1. Structure and Tone:
* Start with a formal opening: "The authors would like to acknowledge...", "We gratefully acknowledge...", or a similar phrase. Avoid overly casual language.
* Be specific: Don't just list names; explain each person's or organization's contribution. For example, instead of "Thanks to John Smith," try "We thank John Smith for his invaluable assistance with data collection and analysis."
* Maintain a professional tone: Avoid excessive praise or overly familiar language. Keep it respectful and concise.
* Use parallel structure: For a list of people or organizations, use consistent phrasing for each entry.
* End appropriately: A simple closing like "We are also grateful for..." or "Finally, we thank..." can be used to transition between different sections of acknowledgements. You can also end with a straightforward, "Thank you."
2. Who to Acknowledge:
* Funding agencies: This is crucial. Mention the granting agency, grant number, and any specific programs that supported the research. Follow the funder's guidelines for acknowledgement formatting.
* Supervisors and mentors: Acknowledge their guidance, support, and feedback.
* Collaborators: Include anyone who contributed significantly to the research, even if they aren't co-authors. Specify their role.
* Data providers: If you used data from external sources, thank the providers and specify the data set.
* Technical support: Acknowledge anyone who provided assistance with equipment, software, or other technical aspects.
* Proofreaders or editors: If someone helped with editing or proofreading, acknowledge their contributions.
* Family and friends: While generally not included in scientific publications unless their contribution was directly related to the research, it's acceptable in some contexts (e.g., a thesis). Keep it brief and professional.
3. What to Avoid:
* Excessive length: Keep it concise. Acknowledgements should be brief and to the point.
* Generic statements: Avoid vague phrases like "Thanks to everyone who helped."
* Unnecessary details: Focus on contributions directly related to the research.
* Controversial statements: Avoid expressing personal opinions or engaging in any form of conflict.
* Inconsistent formatting: Maintain a consistent style throughout.
Example:
> The authors would like to thank the National Science Foundation (Grant No. 1234567) for funding this research. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Jane Doe for her insightful guidance and support throughout the project. We also thank John Smith for his assistance with data analysis, and Emily Brown for her help with literature review. Finally, we acknowledge the contributions of the X Laboratory for providing access to their equipment.
Important Note: Always check the journal or conference's guidelines for specific requirements on acknowledgements. Some journals have word limits or specific formatting instructions. Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to rejection or revisions.