ISUFST adopts IMRaD format for undergraduate research

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology Board of Regents has approved adopting the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion format for undergraduate research, introducing a revised manuscript structure that will be implemented in phases across the university.

The revised Undergraduate Research Manuscript Format was approved through ISUFST Board of Regents Resolution No. 374, series of 2026, during the board’s second special meeting on Aug. 6.

The Research and Development Office advanced the initiative in coordination with the academic sector and after stakeholder consultations.

It updates the traditional five-chapter thesis into a more focused, contemporary research structure while retaining existing requirements for research methodology, ethics review when applicable, and research defense.

IMRaD — short for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion — organizes a research paper around four essential parts: the problem and context being investigated, how the study was conducted, what the researchers found, and what those findings mean.

The structure is widely used in scholarly and scientific research writing and presents findings in a more direct, standardized, and publication-oriented format.

ISUFST said the shift is intended to align undergraduate research writing with contemporary publishing models and better prepare students for academic and professional research communication.

Implementation will be phased beginning in the academic year 2026-2027.

Third-year students will adopt the IMRaD format, while fourth-year students will continue using the traditional five-chapter thesis format.

Faculty training and orientation will also support the transition.

Beginning in academic year 2027-2028, ISUFST will fully implement the revised research format.

Modified IMRaD structures may be used for technology-based studies to accommodate design, prototyping, and testing phases.

The Board of Regents also approved additional undergraduate research forms covering authorship and publication agreements, changes in research authorship, and student feedback on thesis advising and mentoring.

After approval, the Research and Development Office will coordinate with the university’s colleges and academic units to support the transition and promote consistent implementation of the revised format.

The adoption of IMRaD updates how undergraduate research at ISUFST is organized and communicated while maintaining the rigor of the research process and keeping student learning at its core.