What does a "publication" mean for research?

[lblock209]

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I've never done research before but my future PI went over some possible projects that she felt would be best suited for me. In explaining each one (there were 4 total and I was to choose 1 of them) she also mentioned the chances of me getting published for each one, saying that for 3 of them there was a good chance I could get published given that I stayed there long enough (>9 months) and that for one of them it was a long shot.

1. Do you have to do "independent" research (i.e. your own work) to get published?

2. Do you have to be first or second author, or can something less like an abstract count as a "publication"?

3. What else counts as a publication? Meaning what is the lowest form of acknowledging that you were a part of the project for it to be considered a publication? (and not your name being mentioned in "acknowledgments" section).

4. If you get to present, does it likely mean that you will have your name on the paper?

Thanks for the input!

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

I created 4 abstract for my research. I guess I have 4 pubs 😀.
No, I'm just kidding.
I think a meaningful publication is one that is peer-reviewed and meets quality standards to be published in a reputable journal.
1st and 2nd author is most preferable but if you are listed as 3-5th I think it can still be counts as you helped to publish the publication.
Pubs are really hard to get in undergrad, so presenting at a symposium is also viewed as good.

 

[KLycos]

publications mean everything, do whichever one is gonna have the best chance of a good pub.

 

[impervious0ne]

Publication means any work that a reputable institution (University, Foundation, Organizations) deems acceptable and supports it. Most publications are peer-reviewed.

 

[IlDestriero]

See inside quote.

1. Do you have to do "independent" research (i.e. your own work) to get published?
No. You could be a significant part of a larger project, or help write it up and be published. You could also write a review article, book chapter, etc. Though you wouldn't have that opportunity as a pre med.
2. Do you have to be first or second author, or can something less like an abstract count as a "publication"?
An abstract is not really a publication, but it's better than nothing, and shows some output for your work. Being any # author on a pub as a pre med is good.
3. What else counts as a publication? Meaning what is the lowest form of acknowledging that you were a part of the project for it to be considered a publication? (and not your name being mentioned in "acknowledgments" section).
???. You're either an author or not.
4. If you get to present, does it likely mean that you will have your name on the paper?
No. You could present your work, or the whole project at a meeting and still not be an author. But, your presentation is valuable for your application and acknowledges your contribution to your project. For example, I presented a poster at an NIH meeting based on my NIH summer fellowship work. It was a part of an approximately year long project. I was not an author on the final publication, didn't prepare the material for publication, and didn't expect to be an author. I had my own project, but didn't design it, etc. I was first author on my poster though.
Thanks for the input!