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Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Published on May 3, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

The acknowledgements section is your opportunity to thank those who have helped and supported you personally and professionally during your thesis or dissertation process.

Thesis or dissertation acknowledgements appear between your title page and abstract and should be no longer than one page.

In your acknowledgements, it’s okay to use a more informal style than is usually permitted in academic writing , as well as first-person pronouns . Acknowledgements are not considered part of the academic work itself, but rather your chance to write something more personal.

To get started, download our step-by-step template in the format of your choice below. We’ve also included sample sentence starters to help you construct your acknowledgments section from scratch.

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Who to thank in your acknowledgements, how to write acknowledgements, acknowledgements section example, acknowledgements dos and don’ts, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the acknowledgements section.

Generally, there are two main categories of acknowledgements: professional and personal .

A good first step is to check your university’s guidelines, as they may have rules or preferences about the order, phrasing, or layout of acknowledgements. Some institutions prefer that you keep your acknowledgements strictly professional.

Regardless, it’s usually a good idea to place professional acknowledgements first, followed by any personal ones. You can then proceed by ranking who you’d like to thank from most formal to least.

Chairs, supervisors, or defense committees
Funding bodies
Other academics (e.g., colleagues or cohort members)
Editors or proofreaders
Librarians, research/laboratory assistants, or study participants
Family, friends, or pets

Typically, it’s only necessary to mention people who directly supported you during your thesis or dissertation. However, if you feel that someone like a high school physics teacher was a great inspiration on the path to your current research, feel free to include them as well.

Professional acknowledgements

It is crucial to avoid overlooking anyone who helped you professionally as you completed your thesis or dissertation. As a rule of thumb, anyone who directly contributed to your research process, from figuring out your dissertation topic to your final proofread, should be mentioned.

A few things to keep in mind include:

Even if you feel your chair didn’t help you very much, you should still thank them first to avoid looking like you’re snubbing them.
Be sure to follow academic conventions, using full names with titles where appropriate.
If several members of a group or organization assisted you, mention the collective name only.
Remember the ethical considerations around anonymized data. If you wish to protect someone’s privacy, use only their first name or a generic identifier (such as “the interviewees”)/

Personal acknowledgements

There is no need to mention every member of your family or friend group. However, if someone was particularly inspiring or supportive, you may wish to mention them specifically. Many people choose to thank parents, partners, children, friends, and even pets, but you can mention anyone who offered moral support or encouragement, or helped you in a tangible or intangible way.

Some students may wish to dedicate their dissertation to a deceased influential person in their personal life. In this case, it’s okay to mention them first, before any professional acknowledgements.

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After you’ve compiled a list of who you’d like to thank, you can then sort your list into rank order. Separate everyone you listed into “major thanks,” “big thanks,” and “minor thanks” categories.

“Major thanks” are given to people who your project would be impossible without. These are often predominantly professional acknowledgements, such as your advisor, chair, and committee, as well as any funders.
“Big thanks” are an in-between, for those who helped you along the way or helped you grow intellectually, such as classmates, peers, or librarians.
“Minor thanks” can be a catch-all for everyone else, especially those who offered moral support or encouragement. This can include personal acknowledgements, such as parents, partners, children, friends, or even pets.

How to phrase your acknowledgements

To avoid acknowledgements that sound repetitive or dull, consider changing up your phrasing. Here are some examples of common sentence starters you can use for each category.

Common sentence starters
Major thanks	Big thanks	Minor thanks

Note that you do not need to write any sort of conclusion or summary at the end. You can simply end the acknowledgements with your last thank you.

Here’s an example of how you can combine the different sentences to write your acknowledgements.

A simple construction consists of a sentence starter (in purple highlight ), followed by the person or entity mentioned (in green highlight ), followed by what you’re thanking them for (in yellow highlight .)

Acknowledgements

Words cannot express my gratitude to my professor and chair of my committee for her invaluable patience and feedback. I also could not have undertaken this journey without my defense committee, who generously provided knowledge and expertise. Additionally, this endeavor would not have been possible without the generous support from the MacArthur Foundation, who financed my research .

I am also grateful to my classmates and cohort members, especially my office mates, for their editing help, late-night feedback sessions, and moral support. Thanks should also go to the librarians, research assistants, and study participants from the university, who impacted and inspired me.

Lastly, I would be remiss in not mentioning my family, especially my parents, spouse, and children. Their belief in me has kept my spirits and motivation high during this process. I would also like to thank my cat for all the entertainment and emotional support.

Write in first-person, professional language
Thank your professional contacts first
Include full names, titles, and roles of professional acknowledgements
Include personal or intangible supporters, like friends, family, or even pets
Mention funding bodies and what they funded
Appropriately anonymize or group research participants or non-individual acknowledgments

Don’t:

Use informal language or slang
Go over one page in length
Mention people who had only a peripheral or minor impact on your work

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In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you must acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis , directly after the title page and before the abstract .

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

You may acknowledge God in your dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

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Acknowledgement in Research Paper – A Quick Guide [5 Examples]

The acknowledgement section in your research paper is where you thank those who have helped or supported you throughout your research and writing. It is a short section of 3-5 paragraphs or no more than 300 words you put on a page after the title page.

Saying thank you with style

How to write an acknowledgement: the complete guide for students, why should i include an acknowledgement in my research paper.

Acknowledging assistance and contributions from others can establish your integrity as a researcher. This will eventually make your work more credible.

What should be acknowledged about (aka thankful for)?

Who should be included in the acknowledgement of a research paper.

You can include everyone who helped you technically, intellectually, or financially (assistance with grants or monetary help) in the process of researching and writing your research paper. Except for your family and friends, you should always include the full names with the title of these individuals:

You can start with your professor or the individuals who supported you the most throughout the research. And then you can continue by thanking your institution and then the reviewer who reviewed your paper. Then you can thank your friends and families and any other individual who helped.

What is the tone of the acknowledgement in a research paper?

You should write your acknowledgement in formal language with complete sentences. It is appropriate to write in the first person (‘I’ for a single author or ‘we’ for two or more).

Writing an acknowledgement for research paper is one of the important parts of your project report. You need to thank everyone for helping you with your paper . Here are some examples of acknowledgement for your research paper.

Acknowledgement in Research Paper: Example 1

Acknowledgement in research paper: example 2, acknowledgement in research paper: example 3, acknowledgement in research paper: example 4, acknowledgement in research paper: example 5.

You can use these or try to create your own version for your project report. Also, you can use our auto acknowledgement generator tool to automatically generate acknowledgement for your project.

Where should I put the acknowledgement section?

How long is an acknowledgement in a research paper.

The acknowledgement section (usualy inserted as a page) of your research paper should consist of 3-5 paragraphs or no more than 300 words you put on a page after the title page.

Should I use the full names of family members in an acknowledgement?

You do not necessarily need to use the full name for your family and friends (it would sound pretty awkward to use the full name of your parent or spouse right?), you should always include the full names with the title for all other individuals in your acknowledgement.

Can I use “first person” in an acknowledgement?

What is an acknowledgement in academic writing?

More Definitions on Acknowledgement

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Both “acknowledgement” and “acknowledgment” are used in the English-speaking world. However, acknowledgement with the “e” in the middle is more commonly used. It is up to 24.5 times more popular in the top 5 English-speaking countries in the world.

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How to Write Acknowledgement in Research Paper

Writing an acknowledgement in a research paper is an integral part of the process. It is a formal way of expressing gratitude to the individuals and institutions that contributed to the completion of your research.

This section, though not mandatory, holds significant value as it acknowledges the efforts of those who assisted you in the successful completion of your project. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of writing an effective acknowledgement for your research paper.

Introduction

Acknowledgements serve a crucial role in research papers . They not only express gratitude but also provide a sense of credibility to your work. Acknowledging the contributions of others shows that your research is a collective effort, which can enhance the perceived validity of your findings.

Moreover, acknowledgements can also serve as a platform for you to demonstrate your professional courtesy and respect for the individuals and institutions that have supported your research. This can help in fostering positive relationships, which can be beneficial for your future research endeavors.

Who to acknowledge in your research paper ?

Deciding who to acknowledge in your research paper can be a challenging task. It is important to ensure that you do not overlook anyone who has contributed to your research. Here are some categories of individuals and institutions that you might consider acknowledging:

Academic advisors and supervisors:

Your academic advisors and supervisors are likely to be your first point of contact for guidance and support during your research. They provide valuable insights, feedback, and direction, which can significantly influence the outcome of your research.

Therefore, acknowledging them in your research paper is a way of expressing your gratitude for their assistance and guidance. It also shows your respect for their expertise and dedication to your research.

Research participants and collaborators

Research participants and collaborators play a crucial role in the success of your research. They provide the data or information necessary for your research, making their contribution invaluable.

Acknowledging them in your research paper is a way of showing your appreciation for their time and effort. It also symbolizes your respect for their contribution to your research.

Funding bodies and institutions:

Funding bodies and institutions provide the financial support necessary for conducting your research. Without their support, it might be challenging to carry out your research effectively.

Therefore, acknowledging them in your research paper is a way of expressing your gratitude for their financial support. It also shows your appreciation for their trust in your research capabilities.

How to write acknowledgements for your research paper?

Writing acknowledgements for your research paper involves more than simply listing names. It requires a thoughtful and sincere expression of gratitude. Here are some steps to guide you in writing effective acknowledgements:

Start with the most significant contributions:

Begin your acknowledgements by expressing gratitude to those who have made the most significant contributions to your research. This could be your academic advisors, supervisors, or funding bodies. Starting with the most significant contributions helps to set the tone for the rest of your acknowledgements.

Ensure that you express your gratitude sincerely and professionally. Avoid using overly emotional or informal language as this can undermine the professionalism of your acknowledgements.

Acknowledge other contributors:

After acknowledging the most significant contributors, proceed to acknowledge other individuals and institutions that have supported your research. This could include research participants, collaborators, and other supportive individuals or institutions.

When acknowledging these contributors, be sure to express your gratitude sincerely and professionally. Also, ensure that you acknowledge each contributor individually to show your appreciation for their unique contribution.

Use appropriate language and tone:

The language and tone you use in your acknowledgements can significantly influence how they are perceived. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate language and maintain a professional tone throughout your acknowledgements.

Use formal language and avoid using jargon or colloquial expressions. Also, maintain a consistent tone throughout your acknowledgements to ensure that they are coherent and easy to read.

Examples of acknowledgements in research papers

Here are a few examples that demonstrate how to acknowledge different contributors effectively:

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor, Professor ABC, for his invaluable guidance and support throughout this research. His expertise and dedication have been a source of inspiration and motivation."

Research participants and collaborators:

"I am deeply grateful to all the participants who generously shared their time and experiences for this research. Their contributions have been instrumental in the success of this study."

"This research was made possible by the generous funding from ABC Foundation. I am profoundly grateful for their support and trust in my research capabilities."

Writing acknowledgements in a research paper is a thoughtful process that requires careful consideration of who to acknowledge and how to express gratitude. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can write effective acknowledgements that reflect your appreciation and respect for the contributions of others to your research.

Remember, acknowledgements are more than just a formality. They are an opportunity to express your gratitude and respect for the individuals and institutions that have supported your research journey. So, take the time to write acknowledgements that are sincere, professional, and reflective of your gratitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

In a research paper, the acknowledgment section is where the author shows appreciation to those who helped with the research. It's usually found at the start of the paper, before the main text begins. However, the exact location varies depending on the university guidelines.

Citations are formal ways to acknowledge the sources you used, while acknowledgments are more personal and can serve as a confidential way to thank someone for their help or contribution.

The purpose of including acknowledgement is to express gratitude to everyone who assisted with the research but didn't meet the criteria for being listed as an author.

There is no minimum length for writing an acknowledgement in a research paper but it should not be more than one page.

If you conducted the research entirely by yourself and received no assistance or support from others, it's not necessary to include acknowledgements. However, if you received any form of support or assistance, even if minimal, it's appropriate to acknowledge it.

Yes, it's appropriate to acknowledge funding sources in your research.

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Recognizing Contributions: Acknowledge In Research Paper

Learn how to acknowledge in research paper with our simple guide, and ensure that your work gains recognition.

When we work on any project, it’s not just about our individual effort, it’s about teamwork as well. It’s important to acknowledge the contributions of others who have helped you along the way. This is where the acknowledgment section comes in. In this part of your paper, you can express your gratitude to those who have supported you throughout the research process, such as funders, advisors, assistants, collaborators, participants, and editors.

However, it’s important to be mindful of ethical considerations and avoid any promotion or advertising of specific individuals or organizations. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about acknowledgments, including how to acknowledge in research paper , tips for writing them, common mistakes to avoid, and ethical considerations. So, let’s get started!

What Is Acknowledgement In A Research Paper?

The acknowledgment section in a research paper credits individuals, institutions, or organizations that aided in the research or manuscript preparation. It’s usually found after the conclusion.

While optional, acknowledgments are commonly added to recognize and thank contributors for their efforts. This section typically starts with a statement thanking those who funded or supported the project, along with colleagues, research assistants, or other contributors who provided valuable feedback or assistance.

Being specific and detailing the contributions of each individual or organization is crucial to show their importance in the research process. However, it’s unnecessary to acknowledge everyone who helped, and acknowledgments should be kept brief and relevant to the project.

Why Is Acknowledgment Important?

Acknowledgment holds significant importance in research as it acknowledges and provides credit to individuals or organizations who have contributed to the research project. It expresses gratitude for their guidance, support, and assistance during the research process.

Acknowledgments are commonly included in research papers to build relationships and encourage future collaborations with those who have supported the research. By acknowledging their contributions, researchers demonstrate their appreciation for the input of others and the importance of collaboration in the research process.

Moreover, the acknowledgment section ensures academic integrity by recognizing and crediting all contributors to the research project. It also prevents any potential issues related to plagiarism or lack of attribution.

Who Should Be Acknowledged?

Acknowledgments in a research paper should recognize and give credit to individuals, organizations, or institutions that contributed to the research project in some way. This can include:

Funding sources: Acknowledge those who provided financial support for the research project.
Academic advisors or mentors: Acknowledge those who provided guidance or supervision throughout the research process.
Research assistants: Acknowledge those who provided technical or administrative support during the research.
Participants : Acknowledge those who took part in the research study, such as survey respondents.
Collaborators : Acknowledge colleagues or other researchers who contributed to the research project in some way.
Editors or proofreaders: Acknowledge those who helped with editing or proofreading the manuscript .
Institutions or organizations: Acknowledge the institution or organization that provided resources or support for the research project.

Types Of Acknowledgement

Acknowledgment in a research paper can take various forms, depending on the purpose and context of the project. Here are some common types of acknowledgments:

1. Formal Acknowledgments

These are typically written in a formal tone and are used to recognize and give credit to people, organizations, or institutions that provide financial or technical support to the research project. These acknowledgments often appear at the beginning or end of the research paper and may include formal language and formatting.

2. Informal Acknowledgments

These acknowledgments are often more personal and informal in tone. They may include acknowledging friends, family members, or colleagues who provided emotional support or helped in some way during the research process.

3. Professional Acknowledgments

These acknowledgments are typically used in academic or professional settings and are aimed at giving credit to individuals or organizations that contributed to the research project. These acknowledgments may include thanking mentors, colleagues, research assistants, or funding agencies.

4. Collaborative Acknowledgments

These acknowledgments are used to recognize the collaborative nature of research projects. They may include acknowledging co-authors, collaborators, or other researchers who contributed to the project in some way.

Tips For Writing An Acknowledgement

When writing acknowledgment in a research paper, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

Be specific: Clearly mention the contributions made by individuals or organizations, and how they helped in the research process.
Use appropriate tone: Write in a professional tone and avoid using overly emotional language.
Keep it concise: Avoid lengthy paragraphs and keep the acknowledgment section brief and relevant.
Follow the required format: Check the guidelines provided by the journal or institution and ensure that you follow the required format.
Proofread: Carefully proofread the acknowledgment section for any errors or typos.
Be grateful: Show appreciation and gratitude to the individuals or organizations who contributed to the research project.
Avoid self-promotion: The acknowledgment section should not be used to promote oneself or one’s organization.

Examples Of Acknowledgement

Examples of acknowledgments in a research paper include thanking the funding sources, academic advisors or mentors, research assistants, participants, collaborators, editors or proofreaders, and institutions or organizations that provided support. Here are some sample acknowledgments that are concise and relevant to the research project:

Acknowledge In Research Paper: Example 1

“I would like to thank Dr. Ram for his invaluable guidance and support throughout this project. I am also grateful to my research assistant, Priya, for her technical expertise and administrative assistance. This project would not have been possible without the generous financial support of the XYZ Foundation. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the study participants who generously shared their time and insights.”

Acknowledge In Research Paper: Example 2

“I am indebted to Dr. Mary for her continuous support and feedback throughout the research process. I also want to thank my colleagues, Shahin and Sarah, for their valuable input and suggestions. The editorial assistance provided by XYZ Editing Services was also greatly appreciated. I am also grateful to the ABC Institution for providing the necessary resources for this research project.”

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing An Acknowledgement

When writing acknowledgment, it’s important to avoid certain mistakes, such as:

Forgetting to acknowledge someone who contributed to the research project.
Using vague language instead of specific details about how someone contributed.
Focusing too much on personal anecdotes or stories, rather than keeping the acknowledgment concise and relevant to the research project.
Using the acknowledgment section to promote or advertise specific individuals or organizations.
Forgetting to proofread the acknowledgment section for errors in grammar or spelling.
Including acknowledgments that are not relevant to the research project.
Making it too formal or too casual, rather than matching the tone of the rest of the research paper.

To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to carefully consider who should be acknowledged, what specific contributions they made, and to keep the language concise and relevant to the research project. It’s also helpful to have someone else review the acknowledgment section to ensure that it’s free of errors and strikes the right tone.

How To Acknowledge In Research Paper?

When citing an acknowledgment in a research paper, it should be listed as a separate section at the end of the paper, following the references section. It should be titled “Acknowledgement” and be placed after the conclusion but before the reference list.
Acknowledgment section should not be included within the text citation or reference list. However, if a person or organization mentioned in the acknowledgment section was cited within the text, it should be included in the in-text citation and reference list.
It’s important to make sure that acknowledgments are cited correctly in order to give credit to those who contributed to the research project. This will help to ensure academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. Learn more about Plagiarism here .

Ethical Considerations For Acknowledging Others In Your Research Paper

It is essential to consider ethical principles when acknowledging others in your research paper. First and foremost, ensure that you acknowledge all individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to your research. This acknowledgment must be honest and accurate and should not falsely claim credit for the work of others.

Additionally, it is crucial to obtain consent from individuals before acknowledging them in your research paper, particularly when using their personal information. Ensure that you have informed them about how their contribution will be acknowledged and seek their permission to do so.

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Sowjanya is a passionate writer and an avid reader. She holds MBA in Agribusiness Management and now is working as a content writer. She loves to play with words and hopes to make a difference in the world through her writings. Apart from writing, she is interested in reading fiction novels and doing craftwork. She also loves to travel and explore different cuisines and spend time with her family and friends.

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How To Write Acknowledgement For Research Paper? | Tips & Examples

Last updated on May 4th, 2024 at 06:28 pm

Crafting an impactful Acknowledgement For Research Paper is crucial in recognizing the contributions and support received during the research process.

The introduction serves as the gateway to a research paper, providing readers with an initial glimpse into the subject matter. It sets the tone for the entire document, offering a concise overview of the research question , context, and significance of the study.

Begin by expressing gratitude towards mentors , collaborators , and funding organizations . Acknowledge any technical assistance and academic resources provided.

This article aims to guide researchers in the art of crafting a compelling acknowledgment section for their research papers. Acknowledgments are often viewed as a formality, but they hold significant weight in expressing gratitude and recognizing contributions.

Table of Contents

List of Acknowledgement For Research Paper

Introduction to acknowledgements in research papers, mentorship acknowledgement for research paper, financial support acknowledgement for research paper, acknowledgement of collaborators for research paper, recognition of institutional support for research paper, appreciation for technical assistance for research paper, gratitude for access to resources for research paper, acknowledgement of peer reviewers for research paper, family and friends acknowledgement for research paper, thanking research participants for research paper, recognition of inspirations for research paper, acknowledgement of intellectual property for research paper, some useful tips for writing an acknowledgement for research paper.

Be Genuine : Sincerity matters. Express your gratitude genuinely and authentically.

Be Specific : Mention individuals, organizations, or institutions who directly contributed to your research or provided support.

Include Funding Sources : If your research received financial support from grants or institutions, acknowledge them. This helps in acknowledging the resources that made your work possible.

Recognize Contributions : Acknowledge the contributions of individuals who provided assistance with the research, such as technical support, data collection, or critical feedback.

Consider Professional Courtesy : Acknowledge any colleagues or mentors who provided guidance, reviewed drafts, or offered valuable insights.

Keep it Concise : While it’s important to acknowledge everyone who contributed significantly, try to keep your acknowledgements concise and relevant to the research.

Follow Journal Guidelines : Some journals have specific requirements or guidelines for the acknowledgement section. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines.

Respect Privacy : Obtain consent before acknowledging individuals or organizations, especially if they are not public figures or if the information is sensitive.

Express Gratitude : Show appreciation for the support and assistance you received throughout the research process. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.

Proofread : Like any other section of your research paper, ensure that your acknowledgement section is well-written, free of errors, and reflects professionalism.

The acknowledgement section of a research paper is a crucial component where authors express gratitude to individuals or institutions that have contributed to the successful completion of their study. It is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate those who have provided support, guidance, or resources during the research process.

Scenario Example: In my research on the impact of climate change, I extend my sincere appreciation to Justin Taylor , my research advisor, whose invaluable guidance and continuous support were instrumental in shaping the direction of this study.

Recognizing the guidance and mentorship received is crucial in the acknowledgement section. This includes acknowledging the contributions of mentors, advisors, or supervisors.

Scenario Example: I am deeply grateful to my mentor, Justin Taylor , for his unwavering support and insightful feedback throughout the research process. His mentorship played a pivotal role in refining the methodology and enhancing the overall quality of this study.

If the research received financial support , it’s essential to express gratitude for the funding received from individuals, organizations, or institutions.

Scenario Example: This research was made possible by the generous financial support provided by the Taylor Foundation . Their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in environmental studies is commendable.

When the research involves collaboration with other researchers or institutions, it is crucial to acknowledge their contributions.

Scenario Example: I extend my gratitude to the collaborative efforts of Dr. Emily Adams from the Department of Environmental Sciences. Her expertise in data analysis significantly enriched the findings of this research.

Acknowledging the support of the institution where the research was conducted is essential.

Scenario Example: I would like to express my thanks to Greenfield University for providing the necessary infrastructure and research facilities, which were instrumental in the successful completion of this study.

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If the research involved technical assistance , acknowledging the individuals who provided technical support is crucial.

Scenario Example: Special thanks to Mr. John Anderson for his technical expertise in assisting with the statistical analysis, contributing to the robustness of the research findings.

If access to specific resources was crucial for the research, acknowledging those who facilitated access is necessary.

Scenario Example: I am grateful to the National Archives for granting access to historical documents , enabling a comprehensive analysis of the historical aspect of this research.

If the research underwent peer review , recognizing the contributions of anonymous reviewers is customary.

Scenario Example: I appreciate the constructive feedback provided by the anonymous peer reviewers , whose insightful comments significantly improved the quality and rigor of this research.

Expressing gratitude to family and friends who provided emotional support during the research process is a personal touch in acknowledgements .

Scenario Example: To my family and friends , especially my spouse, Amy Wilson , your unwavering support and understanding during late nights and long hours of research are deeply appreciated.

If the study involved human participants , acknowledging their contribution is both ethical and essential.

Scenario Example: I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants who willingly shared their experiences and insights, making this research possible.

Acknowledging individuals who inspired or influenced the research can add a personal touch.

Scenario Example: I am inspired by the works of Dr. Jane Goodall , whose dedication to wildlife conservation motivated this research on the effects of deforestation on biodiversity.

When the research builds upon the work of others, proper acknowledgment is necessary.

Scenario Example: I acknowledge the contributions of researchers whose work laid the foundation for this study, including the seminal work of Dr. Richard Thompson in marine pollution research.

How do you acknowledge a professional message?

Acknowledging a professional message is a courteous practice. A simple “ Thank you ” or “ I appreciate your message ” suffices. Use a polite tone, express gratitude, and ensure the acknowledgment aligns with the formality of the received message.

How do I write an acknowledgement for a project?

In writing an acknowledgement for a project, recognize individuals or groups that contributed significantly. Use a sincere tone, mentioning their specific contributions. For example, “I would like to express my gratitude to [Name] for [specific contribution] .”

How do you write an acknowledgment on an academic poster?

In an academic poster acknowledgment, keep it concise. Mention key contributors, advisors, or funding sources. For instance, “Special thanks to [Name] for guidance and [Institution] for funding.”

What is the difference between acknowledgment and acknowledgement?

There is no substantial difference; both terms are acceptable. “ Acknowledgment ” is more common in American English, while “ acknowledgement ” is used in British English.

How do I make a simple acknowledgment receipt?

Create a simple acknowledgment receipt by including transaction details, a description of what’s being acknowledged, and both parties’ names. State the date and ensure clarity. “This is to acknowledge receipt of [description] on [date]. “

What is the proper way to acknowledge an email?

Acknowledge emails promptly, expressing appreciation or confirming receipt. A brief “ Thank you for your email ” or “ I received your message ” suffices. Adjust the formality based on the context.

How long should dissertation acknowledgments be?

Dissertation acknowledgments should be concise but heartfelt. A paragraph or two is sufficient. Mention key contributors and express genuine gratitude.

What is an acknowledgment for a dissertation thesis?

In a dissertation thesis acknowledgment, thank those who supported your research. Acknowledge advisors, peers, and funding sources. Keep it respectful and genuine.

How do you thank God in a dissertation acknowledgment?

Express gratitude to God in a dissertation acknowledgment with phrases like “ I am grateful for divine guidance ” or “ Thanks to God for strength .” Keep it personal and respectful of diverse beliefs.

In conclusion, crafting a meaningful acknowledgment section is an art that involves recognizing the invaluable contributions of individuals and institutions. By highlighting specific roles and expressing sincere gratitude, researchers can transform this section from a formality into a genuine appreciation of collaborative efforts.

The importance of acknowledging mentors , financial supporters , and collaborators cannot be overstated, as their impact shapes the trajectory of scholarly endeavors. In a broader context, a well-crafted acknowledgement not only adds a personal touch to a research paper but also fosters a sense of community within the academic landscape.

I’m Matthew Porter , the creative mind behind “ Acknowledgment Templates .” I’ve had a blast creating templates that capture the essence of gratitude in acknowledgment sections. At Acknowledgment Templates, we’re all about turning appreciation into a well-crafted art. Let’s make your acknowledgment section a masterpiece—join me in the creative process at Acknowledgment Templates!

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Dissertation acknowledgments [with examples]

What are dissertation acknowledgements?

What to consider when writing your dissertation acknowledgments, who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments, what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments, good examples of dissertation acknowledgments, a final word on writing dissertation acknowledgments: have fun, frequently asked questions about dissertation acknowledgments, related articles.

While you may be the sole author of your dissertation, there are lots of people who help you through the process—from your formal dissertation advisors to the friends who may have cooked meals so that you could finish your last chapter . Dissertation acknowledgments are a chance to thank everyone who had a hand in the completion of your project.

Dissertation acknowledgments are a brief statement of your gratitude to advisors, professors, peers, family, and friends for their help and expertise.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

the most important things to consider when you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments
who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments
what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments
short examples of dissertation acknowledgments

Once you’re at the stage where you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments, you may be tempted to kick back and relax. After all, the hard part of writing the dissertation itself is over and a list of thanks should be simple to churn out.

However, the acknowledgments are an important part of your overall work and are something that most people who read your dissertation, including prospective employers, will look at.

Tip: The best dissertation acknowledgements are concise, sincere, and memorable.

Approach this part of the process, brief as it may be compared to the long haul of writing the dissertation, with the same high level of care and attention to detail. It’s an explicit and permanent statement of who made a real impact on your work and contributed to your academic success.

Plus, the people you thank are often deeply moved by being included—some even go so far as to frame the acknowledgments. Aim to make yours sincere, memorable and something that people will be touched by.

First things first: who should you include in your dissertation acknowledgments? If you’re not sure who to thank, try the brainstorming technique to generate some ideas. Consider these two approaches:

Make a list of everyone, both professional and personal, who was involved at any point during your work on your dissertation, and then thin down the list from there.
Make a list of the pivotal aspects of your process and think about who was involved and how they helped.

As you select the people and groups to include in your dissertation acknowledgments, keep in mind that it’s essential to acknowledge your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work.

It’s an unfortunate reality that not every supervisor goes above and beyond to provide feedback and guidance to the students they are supposed to supervise. However, leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub.

You should end up with a fairly short list of people to thank. While being mindful of professional etiquette and personal feelings, be choosy about who makes the final cut since your acknowledgments should be limited to no more than a page.

Now that you have your list of people and groups to thank, it’s time to start writing. Before your first pen or keystroke, however, check your university’s guidelines as your institution may have specific rules around what can and cannot be included.

The standard practice is to begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be:

supervisors
committee members
other professional contacts

Use their full names and titles and go into brief detail about how they contributed to your work.

Once those are done, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets. If you are so inclined, it is also considered appropriate to thank God or make mention of spiritual support.

You may also choose to inject a little humor at this point, but don’t get carried away and definitely don’t include sarcasm or critical comments of any kind, including self-critical ones. Remember that the acknowledgments precede your dissertation, so you want to be taken seriously.

A couple more basics that are essential when creating your acknowledgments:

Position: Acknowledgments should be placed after the title page and before the abstract.
Perspective: Write from the first-person perspective and speak in your own voice.

A really good way to get a sense of how to write your own dissertation acknowledgments is to read ones written by others. Notice which ones you respond particularly well to and use them as a model upon which to base your own.

Here are some good examples to help you get started:

I couldn’t have reached this goal without the help of many people in my life. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.

First, my sincere thanks to my dissertation committee. The value of their guidance cannot be overstated. Dr. Elaine Gooding and Dr. Matthew Hunter provided much wisdom that helped me chart my course. I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor than Dr. Fiona Moore, whose knowledge and experience guided me every step of the way.

Next, I’d like to thank my partner, Elliott. Your votes of confidence kept me going when my spirits dipped. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Last but not least, I’d like to acknowledge the emotional support provided by my family and friends. We made it to the top of the mountain! I look forward to celebrating with all of you.

This example is shorter, but still contains the key components:

Several people played a decisive role in my success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.

My chair, Dr. Ronald Saulk, provided invaluable support and infinite patience and I am truly grateful for all of his wisdom and guidance. I also owe the entire staff of the Wilhelm Library a debt of gratitude. From tracking down books and arranging for interlibrary loans to keeping the coffee maker in the lobby well-stocked and in good working order, they offered the practical help and kind gestures that made all the difference.

I’d also like to thank my family and God, for always being there for me.

One final piece of advice: enjoy this process. Writing a dissertation doesn’t happen every day, and the opportunity to acknowledge the important people in your life in a published format is as rare as it is wonderful.

What’s more, this part of your dissertation is unlike any other. It’s unbounded by the conventions that apply to the formal work. It’s a chance to really flex some creative muscle and let your personality shine through. So make the most of it and have fun!

In your dissertation acknowledgments, you thank everyone who has contributed to your work or supported you along the way. Who you want to thank is a very personal choice, but you should include your supervisors and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. You may also thank friends, family, and partners.

First, you need to come up with a list of people you want to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments. As a next step, begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be supervisors, mentors, committees, and other professional contacts. Then, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets.

Who you acknowledge in your dissertation is ultimately up to you. You should, however, thank your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. Leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub. In addition, you can thank friends, partners or family.

There are many ways so you can acknowledge your dissertation supervisor. Some examples can be found in this article above. If you need more examples, you can find them here .

While acknowledgments are usually more present in academic theses, they can also be a part of research papers. In academic theses, acknowledgments are usually found at the beginning, somewhere between abstract and introduction. In research papers, acknowledgments are usually found at the end of the paper.

Thesis Acknowledgements Examples

5 Examples For Your Inspiration

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024

The acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation is an opportunity to say thanks to all the people who helped you along your research journey. In this post, we’ll share five thesis acknowledgement examples to provide you with some inspiration.

Overview: Acknowledgements Examples

The acknowledgements 101
Example: Formal and professional
Example: Warm and personal
Example: Challenge-centric
Example: Institution-centric
Example: Reflective and philosophical
FREE Acknowledgements template

Acknowledgements 101: The Basics

The acknowledgements section in your thesis or dissertation is where you express gratitude to those who helped bring your project to fruition. This section is typically brief (a page or less) and less formal, but it’s crucial to thank the right individuals in the right order .

As a rule of thumb, you’ll usually begin with academic support : your supervisors, advisors, and faculty members. Next, you’ll acknowledge any funding bodies or sponsors that supported your research. You’ll then follow this with your intellectual contributors , such as colleagues and peers. Lastly, you’ll typically thank your personal support network , including family, friends, and even pets who offered emotional support during your studies.

As you can probably see, this order moves from the most formal acknowledgements to the least . Typically, your supervisor is mentioned first, due to their significant role in guiding and potentially evaluating your work. However, while this structure is recommended, it’s essential to adapt it based on any specific guidelines from your university. So, be sure to always check (and adhere to) any requirements or norms specific to your university.

With that groundwork laid, let’s look at a few dissertation and thesis acknowledgement examples . If you’d like more, check out our collection of dissertation examples here .

Need a helping hand?

Example #1: Formal and Professional

This acknowledgement formally expresses gratitude to academic mentors and peers, emphasising professional support and academic guidance.

I extend my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Jane Smith, for her unwavering support and insightful critiques throughout my research journey. Her deep commitment to academic excellence and meticulous attention to detail have significantly shaped this dissertation. I am equally thankful to the members of my thesis committee, Dr. John Doe and Dr. Emily White, for their constructive feedback and essential suggestions that enhanced the quality of my work.

My appreciation also goes to the faculty and staff in the Department of Biology at University College London, whose resources and assistance have been invaluable. I would also like to acknowledge my peers for their camaraderie and the stimulating discussions that inspired me throughout my academic journey. Their collective wisdom and encouragement have been a cornerstone of my research experience.

Finally, my sincere thanks to the technical staff whose expertise in managing laboratory equipment was crucial for my experiments. Their patience and readiness to assist at all times have left a profound impact on the completion of my project.

Example #2: Warm and Personal

This acknowledgement warmly credits the emotional and personal support received from family, friends and an approachable mentor during the research process.

This thesis is a reflection of the unwavering support and boundless love I received from my family and friends during this challenging academic pursuit. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my parents, who nurtured my curiosity and supported my educational endeavours from the very beginning.

To my partner, Alex, your endless patience and understanding, especially during the most demanding phases of this research, have been my anchor. A heartfelt thank you to my supervisor, Dr. Mark Brown, whose mentorship extended beyond the academic realm into personal guidance, providing comfort and motivation during tough times.

I am also thankful for my friends, who provided both distractions when needed and encouragement when it seemed impossible to continue. The discussions and unwavering support from my peers at the university have enriched my research experience, making this journey not only possible but also enjoyable. Their presence and insights have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of my research topic.

Example #3: Inclusive of Challenges

This acknowledgement recognises the wide range of support received during unexpected personal and academic challenges, highlighting resilience and communal support.

The path to completing this dissertation has been fraught with both professional challenges and personal adversities. I am profoundly grateful for the enduring support of my supervisor, Dr. Lisa Green, whose steadfast belief in my capabilities and academic potential encouraged me to persevere even during my lowest moments. Her guidance was a beacon of light in times of doubt.

I must also express my deepest appreciation for my family, who stepped in not only with emotional reassurance, but also with critical financial support, when unexpected personal challenges arose. Their unconditional love and sacrifice have been the foundation of my resilience and success.

I am thankful, too, for the support services at the university, including the counselling centre, whose staff provided me with the tools to manage stress and maintain focus on my academic goals. Each of these individuals and institutions played a crucial role in my journey, reminding me that the pursuit of knowledge is not a solo expedition but a communal effort.

Example #4: Institution-Centric

This acknowledgement succinctly appreciates the financial, academic, and operational support provided by the university and its staff.

This dissertation would not have been possible without the generous financial support from the University of Edinburgh Scholarship Programme, which enabled me to focus fully on my research without financial burden. I am profoundly grateful to my advisor, Professor Richard Miles, for his sage advice, rigorous academic guidance, and the confidence he instilled in me. His expertise in the field of microbiology greatly enriched my work.

I would also like to thank the staff at the university library, whose assistance was indispensable. Their patience and willingness to help locate rare and essential resources facilitated a thorough and comprehensive literature review. Additionally, the administrative and technical staff, who often go unmentioned, provided necessary support that greatly enhanced my research experience. Their dedication and hard work create an environment conducive to academic success.

Lastly, my peers’ encouragement and the intellectual environment at the university have been vital in completing my research.

Example #5: Reflective and philosophical

This acknowledgement reflects on the philosophical growth and personal insights gained through the support of mentors, peers, and family, framing the dissertation as a journey of intellectual discovery.

Completing this thesis has been not only an academic challenge but also a profound journey of personal and philosophical growth.

I am immensely grateful to my mentor, Professor Sarah Johnson, for encouraging me to explore complex ideas and to challenge conventional wisdom. Her guidance helped me navigate the philosophical underpinnings of my research and deepened my analytical skills. My fellow students in the Philosophy Department provided a supportive and intellectually stimulating community. Our discussions extended beyond the classroom, offering new insights and perspectives that were crucial to my thesis.

I am also deeply thankful for my family, whose intellectual curiosity and spirited philosophical debates at home sparked my interest in philosophy from a young age. Their continuous support and belief in my academic pursuits have been instrumental in my success.

This dissertation reflects not only my work but also the collective support of everyone who has touched my life academically and personally. The journey has taught me the value of questioning and the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching our understanding of complex philosophical issues.

Dissertation/thesis template for the acknowledgements section

FREE Acknowledgements Template

To help fast-track your writing process, we’ve created a free, fully editable template . This template covers all the necessary content for a generic thesis or dissertation acknowledgements section. If you’re interested, you can download a copy here .

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Acknowledgements Example for an Academic Research Paper

Posted by Rene Tetzner | Sep 1, 2021 | How To Get Published | 0 |

Acknowledgements Example for an Academic or Scientific Research Paper This example of acknowledgements for a research paper is designed to demonstrate how intellectual, financial and other research contributions should be formally acknowledged in academic and scientific writing. As brief acknowledgements for a research paper, the example gathers contributions of different kinds – intellectual assistance, financial support, image credits etc. – into a single Acknowledgements section. Do note, however, that the formats preferred by some scholarly journals require the separation of certain contributions such as financial support of research into their own sections.

Although authors often write acknowledgements hastily, the Acknowledgements section is an important part of a research paper. Acknowledging assistance and contributions establishes your integrity as a researcher as well as your connections and collaborations. It can also help your readers with their own research, affect the influence and impact of the researchers and other professionals you thank, and demonstrate the value and purpose of the agencies that fund your work. The contents of the example I have prepared here are appropriate for a research paper intended for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, but the author, the research project, the manuscript studied, the journal publishing the paper and all those to whom gratitude is extended are entirely fictional. They were created for the purpose of demonstrating the following key concerns when writing the acknowledgements for a formal research paper:

• Writing in the first person (‘I’ for a single author or ‘we’ for two or more) to offer concise but sincere acknowledgements of specific contributions to your research. • Maintaining formal language, complete sentences and a professional tone to give specific and thorough information about contributions and convey collegial gratitude. • Expressing respect and appreciation in an appropriate fashion for each and every contribution and avoiding artificial or excessive flattery. • Using the complete names and preferred name formats for individuals, funding agencies, libraries, businesses and other organisations. Here, for example, I posit that the library holding the relevant manuscript has indicated that the name of the collection (lengthy though it is) should not be abbreviated. • Acknowledging contributions to your research and paper in the order that best represents the nature and importance of those contributions. The assistance of the author’s mentor comes first here, for instance, whereas the language editor is acknowledged much further down the list. • Meeting the requirements for acknowledgements set by the journal or other publisher of the research paper. For the example below, the goal is to record all relevant contributions to the research and paper in a single brief Acknowledgements section of 500 words or less – a set of parameters that would suit the acknowledgement requirements or expectations of many academic and scientific journals and even fit into a footnote or endnote if necessary.

Example Acknowledgements for an Academic Research Paper This paper and the research behind it would not have been possible without the exceptional support of my supervisor, Lawrence Magister. His enthusiasm, knowledge and exacting attention to detail have been an inspiration and kept my work on track from my first encounter with the log books of British Naval Ships MS VII.2.77 to the final draft of this paper. Margaret Kempis and Matthew Brown, my colleagues at Western University, have also looked over my transcriptions and answered with unfailing patience numerous questions about the language and hands of British Naval Ships MS VII.2.77. Samantha McKenzie, head librarian of the Southern Region Central Collegiate Library Special Collections and Microfilms Department where British Naval Ships MS VII.2.77 currently resides, not only provided colour images of the manuscript overnight, but unexpectedly shared the invaluable information on the book that she has been gathering for almost twenty years. I am also grateful for the insightful comments offered by the anonymous peer reviewers at Books & Texts. The generosity and expertise of one and all have improved this study in innumerable ways and saved me from many errors; those that inevitably remain are entirely my own responsibility.

Studying British Naval Ships MS VII.2.77 has proved extremely costly and I am most thankful for the Western University Doctoral Fellowship that has provided financial support for the larger project from which this paper grew. A travel grant from the Literary Society of the Southern Region turned the hope of working in person with British Naval Ships MS VII.2.77 into a reality, and the generous offer of free accommodation from Ms McKay (Samantha McKenzie’s aunt) allowed me to continue my research with the book much longer than I could have hoped. The final design of the complicated transcription tables in Appendices I–III is the creative and technical work of Sam Stone at A+AcaSciTables.com, and the language and format of the paper have benefited enormously from the academic editing services of Veronica Perfect. Finally, it is with true pleasure that I acknowledge the contributions of my amazing partner, Kendric James, who has given up many a Friday evening and Sunday afternoon to read every version of this paper and the responses it has generated with a combination of compassion and criticism that only he could muster for what he fondly calls ‘my odd obsession with books about the sea.’

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Acknowledgement in Research Paper | How to Write | Perfect Example

What is acknowledgement in research paper?

Acknowledgement in a research paper is the section where the author expresses gratitude to individuals and organizations who have contributed to the completion of the study. This section is usually placed at the beginning or end of the paper and is an important part of the research process. It allows the author to recognize the support, assistance, and guidance they have received from others in the course of their research.

What is the purpose of acknowledgement in research paper?

The acknowledgement section is an opportunity for the author to show appreciation for anyone who has helped them in the research process, including mentors, advisors, colleagues, and funding agencies. It is also a way to acknowledge the contributions of participants, interviewees, or anyone else who has played a role in the study.

Acknowledgements can also include thanks to individuals who have provided critical feedback, technical assistance, or resources that have been essential to the research project. Overall, this section is a way for the author to show their appreciation for the collaborative and supportive nature of the research community.

How to write acknowledgement in research paper?

Identify Key Contributors : Make a list of individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to your research. This includes advisors, mentors, collaborators, funders, participants, and institutions.
Understand the Purpose : Acknowledgments are meant to recognize and thank those who have supported or contributed to your research in various ways. Understand the purpose of this section is to express gratitude and recognize their contributions.
Be Genuine and Specific : Your acknowledgments should be sincere and specific. Avoid generic expressions of thanks and instead, mention the specific contributions each person or organization made to your research.
Start with Formality : Begin your acknowledgment section with a formal tone and expression of gratitude. Address individuals with their appropriate titles, such as Dr., Prof., Mr., or Ms., and mention any institutional affiliations if relevant.
Personalize Your Thanks : Tailor your acknowledgments to acknowledge each individual’s specific contributions. Mention how their support, guidance, or expertise influenced your research or contributed to its success.
Maintain Professionalism : While acknowledgments can be personal, maintain a professional tone and avoid overly informal language or colloquialisms. Remember that this section is part of your scholarly work.
Consider Cultural Sensitivities : Be mindful of cultural norms and sensitivities when expressing gratitude, especially if your research involves international collaborations. Tailor your acknowledgments to reflect cultural expectations or customs, as appropriate.
Proofread Carefully : Ensure your acknowledgments are free of grammatical errors and typos. Take the time to review and edit this section to ensure clarity and coherence.
Respect Space Limitations : While it’s important to acknowledge all key contributors, be mindful of space limitations in your research paper. Prioritize mentioning those who made significant contributions while being respectful of length constraints.
End on a Positive Note : Conclude your acknowledgment section with a positive and appreciative tone. Express your gratitude to everyone who supported your research journey, including family, friends, colleagues, and institutions.

Example of Acknowledgement in Research

I am immensely grateful to the individuals and organizations whose support and guidance have been instrumental in the completion of this research paper. Their assistance and expertise have significantly contributed to the development and refinement of my study.

Firstly, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Aurora Rivera, my mentor and advisor throughout this research journey. Her insightful feedback, encouragement, and scholarly guidance have been invaluable in shaping the direction and methodology of my study.

I am also deeply thankful to Mr. Santiago Cruz, Director of Research at the Philippine Social Sciences Institute, for his generous support and assistance in accessing research resources. His expertise and encouragement have greatly facilitated the progress of my research.

Special gratitude is extended to my research collaborators, including Dr. Sofia Ramirez and Mr. Miguel Hernandez, for their collaborative efforts and insightful perspectives that have enriched the depth and analysis of my research findings.

I would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the staff and researchers at the Philippine Research Center for Social Sciences, whose support and expertise have been indispensable in navigating complex research methodologies and data analysis.

Furthermore, I extend my sincere appreciation to the participants of my study for their cooperation and willingness to share their experiences, which have provided essential insights and perspectives.

I wish to express my profound gratitude to my family and friends for their unwavering support, encouragement, and understanding throughout this research endeavor. Their belief in my abilities has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration.

Acknowledgement in Research Paper Example

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and institutions whose unwavering support has been indispensable in the completion of this research paper. Their guidance, encouragement, and expertise have greatly contributed to the success of our study.

Firstly, we express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Juanita Cruz, Professor of Economics at the University of the Philippines, for her invaluable mentorship and insightful feedback throughout the research process. Her expertise in the field has been instrumental in shaping the direction of our study.

We are also indebted to Dr. Manuel Reyes, Director of the Philippine Economic Development Institute, for his generous assistance and provision of research resources. His support has been pivotal in enhancing the quality and depth of our analysis.

Special thanks are extended to our research collaborators, including Dr. Sofia Garcia from the Department of Political Science at Ateneo de Manila University, and Dr. Miguel Hernandez from the Department of Sociology at Mapua University. Their collaboration and expertise have enriched our research with diverse perspectives and profound insights.

We would like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by the staff and researchers at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, who generously shared their knowledge and resources throughout the duration of our study.

Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to the participants of our study, whose cooperation and willingness to share their experiences have been instrumental in shaping our findings.

Acknowledgement for Thesis
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How to Draft the Acknowledgment Section of a Manuscript

What is the Purpose of the Acknowledgements Section in a Research Paper?

The acknowledgment section is an integral part of all academic research papers. It provides appropriate recognition to all contributors for their hard work. We discuss here, the relevant guidelines for acknowledging contributors.

Defining Who Is Acknowledged

The acknowledgment section helps identify the contributors responsible for specific parts of the project. It can include:

Non-authors (colleagues, friends, supervisor, etc.)
Funding sources
Editing services ,
Administrative staff

In academic writing, the information presented in the acknowledgment section should be kept brief. It should only mention people directly involved with the project. In other words, one should not consider thanking ones’ parents for moral and financial support.

Acknowledging contributors is necessary. However, you must know the difference between an author and a contributor . The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors ( ICMJE ) defines four criteria to assign authorship.

He or she has to have

Made substantial conceptual or design contributions or gathered and analyzed important data, and
Either helped draft or critically revise the paper in keeping with important intellectual content, and
Provided final approval before publishing, and
Agreed to be accountable for the accuracy of the work

These authors and their affiliations will be listed at the beginning of the paper. The “corresponding author” will also be listed a second time and will directly correspond with the journal to ensure documentation requirements are met.

Many journals now ask that you provide the role of each author in your acknowledgment section. For example, a typical statement of authors’ contributions might be as follows (note that only last names are used unless ambiguous):

Smith conducted the data analysis and created the tables and figures. Jones provided his technological expertise for GIS tracking. Johnson provided a factual review and helped edit the manuscript.

This type of acknowledgment provides your reader with a good sense of who was responsible for each part of your research and manuscript.

Non-Author Contributors

There are many people involved in a research project who are not authors but have provided valuable contributions. For example, one person’s responsibility might be to seek project funding; another’s might be to supervise laboratory staff. A few others might have provided valuable services such as technical editing and writing or offering help in reviewing and revising the manuscript for grammar and syntax. These people should also be mentioned in the acknowledgment section of your manuscript.

Acknowledgment should also be provided for writing assistance, technical editing, language editing, and proofreading . Therefore, editing companies need to be duly acknowledged in professionally edited manuscripts as per the ICMJE guidelines.

It is necessary to acknowledge editing companies in professionally edited manuscripts, even though these companies are paid for their work.

Acknowledgment Format

Unlike the main body of your paper, the format for your acknowledgment section can be more personal. It is permissible to use personal pronouns in this section. For example,

I thank the following individuals for their expertise and assistance throughout all aspects of our study and for their help in writing the manuscript.

Keep in mind that many guidelines indicate that funding sources be listed separately from the acknowledgment section. In addition, the sources (funding agencies) might have specific guidelines that you must follow. Please be sure to comply with these sources and your author guidelines.

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Acknowledgments and References

Acknowledgments.

This usually follows the Discussion and Conclusions sections. Its purpose is to thank all of the people who helped with the research but did not qualify for authorship (check the target journal’s Instructions for Authors for authorship guidelines). Acknowledge anyone who provided intellectual assistance, technical help (including with writing and editing), or special equipment or materials.

TIP: The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors has detailed guidelines on who to list as an author and who to include in the Acknowledgments that are useful for scientists in all fields.

Some journals request that you use this section to provide information about funding by including specific grant numbers and titles. Check your target journal’s instruction for authors for specific instructions. If you need to include funding information, list the name(s) of the funding organization(s) in full, and identify which authors received funding for what.

As references have an important role in many parts of a manuscript, failure to sufficiently cite other work can reduce your chances of being published. Every statement of fact or description of previous findings requires a supporting reference.

TIP: Be sure to cite publications whose results disagree with yours. Not citing conflicting work will make readers wonder whether you are really familiar with the research literature. Citing conflicting work is also a chance to explain why you think your results are different.

It is also important to be concise. You need to meet all the above needs without overwhelming the reader with too many references—only the most relevant and recent articles need to be cited. There is no correct number of references for a manuscript, but be sure to check the journal’s guidelines to see whether it has limits on numbers of references.

TIP: Never cite a publication based on what you have read in a different publication (such as a review), or based only on the publication’s abstract. These may mislead you and readers. Read the publication itself before you cite it, and then check the accuracy of the citation again before submitting your manuscript.

You should reference other work to:

Establish the origin of ideas

When you refer to an idea or theory, it is important to let your readers know which researcher(s) came up with the idea. By citing publications that have influenced your own work, you give credit to the authors and help others evaluate the importance of particular publications. Acknowledging others’ contributions is also an important ethical principle.

Justify claims

In a scientific manuscript, all statements must be supported with evidence. This evidence can come from the results of the current research, common knowledge, or from previous publications. A citation after a claim makes it clear which previous study supports the claim.

Provide a context for your work

By highlighting related works, citations help show how a manuscript fits into the bigger picture of scientific research. When readers understand what previous studies found and what puzzles or controversies your study relates to, they will better understand the meaning of your work.

Show there is interest your field of research

Citations show that other researchers are performing work similar to your own. Having current citations will help journal editors see that there is a potential audience for your manuscript.

Back │ Next

Acknowledgement Letter

Get All Types Of Acknowledgement Samples.

How To Write Acknowledgement For Research Paper

Post by Ruben Patel Leave a Comment

If you are thinking about How To Write Acknowledgment For Research Paper then you have come to the right place.

An acknowledgement section in a research paper is a place where you can express your gratitude to the people who have helped you with your research. This could include anyone who has provided support , guidance , or assistance during the research process.

For example, you might thank your advisors or professors for their guidance, your colleagues for their collaboration, librarians, lab assistants or a funding agency for their financial support and anyone else who has contributed to your research.

It is common to include an acknowledgement section in the beginning of a research paper, usually after the abstract and before the main body of the paper. The acknowledgement should be brief and to the point, and it is generally written in a formal, professional tone. You should avoid using casual language or personal anecdotes in this section.

The purpose of an acknowledgement is to express your gratitude to the people who have helped you with your research. It is a way to show that you appreciate the support and contributions of others, and it is an opportunity to thank them for their assistance. By including an acknowledgement in your research paper, you demonstrate that you are grateful for the help and support you have received, and you recognize the role that others have played in your research.

Here are some tips for writing an acknowledgement for a research paper:

Start by thanking the people who have directly supported your research, such as your advisors and colleagues.
Mention any funding agencies or organizations that provided financial support for your research.
If you received assistance from librarians or other research staff, be sure to thank them as well.
If you received help from any other individuals, such as lab assistants or research participants, be sure to include them in your acknowledgement.
Keep your acknowledgement brief and to the point. You don’t need to go into great detail about the contributions of each person you are thanking.
Use a formal, professional tone in your acknowledgement. This is not the place for casual language or personal anecdotes.

Here are a few acknowledgement samples for your research paper –

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement For Research Paper Sample

We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed to the success of this research project.

First and foremost, we would like to thank our primary supervisor, [Name], for their guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the entire process. Their mentorship and expertise were invaluable in helping us to shape the direction of our research and to bring our ideas to fruition.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the members of our research team, [Names], who provided valuable input, insights, and assistance at every stage of the project. Their contributions were critical to the success of this research, and we are deeply grateful for their hard work and dedication.

We would also like to thank the organizations and individuals who provided financial support for this research, including [Name] and [Name]. Without their generous contributions, this project would not have been possible.

Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the participants in our study, who generously shared their time, experiences, and insights with us. Their willingness to engage with our research was essential to the success of this project, and we are deeply grateful for their participation.

Overall, this research project would not have been possible without the support and contributions of so many people. We are deeply grateful to all of those who helped to make this project a reality, and we hope that our findings will make a meaningful contribution to the field.

Read Also: Get 15+ Acknowledgement Samples

Sample Acknowledgement For Research Paper

The completion of this research project would not have been possible without the contributions and support of many individuals and organizations. We are deeply grateful to all those who played a role in the success of this project.

We would like to thank [Name] for their invaluable input and support throughout the research process. Their insights and expertise were instrumental in shaping the direction of this project.

In addition, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the participants in our study, who generously shared their time, experiences, and insights with us. Their willingness to engage with our research was essential to the success of this project, and we are deeply grateful for their participation.

Small Acknowledgement Sample For Research Paper

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our advisors, Dr. Spirt Kular and Dr. Sonney Deom, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the research process. We also wish to thank the XYZ Foundation for their financial support, as well as the librarians at the ABC Library for their assistance in finding the necessary research materials. Finally, we are grateful to all of the research participants who generously gave their time and effort to this project.

You can take the help online paraphrasing tool when crafting an acknowledgment for a research paper. They help you manipulate the formal tone of your text according to your needs and make sure your text stays sincere and relevant.

Using the paraphrase tool , you can express specific appreciation for individual contributions that fit the unique context of the paper. Ultimately, you write an acknowledgment that is as personalized and meaningful as possible.

Note: It’s important to note that the specific language and tone of your acknowledgement will depend on the context and the nature of the contributions made by the individuals or organizations you are thanking. It’s a good idea to be specific and sincere in your appreciation, and to tailor your acknowledgement to the specific contributions that were made.

Conclusion On How To Write Acknowledgement For Research Paper

In conclusion, writing an acknowledgement for a research paper is a crucial step in recognizing the contributions of others to your work. It is a way to show gratitude to those who have provided assistance, support, and guidance throughout the research process. When writing an acknowledgement, it is important to be sincere and specific in thanking those who have helped you. Be sure to mention individuals by name, and specify their roles and contributions.

Additionally, make sure to follow any specific guidelines or requirements for formatting and presenting the acknowledgement in your research paper. By following these tips, you can effectively convey your appreciation and recognition of the help you received while completing your research.

Read Also: Master Thesis Acknowledgement Sample

FAQs On How To Write Acknowledgement For Research Paper

1) What is a good sentence for acknowledgement? Ans: “I appreciate your efforts in completing this project on time.” “I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication you have shown during this challenging year.” “I am grateful for your support and understanding during this difficult time.” It’s important to note that the specific wording and tone of an acknowledgement will depend on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the person being acknowledged.

2) Is conclusion and acknowledgement same? Ans: The conclusion is the final part of a written work that summarizes the main points and arguments. Acknowledgement is the act of recognizing or thanking someone or something for their contribution. These two things are often used in different contexts and for different purposes.

3) Who should I include in my acknowledgement for a research paper? Ans: It is appropriate to include anyone who has contributed significantly to your research, such as a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. You may also want to thank any individuals or organizations that provided financial or logistical support.

4) How should I structure my acknowledgement for a research paper? Ans: The structure of your acknowledgement will depend on the specific guidelines of the journal or publication you are submitting to. In general, it is common to include a brief paragraph at the beginning of the paper expressing your gratitude to those who have helped with the research. You can then list the names of the individuals or organizations you are thanking, along with a brief description of their contributions.

5) Is it necessary to include an acknowledgement in my research paper? Ans: It is not always required to include an acknowledgement in a research paper, but it is a common practice and can be a good way to show appreciation for the help and support you received during the research process.

6) Can I include personal thanks in my acknowledgement for a research paper? Ans: It is generally acceptable to include personal thanks in your acknowledgement, as long as it is done in a professional and respectful manner. You may want to thank family members or friends who provided emotional support during the research process, but be mindful of maintaining a professional tone and not going into too much detail about personal matters.

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Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Published on 4 May 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on 4 November 2022.

The acknowledgements section is your opportunity to thank those who have helped and supported you personally and professionally during your thesis or dissertation process.

Thesis or dissertation acknowledgements appear between your title page and abstract and should be no longer than one page.

To get started, download our step-by-step template in the format of your choice below. We’ve also included sample sentence starters to help you construct your acknowledgments section from scratch.

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Who to thank in your acknowledgements, how to write acknowledgements, acknowledgements section example, acknowledgements dos and don’ts, frequently asked questions.

Generally, there are two main categories of acknowledgements: professional and personal .

Chairs, supervisors, or defence committees
Funding bodies
Other academics (e.g., colleagues or cohort members)
Editors or proofreaders
Librarians, research/laboratory assistants, or study participants
Family, friends, or pets

Typically, it’s only necessary to mention people who directly supported you during your thesis or dissertation. However, if you feel that someone like a secondary school physics teacher was a great inspiration on the path to your current research, feel free to include them as well.

Professional acknowledgements

A few things to keep in mind include:

Even if you feel your chair didn’t help you very much, you should still thank them first to avoid looking like you’re snubbing them.
Be sure to follow academic conventions, using full names with titles where appropriate.
If several members of a group or organisation assisted you, mention the collective name only.
Remember the ethical considerations around anonymised data. If you wish to protect someone’s privacy, use only their first name or a generic identifier (such as ‘the interviewees’).

Personal acknowledgements

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After you’ve compiled a list of who you’d like to thank, you can then sort your list into rank order. Separate everyone you listed into ‘major thanks’, ‘big thanks’, and ‘minor thanks’ categories.

‘Major thanks’ are given to people who your project would be impossible without. These are often predominantly professional acknowledgements, such as your advisor , chair, and committee, as well as any funders.
‘Big thanks’ are an in-between, for those who helped you along the way or helped you grow intellectually, such as classmates, peers, or librarians.
‘Minor thanks’ can be a catch-all for everyone else, especially those who offered moral support or encouragement. This can include personal acknowledgements, such as parents, partners, children, friends, or even pets.

How to phrase your acknowledgements

To avoid acknowledgements that sound repetitive or dull, consider changing up your phrasing. Here are some examples of common sentence starters you can use for each category.

Common sentence starters
Major thanks	Big thanks	Minor thanks

Note that you do not need to write any sort of conclusion or summary at the end. You can simply end the acknowledgements with your last thank-you.

Here’s an example of how you can combine the different sentences to write your acknowledgements.

Acknowledgements

Write in first-person, professional language
Thank your professional contacts first
Include full names, titles, and roles of professional acknowledgements
Include personal or intangible supporters, like friends, family, or even pets
Mention funding bodies and what they funded
Appropriately anonymise or group research participants or non-individual acknowledgments

Don’t:

Use informal language or slang
Go over one page in length
Mention people who had only a peripheral or minor impact on your work

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

You may acknowledge God in your thesis or dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the relevant members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you still should acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis or dissertation, directly after the title page and before the abstract .

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

George, T. (2022, November 04). Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 24 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/acknowledgements/

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Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis and Dissertations – Explained
Doing a PhD

The Purpose of Acknowledgements

The acknowledgement section of a thesis or dissertation is where you recognise and thank those who supported you during your PhD. This can be but is not limited to individuals, institutions or organisations.

Although your acknowledgements will not be used to evaluate your work, it is still an important section of your thesis. This is because it can have a positive (or negative for that matter) influence the perception of your reader before they even reach the main body of your work.

Who Should I Acknowledge?

Acknowledgements for a PhD thesis will typically fall into one of two categories – professional or personal.

Within these categories, who you thank will ultimately be your decision. However, it’s imperative that you pay special attention to the ‘professional’ group. This is because not thanking someone who has played an important role in your studies, whether it be intentional or accidental, will more often than not be seen as a dismissal of their efforts. Not only would this be unfair if they genuinely helped you, but from a certain political aspect, it could also jeopardise any opportunities for future collaborations .

Professional Acknowledgements

This may include, but is not limited to:

Funding bodies/sponsorship providers
Supervisors
Research group and lab assistants
Research participants
Proofreaders

Personal Acknowledgements

Key family members and friends
Individuals who inspired you or directly influenced your academic journey
Anyone else who has provided personal support that you would like to mention

It should be noted that certain universities have policies which state only those who have directly supported your work, such as supervisors and professors, should be included in your acknowledgements. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you read your university guidelines before writing this section of your thesis.

How to Write Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis

When producing this section, your writing style can be more informal compared to the rest of your thesis. This includes writing in first person and using more emotive language. Although in most cases you will have complete freedom in how you write this section of your thesis, it is still highly advisable to keep it professional. As mentioned earlier, this is largely because it will be one of the first things your assessors will read, and so it will help set the tone for the rest of your work.

In terms of its structure, acknowledgements are expected to be ordered in a manner that first recognises the most formal support before moving onto the less formal support. In most cases, this follows the same order that we have outlined in the ‘Who Should I Thank’ section.

When thanking professionals, always write out their full name and provide their title. This is because although you may be on a first-name basis with them, those who read your thesis will not. By providing full names and titles, not only do you help ensure clarity, but it could also indirectly contribute to the credibility of your thesis should the individual you’re thanking be well known within your field.

If you intend to include a list of people from one institution or organisation, it is best to list their names in alphabetical order. The exception to this is when a particular individual has been of significant assistance; here, it would be advisable to list them.

How Long Should My Acknowledgements Be?

Acknowledgements vary considerably in length. Some are a single paragraph whilst some continue for up to three pages. The length of your acknowledgement page will mostly depend on the number of individuals you want to recognise.

As a general rule, try to keep your acknowledgements section to a single page. Although there are no word limits, creating a lengthy acknowledgements section dilutes the gratitude you’re trying to express, especially to those who have supported you the most.

Where Should My Acknowledgements Go?

In the vast majority of cases, your acknowledgements should appear directly after your abstract and before your table of contents.

However, we highly advise you to check your university guidelines as a few universities set out their own specific order which they will expect you to follow.

Phrases to Help You Get Started

Dissertation acknowledgements example for researchers and PhD students

We appreciate how difficult it can be to truly show how grateful you are to those who have supported you over the years, especially in words.

To help you get started, we’ve provided you with a few examples of sentences that you can complete or draw ideas from.

I am deeply grateful to XXX…
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to XXX…
I would like to offer my special thanks to XXX…
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to XXX…
…for their assistance at every stage of the research project.
…for their insightful comments and suggestions.
…for their contribution to XXX.
…for their unwavering support and belief in me.

Thesis Acknowledgement Examples

Below are three PhD thesis acknowledgment samples from which you can draw inspiration. It should be noted that the following have been extracted from theses which are freely available in the public domain. Irrespective of this, references to any individual, department or university have been removed for the sake of privacy.

First and foremost I am extremely grateful to my supervisors, Prof. XXX and Dr. XXX for their invaluable advice, continuous support, and patience during my PhD study. Their immense knowledge and plentiful experience have encouraged me in all the time of my academic research and daily life. I would also like to thank Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for their technical support on my study. I would like to thank all the members in the XXX. It is their kind help and support that have made my study and life in the UK a wonderful time. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my parents, my wife and my children. Without their tremendous understanding and encouragement in the past few years, it would be impossible for me to complete my study.

I would like to thank my supervisors Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for all their help and advice with this PhD. I would also like to thank my sisters, whom without this would have not been possible. I also appreciate all the support I received from the rest of my family. Lastly, I would like to thank the XXX for the studentship that allowed me to conduct this thesis.

I would like to thank my esteemed supervisor – Dr. XXX for his invaluable supervision, support and tutelage during the course of my PhD degree. My gratitude extends to the Faculty of XXX for the funding opportunity to undertake my studies at the Department of XXX, University of XXX. Additionally, I would like to express gratitude to Dr. XXX for her treasured support which was really influential in shaping my experiment methods and critiquing my results. I also thank Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX for their mentorship. I would like to thank my friends, lab mates, colleagues and research team – XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX for a cherished time spent together in the lab, and in social settings. My appreciation also goes out to my family and friends for their encouragement and support all through my studies.

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Academia Bees

Acknowledgement for Thesis (10 Samples and Writing Tips)

October 22, 2023

No Comments

By Mohsin Khurshid

Acknowledging those who contributed to your thesis is a gracious gesture, reflecting your appreciation for their support, both moral and material. This article delves into the art of crafting a meaningful acknowledgment in your thesis, highlighting its importance, and offering valuable samples.

Table of Contents

1 Tips on Writing Acknowledgement for Thesis
2.1 Acknowledgement Sample for Thesis
2.2 Acknowledgement for Thesis Submission
2.3 Acknowledgement for Thesis Report
2.4 Beautiful Thesis Acknowledgement
2.5 Acknowledging God in Thesis
2.6 Funny Thesis Acknowledgement
2.7 Acknowledgement in Thesis Writing
2.8 Thesis Acknowledgement Sample
2.9 Example of Acknowledgement in Thesis
2.10 Sample Acknowledgement Letter for Thesis
4 Conclusion

Tips on Writing Acknowledgement for Thesis

Sincerity is Key: Ensure your acknowledgment reflects genuine gratitude.
Be Specific: Mention names and their roles clearly.
Professional Tone: Maintain a formal but heartfelt tone.
Brevity Matters: Keep it concise, focusing on key contributors.

Best Acknowledgement for Thesis Samples

In this article, you’ll find ten meticulously crafted thesis acknowledgment examples, showcasing diverse styles and sentiments to help inspire your own. Whether it’s mentors, family, or colleagues, you’ll discover the perfect way to convey your gratitude.

Acknowledgement Sample for Thesis

I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who played a role in guiding and supporting me throughout this thesis journey. I owe a special debt of gratitude to my thesis supervisor, Dr. [Supervisor’s Name], whose invaluable insights and guidance were instrumental in shaping this work. Their unwavering dedication to academic excellence was a constant source of motivation.

I must also express my heartfelt thanks to my family and friends who provided me with unwavering emotional support during the ups and downs of this project. Your unwavering belief in me, along with constructive feedback, was essential in navigating the challenges that arose throughout the process.

Acknowledgement for Thesis Submission

As I submit this thesis, it’s only fitting to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who contributed to its realization. My deepest thanks to my thesis advisor, [Advisor’s Name], whose expert guidance and unwavering support made this journey possible. Their dedication to nurturing academic excellence inspired me throughout.

I’m also indebted to my family and friends for the unwavering encouragement and emotional support they provided during this academic endeavor. Their steadfast belief in my abilities carried me through challenging times, and I am deeply appreciative of their contributions to my success.

Acknowledgement for Thesis Report

The completion of this thesis report is a significant milestone, and it wouldn’t have been attainable without the contributions of many. I am profoundly grateful to my thesis supervisor, Dr. [Supervisor’s Name], whose expertise and guidance were critical in the development of this work. Their unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence served as a constant source of inspiration.

I also wish to convey my appreciation to my family and friends for their enduring support and encouragement throughout this journey. Their belief in me provided the motivation to persevere during challenging periods, and I am truly thankful for their unwavering support.

Beautiful Thesis Acknowledgement

In this moment of achievement, it’s essential to express my gratitude to those who made this thesis journey beautiful. I extend my deepest appreciation to my thesis mentor, [Mentor’s Name], whose profound wisdom and continuous support have transformed my academic path. Their unwavering dedication to academic excellence was a shining example.

My heartfelt thanks go out to my family, friends, and loved ones, who have been a source of motivation and joy throughout this thesis project. Your unwavering belief in me, combined with your uplifting presence, painted this journey with beautiful colors and made it truly remarkable.

Acknowledging God in Thesis

As I complete this thesis, I wish to acknowledge the divine presence that guided me throughout this scholarly endeavor. My sincerest gratitude to the Almighty for granting me the strength, wisdom, and determination to bring this work to fruition. I acknowledge the blessings that have enabled me to pursue knowledge and produce this thesis.

Funny Thesis Acknowledgement

Completing this thesis was no easy feat, and I’d like to offer a lighthearted acknowledgment to those who contributed to the humor in this journey. My gratitude goes to my witty friends, who provided comic relief during stressful times, and my family, who managed to lighten the mood when needed. Laughter truly was the best medicine!

Acknowledgement in Thesis Writing

Acknowledging the completion of this thesis is a momentous task, and I want to express my appreciation for everyone who played a role. To begin, I’d like to thank my thesis advisor, [Advisor’s Name], whose expert guidance and patience were invaluable. Their wisdom and insights greatly contributed to the quality of this thesis.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to my colleagues and friends who offered support and encouragement. Their discussions and shared experiences enriched my work, and I’m grateful for their camaraderie.

Thesis Acknowledgement Sample

In writing this thesis, I’ve learned that acknowledgment is a fundamental part of scholarly work. With this sample, I aim to express my thanks to those who influenced and supported me. Firstly, I’m deeply indebted to my thesis supervisor, [Supervisor’s Name], whose unwavering commitment to research excellence has been a guiding light.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of my peers and the resources offered by the university. Their combined efforts have molded this thesis into what it is today.

Example of Acknowledgement in Thesis

For your reference, here’s an example of how acknowledgments can be included in a thesis. I am profoundly thankful to my thesis advisor, [Advisor’s Name], for their invaluable support and mentorship throughout this research journey. Their guidance was instrumental in shaping the research’s direction.

I also appreciate the guidance from my colleagues and the research resources that this institution provided. The synergy of all these factors, including my hard work and dedication, culminated in the completion of this thesis.

Sample Acknowledgement Letter for Thesis

Dear [Advisor’s Name],

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and guidance throughout the completion of my thesis. Your expertise, patience, and commitment to academic excellence have been a cornerstone of my research journey. Your thoughtful feedback and constant encouragement have not only honed my skills but also enriched the quality of this thesis.

I’d also like to acknowledge the contributions of my fellow researchers and the resources provided by our institution. Their collaborative efforts and the wealth of research materials and opportunities available have significantly influenced the outcome of this thesis.

This acknowledgement extends to my family and friends, whose belief in my abilities and encouragement have provided the emotional sustenance needed to complete this challenging task. Their unwavering support has been my motivation.

With gratitude,

[Your Name]

Sample Acknowledgement Letter for Thesis by AcademiaBees

How to Write Acknowledgement for Thesis?

Writing an acknowledgement for your thesis involves expressing gratitude to the individuals and institutions that supported your research. Start by acknowledging your primary thesis advisor, followed by other mentors, colleagues, and family. Keep it concise and heartfelt, focusing on the contributions and support they provided. Remember to include any funding sources or institutions that aided your research.

What to Put in Acknowledgement Section of Thesis?

In the acknowledgement section of your thesis, you should express gratitude to the people and organizations who contributed to your research. This includes your thesis advisor, mentors, colleagues, and family. Be sure to mention any funding sources, grants, or institutions that supported your work. Keep the acknowledgements concise and focus on the assistance, guidance, and encouragement you received during your research.

What Are Some Thesis Acknowledgement Quotes?

“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” – William Shakespeare

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Acknowledgment is the first step of paying it forward.” – Robert Bach

An acknowledgement of thesis is more than just a formality; it embodies your gratitude and appreciation. As you explore the samples and gather inspiration from the tips provided, remember that thanking those who’ve played a part in your academic journey is not only courteous but also profoundly meaningful.

Acknowledgement to God for Project and Thesis (5 Samples)

Acknowledgement sample for undergraduate thesis (5 samples), leave a comment cancel reply.

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How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

Published by Owen Ingram at August 13th, 2021 , Revised On August 29, 2023

Acknowledging someone means thanking them. The acknowledgement section in a dissertation is used to express gratitude towards all those who have helped you prepare the dissertation.

Both professional and personal acknowledgements can be included in it. The acknowledgement section comes in between the title page and the abstract page . It is best suited to be on one page.

The writer has the liberty to use personal pronouns (I, we, my, etc) in this section, as this section allows more of an informal way of writing. Here is a quick guide to help you understand how to write acknowledgements for your own dissertation .

Dissertation Acknowledgement Example

Let’s start with an example, so you have an idea of the basics, to begin with.

How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements?

“I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support of my supervisor, Dr. Smith, whose insights and feedback were invaluable throughout this journey. I also extend my appreciation to my family for their unwavering encouragement and to my friends for their understanding during this endeavor.”

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How do you write an acknowledgement section without having anything to acknowledge?

If a journal requires an acknowledgement section, but you have nothing to acknowledge, how is this put best?

"The authors have nothing to acknowledge."? This sounds a bit arrogant to me.

The formatting instructions say : "Must be brief and must not include thanks to Editors or referees, effusive comments or dedications." It is given as optional; yet, the editor asked for it for the second time now.

publications
paper-submission
acknowledgement

1 I removed a bunch of obsolete comments, some of which attempted at answering the question. Please make them proper answers because comments cannot be downvoted, edited or marked as accepted answers, bypassing the site's quality feedback. – Massimo Ortolano Commented Jul 16, 2021 at 18:06

5 Answers 5

This research has received no external funding.

or something along those lines - or simply respond to the editor that you have not received any external funding, and thus do not see the need for an acknowledgement section.

One possibility is simply to extend your gratitutde to the reviewers and the editors.

According to this paper , the acknowledgement section can be quite hetereogeneous and can comprise the following sections. Perhaps you will find some inspiration here:

Financial disclosure
Conflict of interest
Disclaimer (Ex.: " The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. ")
Peer communication (Ex.: " NN provided insightful discussions .")
Investigation and Analysis
Supervision and Management (Ex.: " Research included in this review was partly completed at the University XYZ under the supervision of NN. ")
Materials and Resources
Dissemination
Organization (Ex.: " The second author would like to thank Organization XYZ. ")
Combination
Vague or other (Ex.: " We thank NN for their contribution during various stages of the paper preparation. ")

11 The formatting instructions say: "Must be brief and must not include thanks to Editors or referees, effusive comments or dedications." nature.com/documents/ncomms-formatting-instructions.pdf – Libavi Commented Jul 14, 2021 at 11:17
21 @Libavius the instructions you link to for the Acknowledgements section clearly indicate that that section is “optional”. I think you are simply misinterpreting “must be brief” as “must be included, and be brief”, when what it actually means is “must be brief if included”. – Dan Romik Commented Jul 14, 2021 at 15:30
61 "No undergrads were harmed in the writing of this paper." – Paul Price Commented Jul 14, 2021 at 22:18
1 @PaulPrice isn't that an oxymoron? :) – Prof. Falken Commented Jul 15, 2021 at 12:15
@PaulPrice Pretty sure that the IRB wouldn't be too happy if they were. – nick012000 Commented Jul 16, 2021 at 6:26

When you don’t have anything to acknowledge, there is no logical reason to include an acknowledgements section. I speculate that almost no reputable journal will insist on you adding such a section, or, if they do insist because they do have some logical reason why they want such sections included, they will provide instructions what to write in the case when the author has no one to acknowledge.

In the case in question ( the link you posted in the comments), the acknowledgements section is explicitly indicated as “optional”. Since you say the editor asked about it, tell them you will not be including an acknowledgements section. I hardly see how the editor can go against their own journal’s official instructions to authors of what papers should include.

tl;dr: Just ask the journal.

There is no reason to demonstrate your superior intelligence and conclusive skills in these situations; nor are we the best people to ask. Just write the journal's editor/secretariat/point-of-contact what they want, e.g. like so:

About the submission requirement of an acknowledgement section: Can you clarify which kinds of acknowledgements are expected? I'll mention I have not received any external funding for the research underlying my paper, so there is no funding body I could acknowledge.

and they'll tell you what needs to be in there - if anything.

It is worthwhile to note that an author can succesfully submit a paper to one of the top journal of the Nature family, even if he/she/they are not able to conclude the social interaction with the editor without recurring to some sort of suggested behavior from the internet. Dictature of the masses, for the masses. Maybe there should be a IG:Academia, IG as per InstaGram ... – EarlGrey Commented Jul 15, 2021 at 10:16

If you have nothing to acknowledge then you could use the space to do a land acknowledgement or note that black lives matter. The journal may not like it but they could hardly say it's not an acknowledgement.

7 Rest of the world does not give a damn about internal US politics. This really starts to be annoying (at best). Hurting political views of your readers is probably not a good idea. Unless this is a social sciences journal because everybody will agree (or pretend to). Or nobody will read it and be hurt : ) – v1nce Commented Jul 15, 2021 at 22:07
1 Not understanding the downvotes here, the OP wants to know how to write an acknowledgement when nothing comes to mind. This answers provides US centric material to acknowledge. Downvoters may not agree or like this but there are other suggestions they also don't like and did not vote. – kwame Commented Jul 16, 2021 at 13:00
1 @Kwarme Do you want to be (mis)judged on the sole merits of your work or on your political views ? Pro Choice or pro Life statements would also be acknowledgements. And both would be wrong imho. – v1nce Commented Jul 16, 2021 at 16:21
The downvotes likely are there because people consider the answer as well as such an acknowledgement as a troll move / political stunt. And most academics like the academic work to be free of political strife and wouldn't include their own political views for the same reason. It's simply a distraction and totally goes against the spirit of papers - putting the essential information into a condensed representation. – Frank Hopkins Commented Jul 17, 2021 at 4:29

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The proportional hazards assumption was violated ( P < .001). Therefore, follow-up time was stratified by the midpoint, and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using an interaction term between follow-up period and the exposure variable. Follow-up period 1 was the first 12 years of follow-up, and follow-up period 2 was the last 15 years of follow-up. P value represents the significance of the likelihood ratio test of each effect modifier. Models were stratified by study and adjusted for sex (male or female), age at enrollment (years), race and ethnicity, education (≤11 years; 12 years, completed high school or General Educational Development; post–high school training; some college; college and postgraduate; or other), body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) category, marital status (married or living as married, divorced or separated, widowed, or never married), smoking status (never smoker, former smoker, current smoker ≤20 cigarettes/d, current smoker 21-40 cigarettes/d, or current smoker >40 cigarettes/d), alcohol consumption (0 drinks per day, <1 drink/d, 1 to <2 drinks/d, 2 to <3 drinks/d, ≥3 drinks/d), physical activity level (never, low, moderate, high), coffee intake (0 cups/d, <1 cup/d, 1 cup/d, 2-3 cups/d, 4-5 cups/d, or ≥6 cups/d), family history of cancer (yes or no), Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) quartile (quartile 1, 21.55 to <60.90; quartile 2, 60.90 to <68.00; quartile 3, 68:00 to <74.20; quartile 4, 74.20 to <96.10), and use of individual supplements (yes or no). NA indicates not applicable.

The proportional hazards assumption was violated ( P < .001). Therefore, follow-up time was stratified by the midpoint, and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using an interaction term between follow-up period and the exposure variable. Maximum follow-up time was 24 years for the AARP cohort (172 496 participants; 78 523 deaths), 27 years for the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer cohort (42 732 participants; 15 898 deaths), and 26 years for the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) cohort (19 365 participants; 3149 deaths); follow-up period 1 was the first 12 years of follow-up and follow-up period 2 was the last 15 years of follow-up. Models were adjusted sex (male or female), age at enrollment (years), race and ethnicity (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, or non-Hispanic White), education (≤11 years; 12 years, completed high school or General Educational Development; post–high school training; some college; college and postgraduate; or other), body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) category (<18.5, 18.5 to <25, 25 to <30, ≥30), marital status (married or living as married, divorced or separated, widowed, or never married), smoking status (never smoker, former smoker, current smoker ≤20 cigarettes/d, current smoker 21-40 cigarettes/d, or current smoker >40 cigarettes/d), alcohol consumption (0 drinks per day, <1 drink/d, 1 to <2 drinks/d, 2 to <3 drinks/d, ≥3 drinks/d), physical activity level (never, low, moderate, high), coffee intake (0 cups/d, <1 cup/d, 1 cup/d, 2-3 cups/d, 4-5 cups/d, or ≥6 cups/d), family history of cancer (yes or no), Healthy Eating Index 2015 quartile (NIH-AARP: quartile 1, 21.5 to <61.5; quartile 2, 61.5 to <68.6; quartile 3, 68.6 to <74.7; quartile 4, 74.7 to 98; PLCO: quartile 1, 28.5 to <60.8; quartile 2, 60.8 to <67.3; quartile 3, 67.3 to <73.1; quartile 4, 73.1 to 95; AHS: quartile 1, 21.9 to <55.3; quartile 2, 55.3 to <61.8; quartile 3, 61.8 to <68.2; quartile 4, 68.2 to 95), and use of individual supplements (yes or no).

eFigure 1. Flowchart for Final Analytic Sample

eTable 1. Baseline Characteristics of Study Participants by Cohort, According to Multivitamin Use

eTable 2. Study-Specific Hazard Ratios Between Multivitamin Use and Mortality

eFigure 2. Forest Plot of Stratified Baseline Estimates for the Association of Nondaily Multivitamin Use and All-Cause Mortality

eTable 3. Baseline Characteristics of Time-Varying Analysis Participants by Cohort, According to Multivitamin Use

Data Sharing Statement

The Limited Value of Multivitamin Supplements JAMA Network Open Invited Commentary June 26, 2024 Neal D. Barnard, MD; Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD; Roxanne Becker, MBChB

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Loftfield E , O’Connell CP , Abnet CC, et al. Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective US Cohorts. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(6):e2418729. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.18729

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Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective US Cohorts

1 Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
2 Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
3 Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
Invited Commentary The Limited Value of Multivitamin Supplements Neal D. Barnard, MD; Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD; Roxanne Becker, MBChB JAMA Network Open

Question What is the association between long-term, daily multivitamin use and mortality in generally healthy adults?

Findings In this cohort study of 390 124 generally healthy adults with more than 20 years of follow-up, daily multivitamin use was not associated with a mortality benefit.

Meaning These findings suggest that multivitamin use to improve longevity is not supported.

Importance One in 3 US adults uses multivitamins (MV), with a primary motivation being disease prevention. In 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force reviewed data on MV supplementation and mortality from randomized clinical trials and found insufficient evidence for determining benefits or harms owing, in part, to limited follow-up time and external validity.

Objective To estimate the association of MV use with mortality risk, accounting for confounding by healthy lifestyle and reverse causation whereby individuals in poor health initiate MV use.

Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used data from 3 prospective cohort studies in the US, each with baseline MV use (assessed from 1993 to 2001), and follow-up MV use (assessed from 1998 to 2004), extended duration of follow-up up to 27 years, and extensive characterization of potential confounders. Participants were adults, without a history of cancer or other chronic diseases, who participated in National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study (327 732 participants); Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (42 732 participants); or Agricultural Health Study (19 660 participants). Data were analyzed from June 2022 to April 2024.

Exposure Self-reported MV use.

Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results Among 390 124 participants (median [IQR] age, 61.5 [56.7-66.0] years; 216 202 [55.4%] male), 164 762 deaths occurred during follow-up; 159 692 participants (40.9%) were never smokers, and 157 319 participants (40.3%) were college educated. Among daily MV users, 49.3% and 42.0% were female and college educated, compared with 39.3% and 37.9% among nonusers, respectively. In contrast, 11.0% of daily users, compared with 13.0% of nonusers, were current smokers. MV use was not associated with lower all-cause mortality risk in the first (multivariable-adjusted HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07) or second (multivariable-adjusted HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.99-1.08) halves of follow-up. HRs were similar for major causes of death and time-varying analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of US adults, MV use was not associated with a mortality benefit. Still, many US adults report using MV to maintain or improve health.

In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults reports recent multivitamin (MV) use. 1 Prevalence of use is higher among older adults, women, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those with a college education. 1 Motivations for using MV include to maintain or improve health and prevent chronic disease 2 ; consequently, understanding the relationship between MV use and mortality is critically important to public health guidance. In 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reviewed data on MV supplementation and all-cause mortality from randomized clinical trials and found insufficient evidence for determining benefits or harms, owing, in part, to limited follow-up time and lack of external validity. 3 With decades of follow-up and large populations, prospective cohorts can address these limitations; however, findings from observational studies on MV use and mortality have been mixed, 4 - 20 and important issues, which may explain study heterogeneity, need to be systematically addressed. First, confounding by healthy lifestyle is a major concern, as MV users often report eating healthier diets, exercising more, and smoking cigarettes less; this phenomenon has been referred to as the healthy user effect . 21 Second, it is unclear how MV use changes over time and how such changes may affect health. One issue of concern is that patients with diagnosed disease may increase their MV intake because of perceived health benefits; this has been termed the sick user effect . 6

In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that daily MV use is associated with lower mortality risk among generally healthy US adults by leveraging data from 3 large and geographically diverse US cohorts with repeat assessments of MV use and extended follow-up for mortality outcomes. With a combined sample size exceeding 390 000 adults and 164 000 deaths, we aimed to evaluate the association of MV use with the leading causes of chronic disease–related death (ie, cardiovascular disease and cancer) and to systematically explore sources of bias that contribute to uncertainty surrounding the association between MV use and mortality.

For this cohort study, the protocol for each included cohort study was approved by the Special Studies Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Institute; the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial was also approved by the institutional review board at each of the 10 screening centers. Informed consent was obtained from participants or implied from completion and return of study questionnaires. All data used in this analysis was deidentified. Our study follows the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology ( STROBE ) reporting guideline for cohort studies.

Participants were adults in the National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study (NIH-AARP) cohort; the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial cohort; and the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) cohort (eFigure 1 in Supplement 1 ). The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study began in 1995 to 1996, when questionnaires were mailed to current AARP members who were aged 50 to 71 years and resided in 1 of 2 US metropolitan areas or 6 states. 22 Overall, 566 398 adults completed the baseline questionnaire. We excluded participants who responded via proxy (15 760 participants); died before questionnaire was received (42 participants); had self-reported or registry-confirmed cancer at baseline (50 727 participants); had self-reported diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke, or end-stage kidney disease at baseline (105 871 participants); reported extreme caloric intake (4863 participants); or were missing covariates of interest (61 403 participants). The time-varying analysis, which incorporated follow-up questionnaire data collected in 2004, included participants who were censored before the follow-up questionnaire was administered and those who completed a follow-up questionnaire.

The PLCO study was a randomized cancer-screening trial that enrolled 154 887 participants at 10 US centers between 1993 and 2001. 23 Participants were aged 55 to 74 years at baseline. A dietary questionnaire, which assessed MV use, was administered to the screening group and was considered invalid if the participant died before its completion, had more than 8 missing or multiple-frequency responses, had a missing completion date, or had extreme calorie consumption. We excluded participants who were missing a baseline questionnaire (4918 participants); had a missing or invalid dietary questionnaire (84 392 participants); had cancer (6992 participants) or self-reported a history of diabetes, myocardial infarction, or stroke (9265 participants) at baseline; or were missing covariate data (6588 participants). For the time-varying analysis, we included participants who completed a follow-up dietary history questionnaire approximately 3 years after study entry, beginning in 1998, or who were censored before the dietary history questionnaire.

The AHS enrolled 52 394 licensed pesticide applicators, 4916 commercial pesticide applicators, and 32 345 spouses of private applicators who were aged 18 years or older from Iowa and North Carolina from 1993 to 1997. 24 Using AHS Data Release Version 202210.00, we excluded participants who did not return a take-home questionnaire (32 019 participants; applicators only); died before receipt of baseline questionnaire (14 participants); were younger than 18 years at enrollment (32 participants); were out-of-state enrollees (257 participants); had self-reported or registry-confirmed cancer at baseline (3404 participants); had self-reported diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke, or kidney failure at baseline (2772 participants); did not complete a dietary history questionnaire (20 234 participants); had extreme caloric intake (546 participants); or were missing covariate data (10 717 participants). For the time-varying analysis, we included participants who completed a follow-up dietary history questionnaire, from 1999-2003, approximately 5 years after study entry.

Our final analytic sample for the complete-case, pooled analysis included 390 124 participants. The time-varying complete-case analysis included 234 593 of these participants.

In NIH-AARP, PLCO, and AHS, participants were asked on baseline and follow-up questionnaires about past supplement use. Participants who responded “yes, once per month or more” (NIH-AARP), “yes” (PLCO), or “yes, fairly regularly” (AHS) were asked specifically about frequency of MV use using predefined categories, ranging from never to every day; in subsequent questions, these participants were asked about use of other vitamins and minerals not including MV. Categories of MV use were harmonized across the 3 cohorts such that participants were classified as nonusers, nondaily users, or daily users of MV.

Potential confounders were harmonized across studies and included sex, age, self-reported race and ethnicity, education level, smoking status and intensity, body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), marital status, physical activity level, alcohol intake, coffee intake, Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), 25 other individual supplement use, and family history of cancer. In NIH-AARP, race and ethnicity were queried in the same question with the following 6 predefined categories: American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian; Black, not Hispanic; Hispanic; Pacific Islander; and White, not Hispanic. In PLCO, race was queried about using 5 predefined categories (ie, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black, Pacific Islander, and White), and Hispanic ethnicity was asked in a separate question. Black and White participants who reported Hispanic ethnicity were classified as Hispanic. In AHS, race was queried about using 5 predefined categories (ie, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, White, or other), and Hispanic ethnicity was asked in a separate question. Participants who reported Hispanic ethnicity were classified as Hispanic. To harmonize the race and ethnicity variable across the 3 cohorts, Asian and Pacific Islander categories in NIH-AARP and PLCO were combined to match AHS. Race and ethnicity data were included because these data were assessed in each of the 3 cohorts as part of the collection of demographic data.

Participants were followed from baseline MV assessment until date of death, loss to follow-up, or the end of the study period (NIH-AARP and AHS: December 31, 2019; PLCO: December 31, 2020). Death was ascertained through the National Death Index. Cause-specific mortality was ascertained from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code for underlying cause of death from death certificates. Causes of death were defined as cancer ( ICD-9 codes: 140-208, 238.6; ICD-10 codes: C00-C97), heart disease ( ICD-9 codes: 390-398, 402, 404, 410-429; ICD-10 codes: I00-I09, I11, I13, I20-I51), and cerebrovascular diseases ( ICD-9 codes: 430-438; ICD-10 codes: I60-I69). 26 For cause-specific mortality analyses, proportional hazards models were fit separately for each type of cause-specific mortality, and persons who died from other causes were censored at their date of death. 27

We conducted individual study and pooled analyses. Baseline results from the 3 studies were similar and meta-analysis indicated low between-study heterogeneity. Therefore, pooled analyses are presented as the main results. Owing to study differences in covariate assessment during follow-up, time-varying analyses were run in each cohort, and risk estimates were meta-analyzed.

First, we tabulated demographic and lifestyle factors by MV use and assessed differences for categorical and continuous variables using χ 2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively. We used Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the associations of nondaily and daily MV use, with nonusers as the reference group, with mortality risk. Time since baseline was used as the underlying time metric. We tested the proportional hazard assumption using the cox.zph function in the survival package in R statistical software version 4.2.2 (R Project for Statistical Computing). Due to violation of this assumption ( P < .001), we estimated relative risks in the first and second halves of follow-up (ie, follow-up period 1 [FP1] and follow-up period 2 [FP2], respectively) by including a binary variable for follow-up period, defined based on the midpoint of study follow-up, and the interaction term between this variable and MV use in all models.

We ran age- and sex-adjusted models and further adjusted for race and ethnicity, education, marital status, BMI, cigarette smoking, daily alcohol intake, daily coffee intake, HEI-2015, family history of cancer, and individual supplement use. All covariates, except for family history of cancer, changed at least 1 of the pooled risk coefficients by more than 10%. Multivariable-adjusted models were stratified by potential modifiers; modification was evaluated using the likelihood ratio test comparing models with and without an interaction term between the variable of interest and MV use. To assess potential bias due to unmeasured, underlying health conditions, we estimated HRs for MV use and all-cause mortality in the first 5 years, 5 to 10 years, and 10 or more years after baseline MV assessment.

In time-varying analyses, we incorporated MV use assessed approximately 9, 3, and 5 years after baseline in NIH-AARP, PLCO, and AHS, respectively. In NIH-AARP, BMI, smoking, physical activity, individual supplement use, and family history of cancer were reassessed. In PLCO, daily alcohol intake, coffee intake, HEI-2015 quartile, and individual supplement use were reassessed. In AHS, smoking, BMI, daily alcohol intake, and individual supplement use were reassessed. The survival package in R was used to run a Cox proportional hazard regression model with a time-dependent variable for MV use. Other covariates were updated where possible; otherwise, baseline data were kept constant. The R function tmerge was used to create the time-dependent dataset for these analyses. The results from the individual study time-varying analyses were meta-analyzed using a fixed-effects model. The metafor package in R was used for the meta-analysis. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed from June 2022 to April 2024.

In our analytic sample of 390 124 participants (median [IQR] age, 61.5 [56.7-66.0] years; 216 202 [55.4%] male), including 327 732 from NIH-AARP, 42 732 from PLCO, and 19 660 from AHS, there were 7 861 485 person-years of follow-up (NIH-AARP: 6 576 546 person-years; PLCO: 827 313 person-years; AHS: 457 626 person-years). A total of 164 762 participants died over the study period, with 49 836 deaths attributed to cancer, 35 060 deaths attributed to heart diseases, and 9275 attributed to cerebrovascular diseases ( Table 1 ). Participants in the AHS were younger (median [IQR] age, 47.0 [38.0-56.0] years) than participants in NIH-AARP (median [IQR] age, 61.9 [57.2-66.1] years) and PLCO (median [IQR] age, 62.0 [58.0-66.0] years), but, in each of the 3 cohorts, median age was similar for daily MV users and nonusers ( Table 2 ). Among daily MV users, 49.3% and 42.0% were female and college educated, compared with 39.3% and 37.9% among nonusers, respectively. In contrast, 11.0% of daily users, compared with 13.0% of nonusers, were current smokers. Participants who used MV, compared with those who did not, were also more likely to use individual supplements and have lower BMI and better diet quality ( Table 2 ). Daily MV users were less likely than nonusers to be currently married in NIH-AARP and PLCO but more likely to be married in AHS, likely owing to different age distributions. MV use did not vary meaningfully by race or ethnicity or family history of cancer ( Table 2 ; eTable 1 in Supplement 1 ).

In the pooled analysis, daily MV users had a higher mortality risk than nonusers (FP1: HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07; FP2: HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.99-1.08) ( Table 3 ). However, HR estimates were close to 1.0 for risk of all-cause, heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease mortality ( Table 3 ; eTable 2 in Supplement 1 ).

We observed potential qualitative effect modification by age, smoking status, and BMI, but not by sex, race and ethnicity, or HEI-2015. In the FP1, HR estimates for daily MV use and all-cause mortality were higher for the youngest (<55 years) age group (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.26); HR estimates for daily MV vs nonusers were similar by smoking and BMI status ( Figure 1 ) but varied for nondaily MV vs nonusers (eFigure 2 in Supplement 1 ), such that in FP1, HR estimates for nondaily MV use and all-cause mortality were higher for former (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16) and current (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16) smokers as well as for individuals with a BMI in the normal range (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.09-1.22).

Time-varying analyses included 234 593 participants (eTable 3 in Supplement 1 ). HR estimates were similar in the NIH-AARP and PLCO cohorts in FP1 (NIH-AARP: HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; PLCO: HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.12) with a higher mortality risk for daily MV users compared with nonusers ( Figure 2 ). In FP2, the HR for NIH-AARP, the largest of the 3 studies, was attenuated and the 95% CI included 1.00. In the meta-analysis incorporating the time-varying estimates from all 3 cohorts, daily MV use, compared with nonuse, was associated with a 4% higher risk of all-cause mortality in FP1 (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07) but not in FP2 (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93-1.04) ( Figure 2 ).

In this cohort study of 390 124 generally healthy US adults with more than 20 years of follow-up, daily MV use was not associated with a mortality benefit. In contrast, we found that daily MV use vs nonuse was associated with 4% higher mortality risk. The results of the time-varying analysis, incorporating a second MV use assessment, were consistent with the pooled baseline estimates and support our conclusion of no mortality benefit. Finally, by pooling data from 3 large cohorts, we could explore heterogeneity across key population subgroups, including understudied sociodemographic subgroups, which was identified as a research gap in the 2022 USPSTF review. 3 In stratified analyses, we found no evidence of effect modification by race and ethnicity, education, or diet quality.

In the US, MV use declined by 6% from 1999 to 2011 but remains popular, with nearly 1 in 3 adults reporting recent use. 1 , 2 This downward trend may, in part, reflect growing uncertainty about the effectiveness of MV supplementation for preventing disease, following the publication of several studies that reported no benefit of MV use for reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or mortality. 6 , 13 , 20 In 2014, the USPSTF concluded that “current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of the use of multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer,” 28 and in 2022, after conducting a pooled analysis of 9 randomized clinical trials, the USPSTF conclusion remained largely the same, stating that “the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer.” 3 However, in line with our findings, 1 of the included studies, the Physicians’ Health Study II, which was a large randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a daily MV use, observed no benefit for reducing cardiovascular disease or mortality in male physicians despite more than a decade of treatment and follow-up. 29

Prospective cohort studies have also been inconsistent. A few studies have found no benefit of MV use for reducing cardiovascular disease, cancer, or mortality. 5 - 8 , 13 , 20 , 30 Others have found potential benefit for daily MV use and cardiovascular disease mortality, 9 , 12 and 1 study in a nationally representative sample of US adults with approximately 20 years of follow-up found that women who reported use of multivitamin or multimineral products for more than 3 years, compared with those who did not, had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. 19 Yet, other studies have reported adverse associations for MV use and mortality among older women 14 and for prostate cancer mortality among men. 15 , 31

Varying results across observational studies may be explained, in part, by differences in MV composition or by confounding. 32 For example, MV users may be more health conscious than nonusers; this could translate into healthier diets, more frequent engagement in physical activity and preventative care, or lower rates of obesity and smoking. Confounding by healthy lifestyle would likely result in spurious inverse associations. Conversely, it could be argued that those who are sick or older than 65 years are more likely to initiate MV use. This phenomenon could result in a noncausal positive association, since these individuals have a higher risk of mortality than their healthier or younger counterparts. Furthermore, baseline measures do not account for the possibility of change in MV use over time.

Strengths of our study are highlighted by how we addressed these concerns. First, we harmonized and pooled complete data from individuals who participated in 1 of 3 large cohorts that collected detailed information on demographics and lifestyle factors and were therefore able to evaluate potential differences in relative risk by demographic and lifestyle factors. Additionally, with the extended follow-up periods of 24 years in NIH-AARP, 27 years in PLCO, and 26 years in AHS and repeated assessments of MV use, we were better able evaluate the long-term association of daily MV use with mortality risk.

Our study has some limitations. First, it is an observational study and residual confounding by poorly measured or unmeasured confounders (eg, health care utilization) may bias risk estimates. However, we excluded individuals with a history of cancer and other chronic disease at baseline and those with missing data; additionally, we carefully adjusted for major mortality risk factors and, where possible, updated variables, like smoking and BMI, in time-varying analyses. Second, there is the possibility for nondifferential exposure misclassification owing to faulty memory of sporadic MV usage. For this reason, we focused our interpretation on daily use vs nonuse. Additionally, the prospective nature of the study mitigates the potential for differential exposure misclassification. Third, selection bias is possible as the participants with missing data could be systematically different than those with complete data. However, age- and sex-adjusted HR estimates from the complete case analytic sample and the larger sample with missing covariate data were similar. Nevertheless, because of these exclusions, generalizability to the total US population may be limited. Fourth, the 3 studies include mostly White individuals, but pooling across the 3 studies improved statistical power for subgroup analyses. Lastly, we cannot assess latency of the association of MV use and the cumulative association over the life span.

In this cohort study of 390 124 US adults without a history of major chronic diseases, we did not find evidence to support improved longevity among healthy adults who regularly take multivitamins. However, we cannot preclude the possibility that daily MV use may be associated with other health outcomes related to aging. 33

Accepted for Publication: April 24, 2024.

Published: June 26, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.18729

Corresponding Author: Erikka Loftfield, PhD, MPH, NCI Shady Grove, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, 9609 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD 20850-9768 ( [email protected] ).

Author Contributions: Dr Loftfield and Ms O’Connell had full access to all of the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Concept and design: Loftfield, Abnet.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: All authors.

Drafting of the manuscript: Loftfield, O'Connell, Graubard.

Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Loftfield, Abnet, Liao, Beane Freeman, Hofmann, Freedman, Sinha.

Statistical analysis: Loftfield, O'Connell, Graubard.

Obtained funding: Loftfield.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Abnet, Liao, Beane Freeman, Hofmann, Freedman, Sinha.

Supervision: Loftfield, Abnet, Beane Freeman.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.

Funding/Support: This work was supported by the intramural research program of the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (grant No. Z01-ES049030), and National Cancer Institute (grant No. Z01-CP010119) and by the Office of Dietary Supplements Research Scholars Award, National Institutes of Health.

Role of the Funder/Sponsor: The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Disclaimers: The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Florida Cancer Data System or Florida Department of Health. The Pennsylvania Department of Health specifically disclaims responsibility for any analyses, interpretations or conclusions.

Data Sharing Statement: See Supplement 2 .

Additional Contributions: Sigurd Hermansen and Kerry Grace Morrissey (Westat), aided in study outcomes ascertainment and management for the National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study, and Leslie Carroll (Information Management Services) provided data support and analysis. They were compensated for this work.

Additional Information: Cancer incidence data from the Atlanta metropolitan area were collected by the Georgia Center for Cancer Statistics, Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta. Cancer incidence data from California were collected by the California Cancer Registry, California Department of Public Health’s Cancer Surveillance and Research Branch, Sacramento. Cancer incidence data from the Detroit metropolitan area were collected by the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program, Community Health Administration, Lansing, Michigan. The Florida cancer incidence data used in this report were collected by the Florida Cancer Data System (Miami) under contract with the Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee. Cancer incidence data from Louisiana were collected by the Louisiana Tumor Registry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, New Orleans. Cancer incidence data from New Jersey were collected by the New Jersey State Cancer Registry, The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick. Cancer incidence data from North Carolina were collected by the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, Raleigh. Cancer incidence data from Pennsylvania were supplied by the Division of Health Statistics and Research, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Harrisburg. Cancer incidence data from Arizona were collected by the Arizona Cancer Registry, Division of Public Health Services, Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix. Cancer incidence data from Texas were collected by the Texas Cancer Registry, Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin. Cancer incidence data from Nevada were collected by the Nevada Central Cancer Registry, Division of Public and Behavioral Health, State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Carson City.

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Finally, by pooling data from 3 large cohorts, we could explore heterogeneity across key population subgroups, including understudied sociodemographic subgroups, which was identified as a research gap in the 2022 USPSTF review. 3 In stratified analyses, we found no evidence of effect modification by race and ethnicity, education, or diet quality.

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Acknowledgement in Research Paper – A Quick Guide [5 Examples]

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Introduction

Who to acknowledge in your research paper ?

Academic advisors and supervisors:

Research participants and collaborators

Funding bodies and institutions:

How to write acknowledgements for your research paper?

Start with the most significant contributions:

Acknowledge other contributors:

Use appropriate language and tone:

Examples of acknowledgements in research papers

Research participants and collaborators:

Frequently Asked Questions

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