Room at FISIP Undip. The event was attended by students from the Doctor of Social Science (S3) and Master of Political Science (S2) programs. This activity aimed to strengthen the ability of doctoral and master’s students to compile scientific articles worthy of publication in reputable journals.

In her opening remarks, the Head of the Doctor of Social Science Program, Dr. Laila Kholid Alfirdaus, S.IP., M.P.P., emphasized the importance of this workshop as a step in strengthening the foundation for when students later conduct research and publish their work in reputable journals.

The workshop featured a postdoctoral researcher at Diponegoro University and lecturer at FISIP, Brawijaya University, Dr. George. T. Ikbal Tawakkal, M.Si. In the literature discussion session, Dr. Ikbal explained the importance of linking theories and previous research findings as the conceptual foundation for new research. A literature review also functions to demonstrate the author’s understanding of the knowledge development in their field and to position the research within the broader academic context.

Furthermore, Dr. Ikbal outlined various models for structuring a literature review, such as the chronological model, general-to-specific, mainstream currents, and contrasting perspectives. He also introduced the concept of a research gap as a crucial element in formulating a study’s contribution. According to him, “finding a knowledge gap means finding a space to advance science.”

Additionally, students were guided to understand the types of scientific articles, ranging from original articles and review articles to opinion articles. Dr. Ikbal stressed that each article type has different purposes and formats that authors need to understand to ensure their manuscripts are well-targeted.

Through this activity, FISIP Undip hopes that its doctoral and master’s students can apply these insights and enhance the quality of academic writing within the university environment. This event demonstrates FISIP Undip’s role in supporting research and writing to improve the reputation and quality of the university’s journal publications.

Writer: Moh. Arif Maulana Azmi