Writing Acknowledgements

The Acknowledgement section is one of the last things you will be writing. You are probably exhausted, but this is an important place to offer thanks to all of those who have helped you throughout your research and thesis writing journey.

However, acknowledgements in theses function as more than just a place to thank people, they also position you as a scholar within a professional and academic network.

 

To Begin

Start an Acknowledgements file very early in your candidacy, especially if you are doing a PhD - four years plus is a long time, and you don’t want to forget anyone.

 

Who?

• Academic supervisors and mentors.
• Any organisation or person who has provided financial support for your research – lead with public organisations and those who have given the most funds.
• Survey and research participants (usually anonymised).
• External organisations that have allowed you access for research purposes.
• Journal editors and reviewers – if you have already published
• Peers in professional organisations
• Others who have supported your research and writing in practical ways – lab assistants, peers, administrative staff, educational support staff.
• Family members and friends – keep it to those whose support has been tangible.

 

What?

• Financial support
• Academic guidance and mentoring
• Intellectual and creative stimulation
• Other professional support
• Moral support
• Friendship and listening
• Other forms of personal nourishment
• Special and individual support

 

Structure

Should you be hierarchical? Do you move from most important through to smaller contributions, or the other way around?

There aren’t necessarily right answers here but remember that this is a formal and professional document and that those you have been working with may be future colleagues.

According to Hyland (2004), most thesis writers make the following three ‘moves’ when structuring their Acknowledgments:

1. A reflection on the experience and value of doing the research by the author.
2. Thanking – naming and thanking of individuals and groups for the specific help they have offered.
3. Announcing – some kind of statement of responsibility for the contents of the thesis, including flaws and weaknesses.

As a general rule of thumb, foreground those who have given you the most help in the academic and professional space. While your cat may have snuggled up to you when you were most stressed, it shouldn’t be the first thing you mention!

Have a look at other theses in your discipline to see how others have written their acknowledgments.

 

Distribution

Don’t forget to send a copy of the Acknowledgement to everyone you have mentioned. They will be pleased to see themselves named, and you may be helping them out by providing them with evidence of the effectiveness of their work.