Keys of Scientific Research Course: Lecture (7) Patents, Book Chapter, Hypothesis, And Conferences

Introduction to Invention and Hypotheses

Overview of the Lecture

• The lecture introduces the topic of invention and hypotheses, led by Abdullah Al-Wakeel.

• Focus will be on understanding inventions, when to create them, and how to register a patent.

• Discussion includes examples from research projects that rely on experimental work in engineering.

Importance of Patents

• Emphasis on protecting intellectual property through patents to prevent others from executing similar ideas.

• Patents can be filed at both national and international levels, depending on the inventor's needs.

• It is not necessary for an invention to be entirely new; modifications of existing technologies can also qualify for patents.

Process of Patent Registration

Steps in Filing a Patent

• Each university has its own patent office where inventors can submit their applications.

• After submitting paperwork, inventors receive a registration number indicating their claim over the idea.

• The review process takes approximately six months to one year to ensure no similar patents exist.

Understanding Book Chapters in Research

Concept of Book Contributions

• A book chapter represents a segment within a larger academic work, often based on extensive data collection over years.

• Current research may focus on emerging technologies like nanotechnology, which has been developed over the last two decades.

Structure of Academic Books

• Academic books typically consist of contributions from multiple authors discussing various aspects of a scientific field.

Formulating Hypotheses

Developing Research Questions

• Researchers begin with questions they cannot test directly due to practical limitations (e.g., lab access).

• Initial steps involve reviewing existing literature related to their hypothesis or question.

Example Application: COVID Research

• An example is provided regarding potential treatments for COVID based on previous studies with other viruses.

Research Methodology and Conference Participation

Understanding Research Topics and Hypotheses

• The speaker discusses the importance of exploring research topics thoroughly, emphasizing that individuals should examine existing studies related to their questions.

• A detailed approach to formulating hypotheses is highlighted, where researchers must rely on credible sources to support their claims.

Importance of Conferences in Research Fields

• The speaker notes that there are specialized conferences for various research fields, such as nanotechnology and energy, which provide platforms for sharing knowledge.

• To participate in these conferences, researchers need to register through specific websites; the distinction between national and international events is mentioned.

Preparing for Conference Presentations

• Researchers often prepare abstracts summarizing their work; this can include original papers or video presentations suitable for conference formats.

• Some conferences allow participants to publish their research findings in journals if they present at the event.

Presentation Formats at Conferences

• The speaker explains different presentation formats, including poster presentations where researchers display summaries of their work visually during the conference.

• An example of a poster presentation is provided, illustrating how it serves as a simplified representation of the researcher’s findings.

Conclusion and Future Topics

• The session wraps up by reflecting on the significance of understanding various research options available to scholars today.