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Our blog that accompanies the most recent issue of LOTCA
Why Letters?
We love a good discussion...
One of the most stimulating activities in research is scientific debate. When colleagues get together and discuss matters of methodology, inference or clinical application, sparks fly. However, time and opportunity for scientific debate is limited, especially with researchers outside our immediate teams.
But how?
You might counter and say that we have many ways to communicate. What about Letters to the Editor (LTE). While a classic avenue for discussion, LTEs occur at a snail’s pace and always with the approval of the editor. Not the best way to have an important conversation on a rapidly evolving topic. What about conferences? Well, the magic of hallway conversations evaporates quickly and they seldom benefit more than a few. Panel discussions tend to be on topics set by others and are limited to just a few questions before the session goes overtime. And don’t forget, you need the time and resources to attend in the first place (and wait a few years in the meantime).
Finally, a place for us.
What we lack is a place where we can discuss topics of our own choosing, to do so in a timely manner, without censorship, and to let the resulting dialogue be available to anyone. But we used to have that. Previously, scientists exchanged handwritten letters with each other. The resulting exchanges created deep relationships that then formed a research community centred on debate, discussion and decorum. Somewhere along the way, we’ve skipped this step. Uncensored.
A new take on a traditional concept
This initiative intends to take that step and resurrect, yet modernize, this scientific tradition by creating an international forum, open to researchers, where different points of view can be shared openly and responded to, in a scholarly way. No pressure. No censorship. Just the opportunity to engage in topics that are relevant to our community.
How it works
Each quarter, Letters of the Chiropractic Academy will post a discussion topic which will always, always, always, originate from inside our own community. Then, unlike any other forum, we will publish submissions from all eligible contributors. Long overdue, the result will be a mosaic of opinions, perspectives and viewpoints. Because that is what a research community does. Create a place where its people have a voice. Not only a home, but an academy.
Here we go!
We hope you like the sound of this. We are sure you’ll think it is fun, stimulating and a pleasure to take part in. Welcome to Letters of the Chiropractic Academy.
Letters of the Chiropractic Academy is a collection of scholarly letters that address a single, specific question posed on a quarterly basis.
Goals
To build community and visibility for researchers through frequent and public discussion of important topics related to research, evidence and chiropractic practice.
Topic selection
Topics for discussion in upcoming quarters can be nominated by anyone to a member of the steering committee who will keep a running list. The topic for the current quarter, and the deadline for submission of contributions, will be selected after discussion by the steering committee.
Funding
Letters of the Chiropractic Academy does not receive funding, does not accept financial donations or allow advertising.
Contributors to LOTCA must have:
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A PhD
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Published at least 5 peer-reviewed papers over the past 5 years
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An active appointment at an academic institution.
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**Eligible contributors may nominate an unqualified contributor in the same issue.
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Editorial
How to contribute?
Contributions about the current topic should be no longer than 500 words. The contribution should be sent in the body of an email to a member of the steering committee. The email should also include these 6 items:
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Your 500-word letter
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A current headshot
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Evidence of your PhD qualification (e.g. photo)
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Evidence of your academic appointment (e.g. photo of identification card)
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A text list of 5 citations (not papers) from the last 5 years
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A self-written conflict of interest statement (e.g. https://www.biomedcentral.com/ getpublished/writing-resources/competing-interests)
Submission deadline
The submission email must be received by the stated submission deadline. If nominating a guest contributor, the qualified contributor must submit their own materials together with the materials of the proposed guest.
Distribution
Issues of Letters of the Chiropractic Academy will be assembled by the advisory committee and then circulated back to contributors who are free to forward the issue to their colleagues and beyond.
Advisory Panel
Iben Axen
Pierre Côté
Martin Descarreaux
Simon French
Jan Hartvigsen
Greg Kawchuk
Silvano Mior
Soren O‘Neill