What are the most effective ways to find research project white papers?

If you are working on a research project in higher education, you might need to find white papers to support your arguments, learn from best practices, or identify potential partners. White papers are authoritative reports that provide information, analysis, and recommendations on a specific topic or problem. They are usually produced by organizations, institutions, or experts who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field. However, finding relevant and reliable white papers can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the sources and databases that publish them. In this article, we will share some of the most effective ways to find research project white papers in higher education.

1 Use academic search engines

One of the easiest and fastest ways to find white papers is to use academic search engines that index scholarly publications, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, or ERIC. These platforms allow you to search by keywords, titles, authors, or disciplines, and filter the results by date, relevance, citation, or type of document. You can also access the full text of some white papers, or link to the publisher's website or repository. However, not all white papers are indexed by academic search engines, so you might need to use other methods to complement your search.

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2 Browse institutional websites

Another way to find white papers is to browse the websites of institutions that are involved in higher education research, policy, or practice. These can include universities, research centers, think tanks, foundations, associations, or government agencies. For example, you can visit the websites of the OECD, UNESCO, World Bank, or RAND Corporation to find white papers on various topics related to higher education. You can also use the search function or the navigation menu to locate the section that contains the publications, reports, or resources of the institution.

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Amel A. Hassan

PhD, Msc, MHPE, Bsc, DHA and MOH RN, BLS, ACLS/ Medical expert / Curriculum expertise / Nursing consultant /School nurse, CI and Nurse Educator
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Use the academic search engines to search about and most white papers and position papers are made available directly through government, research institute, think tank, professional organization, and nonprofit websites. You can search many government or organization websites using “white paper” or "position paper" in the search.

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3 Follow social media accounts

A third way to find white papers is to follow the social media accounts of organizations, experts, or networks that publish or share white papers on higher education. These can include Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. You can use hashtags, keywords, or tags to find relevant posts, or follow the links that lead to the white papers. You can also interact with the authors or the audience, ask questions, or provide feedback. However, you should always verify the credibility and quality of the white papers that you find on social media, as some of them might be biased, outdated, or inaccurate.

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4 Subscribe to newsletters or alerts

A fourth way to find white papers is to subscribe to newsletters or alerts that deliver white papers to your email inbox or phone. These can be offered by institutions, journals, databases, or platforms that publish or aggregate white papers on higher education. For example, you can subscribe to the newsletters of the International Higher Education Consulting Blog, the European Association for International Education, or the World Education News and Reviews. You can also set up alerts on Google Scholar, Scopus, or Web of Science to receive notifications when new white papers are published on your topic of interest.

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5 Join professional networks

A fifth way to find white papers is to join professional networks that connect you with other researchers, practitioners, or stakeholders who are interested in higher education. These can include online forums, communities, groups, or platforms that facilitate the exchange of information, ideas, or opportunities. For example, you can join the Higher Education Research Network, the Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association, or the Higher Education Policy Network. You can also participate in webinars, events, or conferences that feature white papers or presentations on higher education.

Add your perspective

Amel A. Hassan

PhD, Msc, MHPE, Bsc, DHA and MOH RN, BLS, ACLS/ Medical expert / Curriculum expertise / Nursing consultant /School nurse, CI and Nurse Educator
Report contribution
Most white papers and position papers are made available directly through government, research institute, think tank, professional organization, and nonprofit websites. You can search many government or organization websites using “white paper” or "position paper" in the search.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective ways to find research project white papers?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use academic search engines

2 Browse institutional websites

3 Follow social media accounts

4 Subscribe to newsletters or alerts

5 Join professional networks

6 Here’s what else to consider

Higher Education

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What are the most effective ways to find research project white papers?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use academic search engines

2 Browse institutional websites

3 Follow social media accounts

4 Subscribe to newsletters or alerts

5 Join professional networks

6 Here’s what else to consider

Higher Education

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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