Writing Acknowledgements: Best Practices and Sample Templates

Introduction

The acknowledgements section in an academic research paper is an essential component that allows authors to express gratitude to individuals, institutions, and funding bodies that contributed to the completion of their research. While this section is not a mandatory part of academic writing, it plays a crucial role in recognizing the support received during the research process.

A well-written acknowledgements section adds a personal touch to an otherwise formal document, showing appreciation for guidance, financial support, and other contributions.

This article will provide detailed guidance on how to write an effective acknowledgements section, including structure, best practices, and examples for different types of research papers.

1. What is an Acknowledgements Section?

The acknowledgements section of a research paper is where the author recognizes:

• Academic mentors and advisors who provided intellectual guidance.
• Research collaborators and peers who assisted in data collection or analysis.
• Funding agencies or institutions that provided financial support.
• Family, friends, or personal supporters who contributed indirectly.

The tone of the acknowledgements section can be formal or personal, depending on the nature of the relationships being acknowledged and the journal’s guidelines.

2. Where Does the Acknowledgements Section Appear?

In academic research papers, the acknowledgements section is usually placed:

• Before the references (at the end of the paper).
• After the conclusion but before any appendices.
• In theses and dissertations, it typically appears after the title page but before the abstract.

Most peer-reviewed journals have specific guidelines for the placement and formatting of acknowledgements, so it is best to check journal-specific submission requirements.

3. Who Should You Acknowledge?

When writing acknowledgements, consider including:

3.1. Academic and Research Mentors

• Professors, supervisors, and advisors who provided intellectual guidance.
• Example: “I sincerely thank Dr. John Smith for his invaluable guidance throughout this research.”

3.2. Funding Organizations

• Grant providers, research councils, and institutions that supported the work financially.
• Example: “This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (Grant No. 123456).”

3.3. Institutional Support

• Universities, research centers, or laboratories that provided resources.
• Example: “I acknowledge the XYZ University Library for granting access to its archives.”

3.4. Collaborators and Colleagues

• Fellow researchers, co-authors, lab assistants, and data analysts.
• Example: “Special thanks to Dr. Emily Brown for her expertise in statistical analysis.”

3.5. Family and Personal Supporters

• Friends and family members who offered moral and emotional support.
• Example: “I am deeply grateful to my parents for their encouragement throughout my research journey.”

4. Best Practices for Writing Acknowledgements

4.1. Keep It Concise

• Avoid lengthy paragraphs—stick to 1-2 sentences per acknowledgment.
• Do not exaggerate or over-explain contributions.

4.2. Use Professional and Grateful Language

• Keep the tone appreciative but formal.
• Avoid casual expressions like “shout-out” or “couldn’t have done it without you!”

4.3. Follow the Journal’s Formatting Guidelines

• Some journals restrict personal acknowledgements and only allow academic or institutional credits.
• Check the word limit for the acknowledgements section.

4.4. Maintain Ethical Integrity

• Do not include individuals who did not directly contribute.
• Ensure all funding sources are acknowledged to maintain transparency.

5. Examples of Acknowledgements for Different Research Papers

5.1. Formal Acknowledgements for a Research Paper

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Jane Doe for her invaluable guidance throughout this study. Her insightful feedback and expertise were instrumental in shaping this research. I also extend my appreciation to the XYZ Research Center for providing access to essential resources.

Additionally, I acknowledge the financial support from the National Research Foundation (Grant No. 987654), which made this study possible. Finally, I appreciate the encouragement from my colleagues and family, whose support kept me motivated throughout the research process.

5.2. Acknowledgements for a Science or Engineering Paper

Acknowledgements

This research was conducted with the support of the ABC Laboratory at XYZ University. I am especially grateful to Dr. Robert Lee for his technical expertise and guidance in experimental design. I also acknowledge the contributions of my lab assistants, Sarah Chen and Mark Davis, for their diligent efforts in data collection.

This study was funded by the National Institute of Engineering Research (Grant No. 456789). The computational resources provided by XYZ University’s High-Performance Computing Center were instrumental in conducting simulations for this study.

5.3. Acknowledgements for a Humanities or Social Sciences Paper

Acknowledgements

I am deeply indebted to Professor Laura Mitchell for her mentorship and insightful discussions that significantly enriched this research. I also extend my gratitude to the XYZ University History Department for granting access to archival materials crucial for this study.

This work was partially supported by a research grant from the XYZ Humanities Research Council. Lastly, I am thankful for the unwavering support of my family and close friends, whose encouragement and belief in my work kept me motivated.

5.4. Personal and Emotional Acknowledgements (For a Thesis or Dissertation)

Acknowledgements

This thesis would not have been possible without the guidance of Dr. John Smith, whose patience and expertise helped me navigate the challenges of this research. I am also grateful to my colleagues at the XYZ University Department of Psychology for their insightful discussions and support.

A special thank you to my parents and partner, whose constant encouragement and belief in my abilities gave me the strength to complete this project. Finally, I appreciate the unwavering support from my friends, who provided both motivation and much-needed laughter throughout this journey.

5.5. Acknowledgements for a Medical or Clinical Research Paper

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the support of XYZ Medical Research Center, which provided laboratory facilities for this study. We are also grateful to the volunteers and patients who participated in this research and made this work possible.

This study was supported by funding from the XYZ Medical Foundation (Grant No. 123987). We also thank our colleagues for their assistance in data analysis and manuscript preparation.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Acknowledgements

• Being overly casual or informal: Use a professional and respectful tone.
• Omitting key contributors: Ensure all supervisors, funders, and collaborators are credited.
• Making the section too long: Keep acknowledgements brief and to the point.
• Using exaggerated language: Avoid phrases like “without you, this wouldn’t exist”.

Conclusion

The acknowledgements section is an essential part of an academic research paper, allowing authors to recognize those who contributed to their work. Whether thanking academic mentors, funding agencies, or personal supporters, a well-written acknowledgements section should be concise, professional, and sincere.

By following best practices and using structured examples, researchers can craft thoughtful acknowledgements that add a personal yet professional touch to their work.