The ICMSEC-CAS/SIAM Publishing Workshop for Early Career Researchers, held in Beijing in April 2026, brought together more than 85 participants from over 35 institutions across China. Organized jointly by the Institute of Computational Mathematics and Scientific/Engineering Computing at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, the event focused on building essential skills for academic publishing in applied mathematics and computational science.

Chinese researchers have become increasingly prominent contributors to global scholarly publishing. In recent years, China has led in the production of highly cited research, reflecting sustained investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. SIAM journals have seen rising submissions and downloads from Chinese institutions, highlighting the need for targeted support to help early-career academics navigate the publication process effectively.

Workshop Structure and Key Sessions

The one-day workshop featured sessions delivered primarily in Chinese, making the content accessible to a broad audience of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty. Topics covered the full spectrum of scholarly communication, from manuscript preparation to ethical reviewing practices.

Opening sessions emphasized strategies for becoming a successful journal author. Editors from the SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis shared insights into what makes a submission stand out, including clear problem statements, rigorous methodology, and meaningful contributions to the field. Participants learned practical steps for structuring papers and responding to reviewer feedback.

A dedicated peer-review workshop followed, led by experienced editors and former journal leaders. Attendees explored how to evaluate invitations to review, structure constructive reports, and maintain professional standards. Emphasis was placed on timeliness and fairness, skills that strengthen the entire research ecosystem.

Addressing Artificial Intelligence in Research Integrity

One of the most engaging segments addressed the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools in academic work. Editors from the SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences discussed SIAM’s editorial policy on AI, which is currently being updated. The conversation covered both opportunities and risks, including the potential for hallucinations in generated content.

Presenters stressed that while AI can accelerate certain tasks, researchers must retain core competencies in independent evaluation and critical thinking. Early-career participants were encouraged to view AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for original scholarship. This forward-looking discussion prepared attendees for evolving standards in research integrity.

Building Community Through Student Chapters and Regional Networks

The workshop also highlighted SIAM’s growing presence in China through student chapters and the East Asia Section. Updates from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences chapters showcased activities such as guest lectures, career panels, and networking events. These initiatives help early-career researchers connect across institutions and access mentorship opportunities.

SIAM currently supports four student chapters in China, with calls for additional universities to establish chapters. The East Asia Section, chaired by a local faculty member, continues to foster regional collaboration in applied mathematics and related disciplines.

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Follow-Up Institutional Visits and Partnerships

Following the workshop, SIAM representatives visited leading university libraries in Beijing. Meetings at Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Renmin University of China, and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications allowed for discussions on journal access, open-access options, and new SIAM publications including the SIAM Journal on Life Sciences and enhanced e-book collections.

These visits strengthened ties between SIAM and Chinese academic libraries, addressing both opportunities and challenges in scholarly communication. Plans for future collaboration emerged from these exchanges, supporting broader access to high-quality research resources.

Impact on Chinese Higher Education and Research Capacity

Events like this workshop directly support the development of research capacity within China’s universities and research institutes. By equipping early-career researchers with publishing expertise, the program contributes to higher-quality submissions and more effective participation in international peer review.

Participants gained actionable skills that can accelerate career progression, from securing faculty positions to advancing to senior roles. The emphasis on global impact aligns with national priorities for elevating Chinese scholarship on the world stage.

Future Outlook for SIAM Activities in China

Organizers expressed interest in expanding similar workshops to other regions in China. Feedback from attendees will inform future programming, potentially including virtual components or specialized tracks on emerging topics such as data science and interdisciplinary applications.

The success of the inaugural event demonstrates strong demand for professional development opportunities tailored to Chinese researchers. SIAM’s commitment to inclusive community building positions it as a valuable partner for Chinese higher-education institutions seeking to enhance their global research profiles.

Practical Takeaways for Early-Career Researchers

Attendees left with concrete strategies for manuscript preparation, reviewer engagement, and ethical AI use. Key recommendations included starting with clear research questions, seeking mentorship on journal selection, and maintaining transparency in all aspects of the publication process.

Resources such as workshop slides remain available through SIAM channels, allowing those unable to attend to benefit from the content. The official SIAM WeChat account provides ongoing updates on activities and opportunities in China.

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Broader Context of Academic Publishing Trends

China’s rise in research output coincides with global shifts toward open science and responsible AI integration. Workshops that address these themes help bridge gaps between local practices and international standards, fostering mutual understanding among editors, reviewers, and authors.

By focusing on applied mathematics and computational science, the event supported fields central to technological advancement and innovation. Strengthened publishing skills among early-career researchers will contribute to sustained growth in high-impact contributions from Chinese institutions.