During the lecture, Dr. Zhang Zhengzheng, Publisher of Optica Publishing Group, systematically introduced the entire process and practical tips for academic paper submission and publication. She first pointed out that academic publishing is a core part of disseminating research findings and facilitating academic exchanges. New researchers often encounter difficulties and confusion in paper preparation, peer review procedures, academic writing standards, response to reviewer comments, and research integrity.Combining the journal standards and publishing practices of Optica Publishing Group, Dr. Zhang elaborated on key preparations before submission, ways to navigate the peer review process, techniques for writing scientific papers, effective strategies for replying to reviewers, and the core requirements set forth in the ethical authorship guidelines.

Dr. Zhang Zhengzheng highlighted a checklist of key preparations prior to submission, covering document preparation, author information verification, funding acknowledgment, copyright licensing, reviewer recommendation, and ethical review self-inspection.She particularly stressed that before submission, authors should check thoroughly whether the manuscript, cover letter and supplementary materials are complete, confirm the consent and accurate contact information of all co-authors, and fully indicate funding bodies and grant numbers. Meanwhile, it is essential to settle copyright-related matters, select appropriate reviewers, and conduct self-examination in line with ethical guidelines. These thorough preparations will lay a solid foundation for the subsequent peer review process.

During the presentation, Dr. Zhang Zhengzheng focused on demonstrating standard samples of cover letters for academic submissions. She illustrated the complete structure of a standard cover letter with a template, which includes polite remarks to the editor, submission notes, an overview of core research findings, elaboration on the innovation and significance of the study, statements on originality and no conflicts of interest, as well as the contact information of the corresponding author.She emphasized that a cover letter should clearly state the core contributions of the paper and highlight its strengths and improvements over previous studies, such as lower costs and better scalability. This helps editors quickly recognize the academic value and publication potential of the manuscript, paving the way for the subsequent review process.

After the lecture, Dr. Zhang Zhengzheng visited the Laboratory of Micro-Nano Photonics and Advanced Display at the School of Optoelectronics. She held in-depth discussions with Professor Huang Lingling's team on cutting-edge technologies of metasurfaces and optoelectronic detection, and spoke highly of the lab's research achievements.

Dr. Zhang Zhengzheng currently serves as Publisher at Optica Publishing Group (OPG) based in Washington, D.C., USA. She oversees a portfolio of leading journals, leads editorial strategies and publishing initiatives, and strives to enhance journal quality, academic reputation and global influence in the fields of optics and photonics.

Dr. Zhang holds a PhD in Physics, a Master of Arts in Science Journalism and a Master of Science in Optics. Prior to joining OPG, she worked as Regional Publisher and Editorial Development Manager at the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), managing the development of 56 peer-reviewed journals across the Americas. Earlier in her career, she was Associate Editor at Cell Press, handling submissions for Cell Reports Physical Science and Chem, and served as Consulting Editor for Joule. She also worked as China Media Project Manager at the American Institute of Physics (AIP), while working as a science writer and editor.