Publishing is one of the most important parts of the research journey, but navigating the different types of publications available can be surprisingly complex. From original articles and literature reviews to white papers, study protocols and commentary pieces, each format plays a different role in shaping how knowledge is shared, understood and applied.
For researchers working in health and medical science — particularly those involved in applied clinical research, it isn’t just about getting published, it is knowing what to publish and when. It’s about making an impact. The right publication type can help you:
- Share the results and the impact of your study
- Meet ethical, funding or regulatory requirements
- Build visibility among academic, clinical and policy audiences
- Support transparency and reproducibility across the sector
This article breaks down the most common types of research publications, focusing on practical use cases, strengths, and how each type fits into the broader research lifecycle.
Whether you’re new to publishing, want to plan your next project with more strategy or want to understand more about medical research, this article will help inform you on the common types of research publications.
Navigating the Research Publishing Landscape
Academic publishing isn’t just about getting your name in a journal; it’s about sharing knowledge in ways that are fit for purpose. Each type of research publication serves a specific function, audience and stage of the research process.
For example:
- A study protocol helps demonstrate rigour and transparency before participant recruitment begins.
- A systematic review provides a definitive summary of existing evidence on a focused clinical question.
Choosing the right format ensures your research is both accessible and useful, not just to other academics, but to clinicians, policymakers, funders and the public.
High-quality research is no longer judged solely by the final “results” paper. Funders and institutions increasingly value transparency, methodological openness and engagement across the full research lifecycle. That’s where publication diversity comes in:
- Protocols promote reproducibility.
- Scoping and systematic reviews reduce duplication.
- Opinion pieces and white papers influence real-world change.
- Technical reports and conference abstracts build momentum around ongoing work.
At Wesley Research Institute, we encourage researchers to think broadly about research dissemination, not just in terms of what they’ve found, but what others can learn from how they’ve worked, what questions remain, and how their findings might translate into practice.
There’s no single way to publish research and that’s a good thing. The right format depends on your research question, stage of work, and who you want to reach. Below is a breakdown of key publication types relevant to health and medical research.
1. Scoping Review
What it is:
A broad overview of existing literature on a particular topic or field.
Purpose:
To map the size, scope and nature of existing research, especially when an area is still emerging or not yet well defined.
Use cases:
- Exploring gaps in the literature
- Informing funding proposals or full systematic reviews
- Understanding how a concept has been studied across disciplines
WRI tip:
Scoping reviews are ideal early in a research program to assess feasibility or refine a research question.
WRI research example – Micro-nanoplastic induced cardiovascular disease and dysfunction: a scoping review
2. Systematic Review
What it is:
A rigorous, structured review that aims to answer a focused research question using predefined methods to identify, assess and synthesise relevant studies.
Purpose:
To provide high-quality evidence for clinical or policy decision-making.
Use cases:
- Informing practice guidelines
- Consolidating research on intervention effectiveness or diagnostic accuracy
- Identifying areas where further research is needed
3. Literature Review
What it is:
A narrative summary of published research on a topic, often without a formal systematic approach.
Purpose:
To provide context, background, or a broad overview of the current state of knowledge.
Use cases:
- As an introduction to a thesis or research proposal
- To position a new study within existing work
- When developing theoretical frameworks
WRI tip:
Although less formal than systematic reviews, strong literature reviews still require critical analysis, not just description.
WRI research example– Metabolomics at the tumor microenvironment interface: Decoding cellular conversations
4. Methods Paper
What it is:
A detailed explanation of a new or adapted research method, tool or procedure.
Purpose:
To share innovations in methodology that may benefit other researchers.
Use cases:
- Introducing a novel data collection or analysis technique
- Improving reproducibility by detailing a procedure in full
- Validating a tool or measurement approach
WRI tip:
Methods papers are increasingly valued for their role in scientific transparency and can be published independently or alongside primary research.
WRI research example – Protocol for high-plex, whole-slide imaging of human formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue using PhenoCycler-Fusion
5. Original Research Article
What it is:
A full report of a study that presents new empirical findings, often following a standard format: introduction, methods, results, and discussion (IMRaD).
Purpose:
To contribute original data and insights to the scientific record.
Use cases:
- Clinical trials, cohort studies, lab experiments, qualitative research
- Reporting new findings from a completed research project
- Contributing to the evidence base for practice or policy
Original Research Article – Spatial resolution of the head and neck cancer tumor microenvironment to identify tumor and stromal features associated with therapy response
6. Theoretical Paper
What it is:
A paper that proposes, refines or challenges conceptual frameworks or theories without necessarily including new data.
Purpose:
To advance the understanding of a concept or model that guides future research or practice.
Use cases:
- Introducing a new theoretical model
- Reinterpreting existing models based on new thinking
- Critically evaluating underlying assumptions in a field
WRI tip:
These papers are particularly relevant in emerging or interdisciplinary fields where new conceptual tools are needed.
7. Technical Report
What it is:
A detailed document that presents technical or operational aspects of a research study, intervention, or program evaluation.
Purpose:
To document research findings or processes, often outside of peer-reviewed journals.
Use cases:
- Reporting findings to funders or collaborators
- Sharing data with health services, government or industry
- Providing operational details for replication or implementation
WRI tip:
While not always peer-reviewed, technical reports can be influential, especially in applied health and translational research.
8. Case Study
What it is:
An in-depth analysis of a single case (or a small number of cases) to explore a specific phenomenon in context.
Purpose:
To provide detailed insights and generate hypotheses, particularly where large-scale studies are not feasible.
Use cases:
- Rare clinical cases or interventions
- Complex service delivery scenarios
- Illustrating theory in practice
WRI tip:
A good case study doesn’t just describe, it interprets. These types of publications include reflections on implications for practice, research or policy.
9. White Paper
What it is:
A concise, authoritative report that explains a complex issue and presents recommendations or a position — often aimed at decision-makers.
Purpose:
To inform policy, guide practice, or influence public or organisational opinion.
Use cases:
- Summarising research to inform health policy
- Advocating for a new model of care or intervention
- Translating findings for non-academic stakeholders
WRI tip:
White papers are valuable tools for research translation. Focus on clarity, actionable insights, and relevance to the audience you’re addressing (e.g. government, clinicians, funders).
10. Conference Abstract
What it is:
A short summary of a research project, typically submitted for presentation at a scientific conference.
Purpose:
To share early or ongoing findings, test ideas, and engage with the research community.
Use cases:
- Presenting preliminary results or pilot data
- Gathering feedback from peers
- Raising awareness of a new research direction
WRI tip:
Abstracts are a first opportunity to share findings, so they are best to be concise, clear, and compelling. They can also be expanded into full papers later.
WRI research example –Characterising head and neck tumour microenvironment using high plex spatial omics technologies and analyses
11. Study Protocol
What it is:
A detailed, peer-reviewed description of a planned research project, published before data collection begins.
Purpose:
To promote transparency, prevent duplication, and provide a public record of planned methodology.
Use cases:
- Clinical trials, implementation studies, and health service evaluations
- Registering your study design for peer review
- Demonstrating rigour to funders or ethics committees
WRI tip:
Protocols are a great way to demonstrate credibility early in a project and increase future publication opportunities.
WRI research example – Telehealth-Delivered Exercise to Promote Health after Gynecological Cancer Therapy: A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial