In 2026, many authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspectives and insightful views as authors.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspectives and insightful views as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2026)

Arkadeep Dhali, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK

Ruben R. Plentz, The University of Kentucky, USA

Outstanding Author

Arkadeep Dhali

Dr. Arkadeep Dhali is an NIHR-funded Physician Scientist Trainee in gastroenterology and internal medicine at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield. He earned his MBBS from St John’s Medical College, India, in 2021, and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research at the University of Sheffield, UK. He also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education from Queen’s University Belfast. His research focuses on gastrointestinal diseases, with a particular interest in benign and malignant pancreatic disorders and hepatopancreatobiliary endoscopy. He is currently involved in large database studies and evidence synthesis examining drug-induced pancreatitis. In addition to his clinical and research roles, he serves as an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, where he teaches clinical research. Alongside these commitments, he is actively involved in teaching medical students and supporting the development of future healthcare professionals, with a strong commitment to learning, innovation, and clinical excellence.

Dr. Dhali reckons one of the most common difficulties is finding time to write consistently alongside clinical and research responsibilities. Beyond that, many people struggle with organising ideas clearly, maintaining a logical flow, and presenting complex findings in a simple, precise way. Another challenge is responding to feedback and revisions, which can be demanding, but it is often an important part of improving the final manuscript.

With a constantly busy schedule, Dr. Dhali relies on consistency rather than waiting for large blocks of free time, recognizing that balancing clinical medicine and research is inherently challenging. He breaks writing into small, manageable tasks and works on them regularly alongside clinical duties. He also focuses on projects aligned with his clinical interests and values collaboration, which helps maintain momentum and makes academic writing more feasible within a busy schedule.

In Dr. Dhali’s opinion, reporting guidelines are essential because they improve the clarity, completeness, and transparency of a manuscript. They help authors present methods and results in a structured way, reduce the risk of missing important details, and make studies easier for readers, reviewers, and editors to assess.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Ruben R. Plentz

Dr. Ruben Plentz works as an Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA, in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He has received his clinical training at the Hannover Medical School in Germany. Before relocating to Kentucky, he worked as a managing senior physician at the University Hospital in Tuebingen, Germany, and served as Chief of the Gastroenterology Department at Klinikum Bremen Nord, Germany. His clinical and scientific areas of focus are the treatment of GI cancer, specifically liver carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and advanced endoscopy. His scientific research received funding from various grants, including a fellowship for postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA.

Dr. Plentz believes that a strong academic paper should focus on a significant scientific or clinical question. It must present a clear objective, utilize appropriate methodology, and interpret the findings in a balanced and transparent manner. An effective academic paper should also be independent of industry support. The data presented must be reproducible. The most impactful papers are not always the most complex; rather, they are those that clearly and reliably communicate meaningful insights.

To avoid biases in writing, Dr. Plentz suggests authors should begin with a clearly defined research question rather than a predetermined conclusion. Using standardized methods, appropriate statistical analyses, and transparent reporting practices helps minimize selective interpretation of data. It is also important to acknowledge the limitations of the study.

Dr. Plentz believes that scientific progress is reliant on the persistence and dedication of academic writers and researchers globally. Academic writing can be demanding, but it remains one of the most powerful ways to influence patient care and future discovery. An unwavering commitment to integrity, curiosity, and collaboration will ensure that science continues to advance for the benefit of society.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)