sample acknowledgement research paper

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.

In this post, we are going to provide you with five examples of acknowlegdement section and a handful of best practices you can make your work look professional.

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

“acknowledgement” vs “acknowledgment”… …what the hack.

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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Acknowledgement Examples for School/College Projects

How-to guides on academic writing and others, introduction to academic writing.

By O.P. Jindal Global University Duration: 16-hour Cost: FREE Gain an in-depth understanding of reading and writing as essential skills to conduct robust and critical research for your writing.

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How to Write Acknowledgement in Research Paper

Table of Contents

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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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.

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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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Acknowledgements Template

The fastest (and smartest) way to craft an acknowledgements section for your dissertation, thesis or research project.

Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

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Pro tips, tricks and resources

What It Covers

This template provides a tried and tested structure for the acknowledgements section of a typical dissertation, thesis or research project.

In line with academic best practice , the acknowledgements are structured from most formal (supervisor, committee, etc.) to least formal (family and friends). Each section has easy to use placeholders that allow you to create your acknowledgements section in just a few minutes. 

The acknowledgements template can be copied to your Google Drive 0r downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), adaptable to LaTeX.

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FAQs: Acknowledgements Template

Dissertation & thesis conclusion faq, what format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The acknowledgements section template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. As always, be sure to check your university’s requirements and norms in terms of document structure.

What types of dissertations/theses can this be used for?

The acknowledgements section template template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the majority of dissertations, theses and research projects (especially those within the sciences).

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the conclusion chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. So, be sure to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalize your structure.

How long should the acknowledgement section be?

Typically, the acknowledgements section comprises a few paragraphs at most. Keep it short and sweet.

Do you have any examples of real acknowledgements sections?

Yes, we have a few examples here .

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, please reference this page as your source.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Additional Resources

If you’re working on a dissertation or thesis, you’ll also want to check these out…

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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

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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Acknowledgement for Thesis [Sample and Best Practice]

What is acknowledgement in thesis.

Writing a thesis is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. A vital component of a thesis is the acknowledgement section, which is often overlooked but holds immense importance. The acknowledgement section is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and recognition towards the individuals and organizations that have contributed to the completion of the thesis.

What is the purpose of acknowledgment and why it is important for thesis?

The purpose of the acknowledgement section in a thesis is to show appreciation to those who have supported and assisted the student in their research and writing process. This section provides an opportunity for the student to express their gratitude towards their supervisor, committee members, advisors, peers, friends, and family who have played a role in their academic journey. It also allows the student to acknowledge any financial support, resources, or facilities provided by institutions or organizations.

Acknowledgement in a thesis serves as a gesture of respect and gratitude towards those who have contributed to the student’s success. It is a way of recognizing the support and guidance received throughout the research and writing process. By acknowledging the contributions of others, the student acknowledges the collective effort that has gone into the completion of the thesis.

The importance of the acknowledgement section in a thesis cannot be understated. It is a way of paying tribute to the individuals and organizations that have supported and mentored the student, and it also reflects the student’s character and humility.

Additionally, it serves as a record of the student’s network and support system during their academic pursuit, and can also serve as a means of building and maintaining professional relationships in the academic community.

How to write best acknowledgement for thesis?

Here are some tips to write an effective acknowledgement for your thesis:

• Be Genuine and Sincere : Your acknowledgments should reflect genuine gratitude towards those who have contributed to your research journey. Avoid generic or insincere expressions of thanks.
• Personalize Your Thanks : Tailor your acknowledgments to acknowledge each individual’s specific contributions and support. Highlight unique experiences or insights they provided.
• Include Key Contributors : Acknowledge individuals who have directly contributed to your research, such as supervisors, mentors, collaborators, and participants. This could include academic advisors, industry professionals, field experts, or research assistants.
• Specify Contributions : Clearly articulate the contributions of each individual or group you’re acknowledging. Whether it’s providing guidance, sharing expertise, offering logistical support, or participating in discussions, specify how each person has helped you.
• Maintain Professionalism : While acknowledgments can be personal, maintain a professional tone and avoid overly informal language or inside jokes. Remember, this section is part of your academic work.
• Express Gratitude to Institutions : Acknowledge any institutions, organizations, or funding agencies that supported your research, providing grants, scholarships, or access to resources.
• Consider Cultural Sensitivities : Be mindful of cultural norms and sensitivities when expressing gratitude. 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.
• Maintain Balance : While it’s important to acknowledge those who have contributed significantly to your research, avoid overwhelming your acknowledgments with a long list of names. Prioritize key contributors and groups while being respectful of space limitations.
• Conclude with a General Expression of Thanks : After acknowledging specific individuals and groups, conclude your acknowledgments with a general expression of gratitude to anyone else who supported you in your academic journey. This could include family, friends, colleagues, or anyone else who provided encouragement or assistance.

Similar Guide: Writing acknowledgement best practice

Best Acknowledgement for Thesis

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Maya Singh, Professor, and Chair of the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology for granting me the opportunity to pursue this research endeavor.

I am indebted to my mentors, Professor Dr. Arjun Sharma from the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, for his unwavering guidance, invaluable advice, and relentless support throughout the course of this study.

Special thanks are due to Dr. Priya Patel, CEO of Environmental Solutions Ltd., for her generous provision of logistical support and invaluable insights, which greatly facilitated the successful execution of my research.

I express my deepest appreciation to Mr. Rajiv Gupta, Environmental Scientist at Environmental Solutions Ltd., Mr. Ankit Joshi, Environmental Engineer at Environmental Solutions Ltd., Ms. Priyanka Sharma, and Mr. Kevin Chen, Research Assistant at Stanford University, for their continuous assistance and support. Without their dedication and cooperation, this study would not have been possible.

I am also grateful to the entire team at Environmental Solutions Ltd. for their cooperation and assistance during the data collection process.

Special thanks go to Dr. Rahul Verma, Associate Professor at Delhi University, and Ms. Neha Kapoor, Environmental Consultant at Green Earth Solutions, for their encouragement and guidance throughout this project.

I would also like to extend my appreciation to my classmates from the Environmental Science program, as well as my friends, Rahul Singh, Ananya Mishra, and Deepak Sharma, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, especially my elder brother Rohit, for his unwavering support and encouragement throughout my academic pursuits. His love and encouragement have been my greatest source of strength.

Acknowledgements for Thesis Example

I am profoundly grateful to the generous collaboration of numerous individuals whose collective efforts, wisdom, and warmth have imbued this thesis with depth and significance. Each person has left an indelible mark on this journey, contributing their unique perspectives and unwavering support. With deep gratitude, I extend my heartfelt acknowledgments, hopeful that this thesis may serve the cause of sustainable rural development in Madhya Pradesh.

First and foremost, I extend my sincere appreciation to the resilient farmers of Madhya Pradesh, whose resilience, patience, and hospitality have been the bedrock of this study. Their insights and experiences have been invaluable, shaping the very essence and direction of my research.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Mohan Patel for his pivotal suggestion to connect with Dr. Anjali Deshmukh and pursue an internship at the Madhya Pradesh Rural Development Institute (MPRDI). I am immensely thankful to Dr. Anjali Deshmukh, my mentor, whose guidance and mentorship have illuminated my path in rural development, offering invaluable advice and enlightening discussions.

Special thanks are extended to Rajesh Singh for his friendship, hospitality, and profound conversations, as well as for providing me with the opportunity to present my findings at MPRDI. I also extend my gratitude to Prakash Gupta for his expertise, passion, and invaluable guidance, and to Rani Devi for her companionship in the field and insightful discussions.

I express my heartfelt appreciation to Om Prakash, Mukesh Kumar, Sunita Devi, Ramesh Patel, and Kamla Bai for generously sharing their knowledge, engaging in insightful discussions, and offering invaluable advice. My gratitude also goes to Raju Verma, Rameshwar Singh, Vijay Kumar, Deepak Yadav, and Babita Devi for their kindness, sharing their invaluable field experiences, and the cherished moments we spent together.

Special thanks are due to Rajesh Sharma, Rajni Devi, Nirmala Bai, and Ravi Kumar for their assistance, which significantly enriched my understanding of local practices and challenges. I also extend my gratitude to Shanti Devi and Santosh Kumar for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my fieldwork in MPRDI.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Vikas, Sunil, and Anil for their companionship during our travels across rural communities, driven by their passion for positive change. I also express my gratitude to Kamlesh Devi for our enriching discussions, camaraderie, and friendship.

Furthermore, I extend my appreciation to all participants of the seminars in Bhopal, whose generosity in allowing me to share my findings and providing invaluable feedback has been invaluable. I am particularly grateful to everyone who facilitated the dialogue between MPRDI and local stakeholders regarding the results presented in this thesis.

Note: All names and institutions mentioned here are fictional and used for sample purposes only.

Related: 

• Acknowledgement for Dissertation
• Acknowledgement in Research Paper

Best Practice

In addition to listing contributions, briefly mention how each person’s support or expertise impacted your research or personal growth. This adds depth to your acknowledgments and shows genuine appreciation for their role in your academic journey. For example, you could mention specific insights gained from discussions, how their guidance shaped your methodology, or how their support bolstered your confidence during challenging times. This not only highlights the significance of their contributions but also reinforces the depth of your gratitude.

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Acknowledgement for Thesis (10 Samples and Writing Tips)

October 22, 2023

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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]

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 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.

For more information on authors and contributors , read articles on the Enago Academy website.

What types and formats of acknowledgments have you incorporated into your manuscripts? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Do you need help with manuscript editing ? Make sure you visit enago.com today!

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How to write acknowledgements for a thesis

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles

What is an acknowledgement and what is its purpose.

The acknowledgement section is one of the sections of a bachelor’s or master’s thesis, dissertation, research paper, etc. destined to show your appreciation of the persons who took part in your research, contributed to your project, or provided any kind of support. In other words, this section is a way for the author to say a thank you to all those whose contribution they recognise as important.

How to write the acknowledgement section for a PhD thesis or dissertation

We are going to provide the basic guidelines below but please make sure to review the style guide of your university or department, as each institution might have some specific requirements as regards the contents and/or formatting of the acknowledgement section in your thesis.

So, here are several key recommendations for writing the acknowledgement section.

Whom to thank in the acknowledgement

This is up to you to decide whom to acknowledge. Select those persons who indeed contributed to your research or helped you perform your duties. In general, there are two main groups of persons to consider: professionals and personal acquaintances.

Professional acknowledgements

You can say a thank you to your:

• Thesis supervisor.
• Thesis opponents.
• Co-authors of your scientific papers.
• Research participants.
• Colleagues.
• Companies providing funding.
• Any other individuals or entities who anyhow contributed to the effective process of writing the dissertation.

Acknowledging the contribution of professionals is important from the perspective of academic integrity but also in terms of scientific ethics.

When addressing professionals, make sure to write their names in full and include their titles (e.g. associate professor at the Department…, PhD , etc.). This is important for identifying the contributors unequivocally. At the same time, it also makes your research look more credible and professional.

Personal acknowledgements

These include any persons other than professionals whom you would like to thank, e.g.:

• Parents or relatives (father/mother, grandparents, husband/wife, children, etc.).
• People who inspired or supported you.

Do not include any personal details, except the first name and last name (e.g. avoid giving the age, the place of living, etc.).

Language and style

The acknowledgement section differs from the rest of your PhD thesis, as it does not relate directly to the research, is addressing your readers, and thus can be less formal.

• Keep your language simple. Avoid complex and long phrases. Keep everything simple and straightforward.
• Your writing can be more informal. In the acknowledgement section, you can use more appealing and emotive language. Furthermore, you can use sentences in the first person (while you should use the impersonal or the passive form when presenting the results of your research in the body of your thesis).
• Remain within the academic framework. While the acknowledgement section is more informal, do not push too hard and remain within the framework of academic writing.
• Do not use dotted lists for names. Mention all the persons in sentences, do not present their names as dotted or numbered lists.

Length of the acknowledgement section

Your acknowledgement section should never be too long. As a rule, it should be at most 1 page. Do not try to overextend this section if less is sufficient for thanking your contributors.

Where to put the acknowledgement in the thesis

Most often, your acknowledgement goes after the abstract and before the table of contents or between the declaration and the table of contents. Please check the guidelines of your university or department.

Structure of the acknowledgement section

While it is up to you to choose (remember that your university might also have some guidelines for this), we can generally recommend the following structure for your acknowledgement:

• Brief introduction (one or a few sentences: why you are writing this section and why you need to acknowledge someone).
• Gratitude to your supervisor.
• Recognition of the other professional contributors.
• Recognition of personal supporters.

Thesis acknowledgement examples

Here are a few sample acknowledgements to give you an idea of how you can do it in your thesis.

Sample acknowledgement – supervisors

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisors who guided, instructed, and motivated me. Your feedback allowed me deepening and refining my research, and the results presented in my thesis would be impossible without your supervision.

Sample acknowledgement – companies and entities

I would like to acknowledge the financial and organisational support provided by Company X. I would also like to thank the Economics Department of University Y for the technical support.

Sample acknowledgement – individuals and relatives

Finally, I express my profound gratitude to my beloved husband James who continuously supported me, sacrificed his time, and always believed in me.

• Write the acknowledgement section in the end – once you have written the body of your thesis and have completed your research. This will allow avoiding redundant work.
• While the acknowledgement section is important, remember that the main part is the body of your thesis. In addition to running an in-depth research and achieve academic results, you also need to reference correctly the sources you have used. This is where Grafiati can help you: use our service to get perfect references, avoid unintentional plagiarism, and cite your sources correctly.

Acknowledgement Samples

Acknowledgement is a vital part of our lives. It’s how we show appreciation for the things people do for us, and let them know that we noticed and appreciated their efforts.

But sometimes, it can be hard to know how to properly acknowledge someone. You may not know what words to use, or you may not be sure how to act.

In this blog post, I’ll be discussing six different ways to acknowledge someone. I’ll provide examples of each one, and I’ll also explain when and how to use them. So if you’re looking for some guidance on how to write acknowledgement samples, then this blog post is for you!

Writing Tips For Acknowledgement Samples

When it comes to writing an acknowledgement, it is important to be clear, concise and to the point. The following are some tips that will help you write acknowledgement samples that will properly thank those who have helped you along the way:

• Make sure to list everyone who has helped you. This includes anyone who has given you a hand, whether it be big or small.
• Thank those who have helped you in a timely manner. The sooner you send out your acknowledgements, the sooner those who have helped you will know that their assistance was appreciated.
• Keep your acknowledgements short and sweet. Nobody wants to read a long, drawn-out paragraph thanking everyone who has helped you.
• Be sure to personalize your acknowledgements. Thanking someone for their help is much more meaningful when you take the time to mention how their assistance specifically made a difference.
• Proofread your acknowledgements before sending them out. This is important, as it ensures that your acknowledgements are free of errors and look professional.

Other Acknowledgement Article: 

• Acknowledgement for Science Project
• Acknowledgement For Commerce Project
• Acknowledgement For Biology Project

Overall, acknowledgement samples serve as a useful tool for expressing gratitude and recognizing the contributions of others. Whether it’s for a research paper, thesis, or project, these samples provide a clear and concise way to acknowledge the support and guidance of those who have helped along the way. Whether it’s a mentor, colleague, or family member, an acknowledgement is a simple yet powerful way to show appreciation and acknowledge the role others have played in your success.

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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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• Published: 26 August 2024

Progress and gaps in climate change adaptation in coastal cities across the globe

• Mia Wannewitz   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1769-9877 1 ,
• Idowu Ajibade 2 ,
• Katharine J. Mach   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5591-8148 3 , 4 ,
• Alexandre Magnan 5 , 6 , 7 ,
• Jan Petzold   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0508-3362 1 ,
• Diana Reckien   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1145-9509 8 ,
• Nicola Ulibarri   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6238-9056 9 ,
• Armen Agopian 3 , 4 ,
• Vasiliki I. Chalastani 10 ,
• Tom Hawxwell   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1073-983X 11 ,
• Lam T. M. Huynh   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2801-8240 12 ,
• Christine J. Kirchhoff   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2686-6764 13 ,
• Rebecca Miller 14 , 15 ,
• Justice Issah Musah-Surugu 16 ,
• Gabriela Nagle Alverio   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7050-3381 17 ,
• Miriam Nielsen   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0037-294X 18 ,
• Abraham Marshall Nunbogu 19 ,
• Brian Pentz 20 ,
• Andrea Reimuth   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9347-849X 1 ,
• Giulia Scarpa 21 ,
• Nadia Seeteram   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2266-7573 22 ,
• Ivan Villaverde Canosa   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9344-6452 23 ,
• Jingyao Zhou   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0004-6882-6797 1 ,
• The Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative Team &
• Matthias Garschagen   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9492-4463 1  

Nature Cities volume  1 ,  pages 610–619 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Climate-change adaptation

Coastal cities are at the frontlines of climate change impacts, resulting in an urgent need for substantial adaptation. To understand whether, and to what extent, cities are on track to prepare for climate risks, this paper systematically assesses the academic literature to evaluate evidence on climate change adaptation in 199 coastal cities worldwide. Results show that adaptation in coastal cities is rather slow, of narrow scope and not transformative. Adaptation measures are predominantly designed based on past and current—rather than future—patterns in hazards, exposure and vulnerability. City governments, particularly in high-income countries, are more likely to implement institutional and infrastructural responses, whereas coastal cities in lower-middle-income countries often rely on households to implement behavioral adaptation. There is comparatively little published knowledge on coastal urban adaptation in low- and middle-income countries, and regarding particular adaptation types such as ecosystem-based adaptation. These insights make an important contribution for tracking adaptation progress globally and help to identify entry points for improving adaptation of coastal cities in the future.

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Status of global coastal adaptation

Developing countries can adapt to climate change effectively using nature-based solutions

Quality of urban climate adaptation plans over time

Coastal cities are engines of economic growth and innovation, yet they are also hotspots of disasters and climate risk 1 , 2 , 3 . These cities face increasing environmental changes such as record-breaking sea-surface temperatures 4 and in turn an increase in hazards such as tropical cyclones, floods, storms, erosion and heatwaves 5 , 6 , 7 . Such changes dynamically interact with urban vulnerabilities driven by, for example, inequality, poverty and inadequate infrastructure 8 . Yet, coastal urban risk is not uniform, as climate change impacts and risks vary across coastal cities depending on geomorphological conditions, climatic and human drivers of coastal change, urban development, and other factors 6 , 9 , 10 . In the face of future increases in urbanization and climate change impacts, coastal cities are under pressure to adapt to, and reduce, current and future risks to ensure sustainable and equitable urban development 11 , 12 . As centers of economic activities and key players in the global political economy with substantial capacities, coastal cities have the potential to shape and advance the future of climate adaptation in meaningful and innovative ways 13 . Although the need for transformative adaptation in coastal cities—that is, adaptation that changes the fundamental attributes of a social-ecological system in anticipation of climate change and its impacts 14 —has been stressed in principle 2 , 15 , little is known about the actual progress of adaptation in coastal cities across the globe.

Given the unique challenges and opportunities in coastal cities as hotspots of risk and centers of economic activity, we argue that assessing their current state of adaptation is important, not least as a knowledge base for tracking countries’ progress in climate action within the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement 16 . Understanding how coastal cities are responding to climate impacts is crucial for identifying successes and gaps, and for advancing adaptation efforts at large. Studies have assessed different types of urban adaptation, for example, institutional 17 or ecosystem-based 18 , certain actor types involved in urban adaptation (for example, ref. 20 ), urban adaptation in particular regions (for example, refs. 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 ) or coastal adaptation planning 24 , 25 . However, a systematic global assessment of the literature on empirical evidence for implemented coastal urban adaptation—including its response types, actors and level of transformation—does not yet exist. Such an assessment is particularly relevant in the face of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) report’s finding that coastal cities tend to implement adaptation interventions reactively in response to high-impact events such as floods and storms 26 , and that many gaps remain in urban adaptation to climate change induced hazards across regions 13 .

This study therefore aims to provide a global analysis of empirical evidence of adaptation in coastal cities, including gaps and shortcomings. It also aims to inform policy and practice to advance effective adaptation strategies in response to current and projected climate impacts. To address these objectives, the study is guided by four questions that also serve to structure the results section: (1) How is evidence for coastal urban adaptation spread across the globe? (2) Which hazards and trends of exposure and vulnerability are reported? (3) Which actors are reported to be involved in which types of responses? And (4) what is the speed, scope and depth of reported coastal urban adaptation?

By answering these four questions, this study extends earlier assessments of the state of adaptation more generally 27 by systematically analyzing the empirical evidence of coastal urban responses to climate change, as published in the peer-reviewed academic literature. We assessed the state of adaptation in coastal cities as reported between 2013 and 2020, and examine major patterns in relation to average income levels and city size. Coastal cities here are defined as urban areas with central functions such as markets, medical services and schools; they are of relative importance to the surrounding area, regardless of population size; and are located entirely or partly on the coastline or within the low-elevation coastal zone (LECZ), or within the influence of coastal or tidal hydrology. Our sample covers adaptation activities in 199 cities reported in 683 articles, of which 183 were qualitatively coded using a questionnaire composed of 30 questions (see Methods for details). Our analysis is hence limited to what is being reported in the scientific literature and might include some hard-to-quantify biases that need to be addressed through additional datasets in the future, for example, by covering documents published by civil society actors on adaptation in coastal cities in the Global South where, according to our analysis, fewer studies are available than for higher-income countries. However, we argue that our approach and analysis nevertheless can provide highly relevant insights not only on urban adaptation research but also on the patterns of actual adaptation activities as adaptation research has been expanding massively, now capturing a wide spectrum of activities on the ground. Studies such as these therefore provide an increasingly important knowledge base for tracking adaptation activities 27 .

Evidence for coastal urban adaptation across the globe

The considered literature covers adaptation evidence from coastal cities in all regions and income groups, yet with some considerable differences (Fig. 1 ; see Supplementary Data 1.1 for a detailed list of countries covered in the sample). Most publications present evidence for adaptation from coastal cities in Asia (30%), followed by North America (23%), Europe (16%) and Africa (13%). Compared with the global share of inhabitants living in the LECZ between 0 m and 10 m above sea level 28 , 29 , some regions are overrepresented. This is most evident for North America, Australasia and small island states, which are home to 5%, 0.6% and 0.5% of the global population in the LECZ, respectively, yet, in our sample of coastal urban adaptation evidence, they represent 23%, 11% and 3% of assessed coastal cities. Other regions are underrepresented, which is most evident for Asia given its high number of inhabitants in the LECZ. Although inhabiting 75% of the global population in the LECZ, only 31% of our assessed urban coastal adaptation evidence stems from this region.

Green shading represents the country’s income classification according to the World Bank 82 ; the size and color of the dots visualizes the location of the covered coastal cities and their population size (Supplementary Data 3 ); the most covered coastal cities are listed according to frequency at the bottom right. Map source: Natural Earth 85 .

Source data

The majority of adaptation in coastal cities is reported in high-income economies (56%), which is in stark contrast to the fact that only 16% of the population located in the LECZ live in such economies. Of the reported coastal cities, 19% and 24% of the population are in upper- and lower-middle-income economies, respectively. Given that upper- and lower-middle-income countries account for 34% and 43% of the global population in the LECZ 28 , 29 , respectively, the coastal cities in these income groups are substantially underrepresented in our sample, meaning in the academic literature. Only 1% of the reported activities represent coastal cities in low-income economies (for example, Maputo, Beira and Inhambane in Mozambique). Given that the global population share of people who live in the low-income LECZ is about 8%, they are also underrepresented in our sample.

In terms of the coverage of different sizes of coastal cities (Supplementary Data 1.2 ), the assessed literature mostly presents evidence for adaptation in coastal cities with fewer than 250,000 inhabitants (48% of the reported cases). This pattern can partly be explained by our definition of coastal cities on the basis of their central functions, rather than population thresholds. Evidence for adaptation from mid-sized coastal cities with 250,000–1,000,000 inhabitants is less well-covered in our sample (the examples are mainly in North America and Europe). Thirty-five percent of the reported adaptation happens in coastal cities with >1,000,000 inhabitants, with a majority of cases in Africa and Asia. Some megacities (that is, cities with more than ten million inhabitants) such as New York, Jakarta, Manila and Lagos are covered by multiple studies (see Fig. 1 ). Most empirical evidence for adaptation in coastal megacities stems from Asia (57%), which aligns with the fact that 15 out of 20 coastal megacities are located in Asia 30 , and also with Asia's high overall population share in the LECZ (75%) 28 , 29 .

Hazards and trends of exposure and vulnerability

In terms of hazards, the adaptation activities reported in the sample predominantly address sea-level rise, different types of flooding and, to a lesser extent, storm surges, cyclones and erosion (see Fig. 2 ). A majority of the assessed cases (65%) considers more than one hazard. Such consideration of multiple hazards is most evident for the combination of sea-level rise with storm surges, coastal and pluvial flooding, as well as coastal erosion. This finding suggests that multi-hazard considerations nowadays play a strong role in urban climate risk assessments, in line with what the conceptual literature would be calling for 6 , 10 .

Risk emerges from the interplay of hazards, exposure and vulnerability 14 . The figure displays the number of cities considering past and current patterns (orange bars), and future trends (blue and green bars) for different hazards (top), as well as the exposure and vulnerability of people and businesses, buildings and infrastructure, and environmental assets (bottom).

Studies predominantly consider past and current events with regards to hazard timescales and scenarios (Fig. 2 ). Studies often consider future hazard trends in principle but not in a quantified manner. Although modeled trends and scenarios are quite frequently used as a basis for adaptation to sea-level rise, flooding and storm surges, they are much less common for other hazards.

The picture is even more striking regarding how other risk factors—notably the exposure and vulnerability of people and assets in coastal cities—are considered. In the vast majority of coastal cities, reported adaptation considers only past and current patterns, with the population being the most important element considered, followed by particularly vulnerable groups, residential buildings and the coastline (Fig. 2 ). In scenarios in which future trends in exposed and vulnerable assets are considered, they are accounted for in a general or conceptual way, but not in terms of quantified scenarios. Across our sample, the consideration of the presented elements at risk correlates weakly with a country’s income level. The higher the income group, the more likely that exposure and vulnerability aspects are considered (Supplementary Data 1.3 ).

Responses and actors

Most of the reported adaptation in coastal cities can be categorized as technological/infrastructural and behavioral/cultural adaptation (Fig. 3 ). But combinations of these two, as well as of technological and institutional responses, were also frequently reported. Ecosystem-based responses are the least reported across all world regions, particularly in low-, lower-middle and upper-middle-income countries.

Response types are grouped (on the basis of work by Berrang-Ford et al. 27 ) into technological (that is, enabling, implementing or undertaking technological innovation or infrastructural development), behavioral or cultural (enabling, implementing or undertaking lifestyle and/or behavioral change), institutional (enhancing multi-level governance or institutional capabilities) or ecosystem-based (enhancing, protecting or promoting ecosystem services for adaptation) categories.

The prominence of different response and actor types varies across country and income groups (Fig. 3 ), as well as city size. Most cases reporting technological or infrastructural responses are from coastal cities in high-income countries. The coverage of institutional responses shows a similar pattern. A correlation analysis confirms that the higher the gross national income (GNI) per capita, the more likely that institutional adaptation (Spearman’s ρ  = 0.23, P  < 0.01) and less likely that behavioral adaptation (Spearman’s ρ  = −0.35, P  < 0.01) is mentioned (Supplementary Data 1.4 ). Institutional responses are mostly reported to be implemented by state actors, especially city governments (Supplementary Data 1.5 ), which are the most commonly mentioned actor type across our sample. Correlation analysis reveals that the higher the GNI per capita, the more likely that the city government is assessed as an actor in adaptation (Spearman’s ρ  = 0.30, P  < 0.01), and the less likely that individuals/households are mentioned (Spearman’s ρ  = −0.23, P  < 0.01) (Supplementary Data 1.6 ). Our analyses also reveal that the bigger a city, the less likely that individual/household adaptation is mentioned (Spearman’s ρ  = −0.30, P  < 0.01) and the more likely that a city government is assessed as an actor involved in adaptation (Spearman’s ρ  = 0.20, P  < 0.01) (Supplementary Data 1.6 ).

Reported behavioral or cultural responses are most likely to be assessed together with individuals or households as implementing actors (Supplementary Data 1.7 ). This response type dominates the reported adaptation evidence in coastal cities in lower-middle-income countries. Accordingly, individuals/households are mostly reported as adaptation actors here, whereas state actors such as city and sub-city governments are less frequently assessed as implementers. In contrast to this, we find a low involvement of individuals in low-income economies; however, the very small number of cases in the low-income category needs to be considered here.

Although the assessed literature mostly presents adaptation evidence implemented by one type of actor (in our sample, mostly city governments followed by individuals/households), there is also reported evidence for multiple actors involved in urban adaptation. In many cases, individuals/households and city governments are mentioned together. Furthermore, combinations of city and national governments, or a combination of the two with the sub-city local government, are reported more frequently than other combinations (Supplementary Data 1.8 ).

Looking at adaptation types across regions (Fig. 3 and Supplementary Data 1.7 ), behavioral adaptation is less likely to be reported in North American coastal cities ( ϕ coefficient = −0.21, P  < 0.01) and coastal cities in Central and South America, but more likely to be reported in coastal cities in Africa and Asia. For the last two, we find less evidence for institutional and ecosystem-based adaptation; these adaptation categories are more likely to be assessed in European and North American coastal cities. Evidence for technological adaptation is most likely to be assessed in European coastal cities; research on institutional adaptation evidence features most highly in North and South America.

Speed, scope and depth of adaptation

Transformative adaptation can be assessed along the dimensions of depth (how deep institutional, and other changes, are), speed (how fast adaptation is planned and implemented) and scope (with which geographical and sectoral breadth adaptation happens) 27 , 31 . Overall, we find that reported adaptation remains at rather low depth, scope and speed in coastal cities, across all income groups and regions, with little evidence of reduced risks due to adaptation (Fig. 4 ). Neither income level nor population size predicts more or less transformative adaptation (Supplementary Data 1.9 ).

The depth, speed and scope of adaptation are dimensions of transformative adaptation 27 , 31 . Displayed numbers represent the share of studies evaluated to report low, medium or high levels of depth, speed and scope of adaptation within different country groups in terms of average income according to the World Bank 82 .

Few examples of urban adaptation with deeper changes (that is, entirely new practices that involve deep structural reform, a fundamental change in mindset, major shifts in perceptions or values, and/or changing institutional or behavioral norms) stem from cities in high-income economies or small island states. Given the small number of cases featuring such fundamental forms of adaptation, we provide an aggregated overview of specific studies below.

Some cases reported self- or state-led resettlement 32 , 33 to adapt to climate change impacts in coastal cities. In cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong 34 , and several Swedish cities 35 , existing infrastructural measures are complemented by preparedness and recovery measures, as well as ecosystem-based approaches. Progress in the institutionalization and mainstreaming of basin-wide planning, the integration of adaptation into mitigation and development planning, and the establishment of legislation to reinforce adaptation in sectors such as construction, are considered as evidence of more transformative adaptation in coastal cities. We also identified evidence for medium adaptation depth across countries with different income levels, where the assessed responses reflect a shift away from existing practices, norms or structures to some extent. In coastal cities located in high-income countries in Europe, such as Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Helsinki, medium-depth adaptation is linked to the testing of innovative, design-oriented adaptation approaches, the development of collaborative governance approaches, and public–private partnerships for improving funding and innovation 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 . In smaller US coastal cities such as Dunedin and Fernandina Beach, changes towards cross-sectoral, comprehensive and more integrative risk management plans 41 , 42 were described. Bigger US cities such as New York and Miami Beach are implementing both large-scale infrastructure investments for flood protection 43 , 44 , 45 and planning, and/or complementary adaptation measures such as ecosystem-based and soft adaptation approaches 43 , 46 .

In Asian coastal cities in lower- and upper-middle-income countries, medium-depth adaptation includes changes in adaptive behavior of individuals and households (for example, changes in livelihoods or migration 33 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ), as well as institutional-scale adaptations (for example, the establishment of new institutions responsible for adaptive planning, disaster risk reduction planning at various scales, or mainstreaming climate change policies in other sectors 51 , 52 , 53 ). The only case with evidence of medium-depth adaptation in a low-income country is Maputo, Mozambique, which has mainstreamed climate change adaptation into its development plans, attributed clear responsibilities for addressing climate change impacts, and started participatory urban planning processes 54 .

For the majority of coastal cities covered in our sample, adaptation remains at low depth across income groups and regions, meaning that evidence for adaptation largely represents expansions of existing practices, with minimal change in underlying values, assumptions or norms. Examples are a continuous focus on traditional infrastructural measures to avoid flooding 55 , 56 , continued uptake of flood insurance 57 , or incremental adaptation in the form of reactive coping due to limited capacities 58 , 59 .

The scope of responses in our sample is mostly narrow, across both income groups and regions, meaning that evidence for coastal urban adaptation measures is largely localized and fragmented, with limited evidence of coordination or mainstreaming across sectors, jurisdictions or levels of governance.

The speed of coastal urban adaptation is mostly considered slow—especially in high-, upper-middle- and lower-middle-income countries, and a majority of regions. This means that adaptations are incremental, consisting of small steps and slow implementation.

Given that depth, scope and speed of adaptation were evaluated as rather low across our sample, it is not surprising that there is little evidence for risk being reduced through these measures. Although we identified some cases that present evidence for risks being overcome through, for example, ecosystem-based 60 , 61 and technological/infrastructural adaptation 45 , 62 , some are linked to negative side-effects or lacking long-term perspectives 63 or even represent maladaptation 56 , 64 , 65 .

Based on the analysis of adaptation in coastal cities reported in the academic literature, we highlight five key findings and close by discussing their implications for research and policy-making in the field of coastal urban adaptation to climate change.

First, our assessment shows that the knowledge and coverage of adaptation in coastal cities is highly uneven, with some coastal cities receiving a lot of scientific attention, and large gaps remaining. For example, small and mid-sized coastal cities in Africa, Asia and Central and South America are currently not part of the global scientific debate, despite the fact that more adaptation might be happening on the ground, reported in other types of documents such as white papers or NGO reports. In our assessment based on the peer-reviewed and mostly English-language academic literature, coastal cities in low-, lower-middle and upper-middle-income countries are underrepresented. Given that cities in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America are expected to experience a highly dynamic interplay of urbanization, highly vulnerable informal settlements and future climate change impacts (see page 7 of ref. 66 ), this is a considerable gap in research that needs to be addressed urgently. Researchers and funding agencies should therefore make a dedicated push towards increasing the evidence-base, specifically in this segment of cities. Furthermore, other data sources such as non-peer-reviewed reports and other grey literature need to be assessed in the future to complement the evidence provided in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Second, we generally found that hazards, exposure and vulnerability are considered on the basis of past and current events and conditions. The use of future climate scenarios or other quantitative assessments taking into account future hazard trends remains scarce, and the picture is even more troublesome in terms of the future trends of exposure and vulnerability. Most reported adaptation is not based on a thorough consideration—let alone quantified scenarios—of future developments in the exposure and vulnerability of at-risk people, infrastructure, ecosystems and other assets. This leads to skewed assumptions on future risk, jeopardizing the relevance and validity of knowledge for adaptation planning. Although this finding confirms earlier observations with respect to the low consideration of future exposure and vulnerability trends in National Adaptation Plans 67 and cities 24 , it is nevertheless striking given the high importance of dynamic changes in these domains for changing future risk in coastal cities, for example, through further coastal urbanization or ongoing socio-economic marginalization 6 , 8 .

Third, we find that the lower the income group of the country the coastal cities are located in, the more likely individuals/households are reported as prime adaptation actors. At the same time, government responses and planned adaptation are more often reported in coastal cities in wealthier countries. This suggests that residents with limited resources in poorer coastal cities have to carry most of the adaptation burden 68 , which is often met with behavioral changes due to the lack of institutional and/or technological support. These results corroborate other studies regarding the inequality in the urban adaptation gap (see pages 34 of ref. 66 and page 941 of ref. 26 ), which is most pronounced among the poor.

Fourth, the bigger a city, the more likely that technological responses and protection are assessed. This relationship was also found in other studies 69 . At the same time, there is a lack of reported empirical evidence on ecosystem-based adaptation. Technology-based measures such as flood-barriers or pumping installations are essential protective mechanisms in the short- and mid-term, for example, for storm water management. However, they can lead to a lock-in and maladaptive path dependency in the long-term if coastal hazards continue to rise and hard protection fails or reaches limits of financial and technical feasibility as well as cultural acceptance 70 , 71 . More research on alternative and complementary adaptation measures is therefore needed to guide mixed approaches in the future.

Fifth, our findings suggest urgent needs for transformative adaptation in coastal cities. Across all regions and income groups, scientifically reported adaptation in coastal cities remains at rather low depth, scope and speed. Neither income level nor population size predicted more or less progressive adaptation behavior. Given the high exposure and vulnerability of many coastal cities already today, this finding is alarming as adaptation to future climate change will require many cities to go beyond business as usual risk management to effectively manage and reduce the accelerating risks and vulnerabilities 2 , 15 , 72 . This finding affirms other assessments of urban adaptation 26 and stresses the persistent need for transformative adaptation in coastal cities. It is possible that the cumulative effects of incremental responses could, over time, lead to meaningful and even transformative adaptation; however, the speed and amount of change needed to mitigate current and future risks, could mean that incremental adaptation is tantamount to playing 'catch-up' as climate impacts accelerate.

The extreme changes in the oceans and coasts seen in the recent past, with, for example, new temperature records 4 , 73 , 74 and low sea-ice extent 75 , highlights the scale and speed of adaptation that will be needed. Yet, taking the scientifically reported adaptation evidence as a proxy for the state of adaptation in coastal cities, our findings suggest that adaptation in coastal cities is rather slow, narrow, and fragmented (in other words, non-transformative) in an environment that is transforming rapidly. At the same time, our findings point towards an increasing range of adaptation activities in coastal cities. This evidence mapping can help to point researchers to blind spots in adaptation research in coastal cities and it provides entry points for improving urban adaptation planning.

We followed the ROSES protocol 76 to produce a systematic map of evidence for climate change adaptation in coastal cities (Supplementary Table 1 ). We base our findings on the combination of a systematic review of scientific literature on coastal urban adaptation to climate change across three reference databases (see Extended Data Fig. 1 , which follows the ROSES flow diagram for systematic reviews 77 ) with a content analysis based on a coding protocol, following the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI) process.

Relevant peer-reviewed, scientific, English-language literature on the topic of coastal urban adaptation was identified in a four-tiered search process.

Literature search and data extraction

Publications of the category 'cities and settlements by the sea' were extracted from the GAMI database—a systematic dataset comprising over 1,600 articles on climate adaptation. After a preliminary overview of the 361 resulting publications, further searches through the reference databases Web of Science and Scopus, and discussions among the co-authors (most of whom are well-acquainted with the literature in this particular field), it was decided that the GAMI selection did not adequately represent the large pool of existing literature on coastal urban adaptation. Hence, in a second step, a search string (in English) based on boolean search terms was used to systematically search Web of Science (Core Collection) and Scopus for relevant peer-reviewed, scientific literature over the years 2013 to 2020. The period stretches from the end of the IPCC’s fifth assessment cycle to the cut-off date for considering scientific literature of the sixth assessment cycle. With this we extended the original GAMI search by one year; we did not include 2021 and 2022 due to the coding time-frame. Although the basis of the search string was adopted from the GAMI process 78 , 79 , it was extended by tailored search terms to yield more topic-relevant publications. The search strings and respective hits can be found in Supplementary Information 1 . In a final step, the results of all three searches were combined and duplicates were removed.

We are aware that systematic searches such as this are subject to limitations. Our approach neither considered grey literature such as reports, nor did it use non-English search strings, and thus it is predominately built on English-language publications, which might have led to biases in the results. We nonetheless decided to use this approach to take steps towards a global stocktake of adaptation in coastal cities on the basis of scientific, peer-reviewed literature, using it as a first indication for the state of knowledge on coastal urban adaptation, and as a proxy for understanding where coastal cities currently stand in adapting to climate change. From the perspective of the authors, the added value in these respects outweigh the limitations of the study.

A total of 683 scientific publications entered the screening process, in which the coders assessed whether a publication should be included in the analysis. Overall, only peer-reviewed publications were considered, which excludes conference contributions (further inclusion/exclusion criteria are listed in Supplementary Information 1 ). A total of 501 publications were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Six publications were not available in English language, and two were either not accessible or not found. Requests to the authors for access were unanswered. See Supplementary Table 2 for an overview of all included, excluded and not found or accessible publications.

The included publications were analyzed via a systematic content analysis. The publications were distributed among coders considering their interests and capacities, ensuring that no coder analyzed their own publications. Using the online survey platform SoSci Survey Version 3.5.01, coders completed one coding questionnaire per city covered in the manuscript. This means that for one publication, several questionnaires could have been completed in the case that it dealt with two or more cities. In total, 183 publications (Supplementary Table 2 ) covering 284 cases from 199 cities and/or settlements with central functions such as schools, supermarkets and medical services were included in the coding and statistical analysis, as well as four unspecified urban areas. The literature database (Supplementary Table 2 ) and the coding database (Supplementary Data 2 ) can be found as supplements.

Data quality

We ensured coder consistency and reliability through an introduction to the commonly developed questionnaire; a code book/protocol with detailed definitions of all codes (Supplementary Information 1 ); a pre-coding period with interim meetings to discuss issues and confusions; and multiple other meetings with all of the coders involved. The coding included, among others, the following categories: hazard type; exposure and vulnerability; actor type; response type; and, as indicators for transformational adaptation, the depth, speed and scope of adaptation (see Supplementary Information 1 for the full list of codes and variables). About 10% of the entire dataset (that is, 72 publications) was double-coded to check inter-coder reliability. Conflicts regarding inclusion/exclusion arose to 12.8%. Of the 16 fully double-coded publications, inter-coder variability rose to a maximum of 22.2%, meaning a convergence in roughly 80% of provided answers, which was accepted as sufficient to consider the dataset as robust. The data, in the form of codes, were extracted from the ScoSci Survey platform, cleaned and statistically analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics 23, following the original GAMI approach 78 , 80 , 81 . Coders provided their level of confidence (low, medium, high) to evaluate the depth, speed and scope of adaptation; the final analysis only considered medium- and high-confidence judgements to increase the robustness of the findings.

Data analysis

To obtain an overview of the dataset, descriptive statistical analyses were performed to assess the frequency and proportion of all variables. To identify potential patterns, frequencies were assessed across the World Bank income economies categories (hereafter income groups) 82 and also across regions following the classification used in ref. 27 . Moreover, we used different correlation tests to explore potential relationships that two variables, GNI per capita 83 and city size (in terms of population, Supplementary Data 3 ), have with patterns of actor involvement, adaptation type and depth, and the speed and scope of adaptation. We are aware that income indicators and the urban population size are by far not the only factors influencing adaptation in complex socio-ecological systems 84 ; however, they provide valuable, globally available and comparable starting points for not only describing, but also explaining, emerging patterns of urban coastal adaptation. Hence, our objective was to evaluate the existence of any relationship between these two variables (GNI per capita and city size) with our assessed variables. The Spearman’s rank correlation was employed to ascertain the relationship between GNI per capita and city size with actor involvement. The correlation coefficient ranges between −1 and 1, indicating negative and positive correlations, respectively. The significance of the correlation coefficient is examined by the t -test, which assesses the null hypothesis that there is no monotonic relationship between the two variables. The null hypothesis is rejected if the P -value is less than 0.05. The relationship between adaptation actors and response categories was determined using the χ 2 test, which is a common statistical method for measuring the association between binary variables. The strength and direction of the association are represented by the ϕ coefficient. This coefficient, like the Spearman correlation, ranges from −1 to 1, with values close to −1 indicating a strong negative association, values close to 1 indicating a strong positive association, and values close to 0 indicating a weak or no association. The significance of the ϕ coefficient is also examined using a P -value.

To conduct a cross-sectional comparison of population data in the LECZ across different regions, we utilized “The Low Elevation Coastal Zone (LECZ) Urban-Rural Population and Land Area Estimates, Version 3” dataset 28 . Within this dataset, we specifically selected the population data from “Gridded Population of the World, Version 4 (GPWv4), Revision 11” and the elevation data from 'CoastalDEM90' as core datasets, due to their particular applicability in global-scale and coastal analyses. The analysis provides data about the share of residents living in the LECZ globally in the considered income economies and regions, which is used to understand the relative coverage of adaptation evidence reported in our sample.

The assessment of transformational adaptation in coastal cities builds on the coders’ qualitative evaluation of the three dimensions of transformation 31 ; that is, depth, speed and scope (definitions of the categories can be found in Supplementary Information 1 ) of the reported adaptation evidence. In addition, the confidence in their respective responses was assessed and only high- and medium-confidence evaluations were taken into account in the final assessment of speed, scope and depth.

Reporting summary

Further information on research design is available in the Nature Portfolio Reporting Summary linked to this article.

Data availability

All data and analyses used for this study are available in the Supplementary Information , Supplementary Data , Supplementary Tables and Source Data . The Supplementary Information describes the searches (and their combinations) used to generate the literature sample, the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the literature, and a code book providing descriptions of all of the codes. Supplementary Data allows access to all correlation tables, the full coding database, and the list of sources for the city populations used in Fig. 1 . The base layer 85 for Fig. 1 is publicly available, as are the LECZ population data 28 , the country groupings according to average income levels by the World Bank 82 , and the GNI per capita 83 used for the analyses. Supplementary Table 1 displays the full ROSES map report for the study; Supplementary Table 2 provides the full list of the included and excluded literature, including the author(s), title, journal, year and doi. Source Data are provided with this paper.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the following grants: The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, via the TRANSCEND project (grant no. 01LN1710A1 to J.P., J.Z., M.G. and M.W.), the FloodAdaptVN project (grant no. 01LE1905F1 to A.R.) and the LIRLAP project (grant no. 01LE1906B1 to A.R. and M.G.); NSF CMMI CAREER (grant no. 1944664 to C.J.K.); the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science through the Grant-in-Aid Research Fellowship (grant no. 23KJ0544 to L.T.M.H.); the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, via the LOCALISED project (grant agreement no. 101036458 to D.R.), the RiskPACC project (grant agreement no. 101019707 to D.R.), and the NWO (JPI Urban Europe Grant, agreement no. 438.21.445 to D.R.). We thank A. Alegria for extensive graphic design support.

Author information

A list of authors and their affiliations appears at the end of the paper.

A full list of members and their affiliations appears in the Supplementary Information.

Authors and Affiliations

Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany

Mia Wannewitz, Jan Petzold, Andrea Reimuth, Jingyao Zhou & Matthias Garschagen

Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

Idowu Ajibade

Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

Katharine J. Mach & Armen Agopian

Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA

UMR LIENSs 7266, La Rochelle University-CNRS, La Rochelle, France

Alexandre Magnan

World Adaptation Science Programme, United Nations Environment Programme (Secretariat), Nairobi, Kenya

Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand

Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management, Faculty ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands

Diana Reckien

Department of Urban Planning & Public Policy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA

Nicola Ulibarri

Laboratory of Harbour Works, Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Zografou, Greece

Vasiliki I. Chalastani

HafenCity University, Hamburg, Germany

Tom Hawxwell

Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa City, Japan

Lam T. M. Huynh

School of Engineering Design and Innovation and Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA

Christine J. Kirchhoff

Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Rebecca Miller

Bill Lane Center for the American West, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

University of Ghana Business School, Department of Public Administration and Health Service Management, Accra, Ghana

Justice Issah Musah-Surugu

Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, Duke University School of Law, Durham, NC, USA

Gabriela Nagle Alverio

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

Miriam Nielsen

Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Abraham Marshall Nunbogu

Global Science Team, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA, USA

Brian Pentz

School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Giulia Scarpa

Columbia Climate School, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

Nadia Seeteram

School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Ivan Villaverde Canosa

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The Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative Team

• Mia Wannewitz
• , Idowu Ajibade
• , Katharine J. Mach
• , Alexandre Magnan
• , Jan Petzold
• , Diana Reckien
• , Nicola Ulibarri
• , Vasiliki I. Chalastani
• , Tom Hawxwell
• , Lam T. M. Huynh
• , Christine J. Kirchhoff
• , Justice Issah Musah-Surugu
• , Gabriela Nagle Alverio
• , Miriam Nielsen
• , Abraham Marshall Nunbogu
• , Brian Pentz
• , Giulia Scarpa
• , Ivan Villaverde Canosa
•  & Matthias Garschagen

Contributions

M.W., M.G., I.A., K.J.M., A.M., J.P., D.R. and N.U. conceived and designed the experiments. M.W., I.A., K.J.M., A.M., J.P., D.R., N.U., A.A., V.I.C., T.H., L.T.M.H., C.J.K., R.M., J.I.M.-S., G.N.A., M.N., A.M.N., B.P., A.R., G.S., N.S., I.V.C. and J.Z. performed the experiments. M.W., M.G., J.P. and J.Z. analyzed the data. The Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative Team contributed the materials and analysis tools. M.W. and M.G. wrote the paper.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthias Garschagen .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

Peer review

Peer review information.

Nature Cities thanks Shruthi Dakey, Gregorio Iglesias and the other, anonymous, reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Extended data

Extended data fig. 1 roses flowchart for systematic maps..

RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) were used to follow a standardized and transparent approach to searching and screening scientific literature. For each step in the process, numbers of publications are disclosed.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information.

Supplementary information on GAMI authors, literature searches, inclusion and exclusion criteria and the code book.

Reporting Summary

Supplementary table 1.

The ROSES map report.

Supplementary Table 2

A list of the literature included and excluded.

Supplementary Data 1

Correlation Tables 1.1–1.9.

Supplementary Data 2

Coding database.

Supplementary Data 3

Data sources for city populations.

Source Data Fig. 1

Unprocessed geospatial urban population and income data.

Source Data Fig. 2

Raw data: the considered risk factors in the assessed coastal cities.

Source Data Fig. 3

Raw data: the number of cities per response and actor type.

Source Data Fig. 4

Raw data: the speed, scope and depth of reported adaptation.

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Wannewitz, M., Ajibade, I., Mach, K.J. et al. Progress and gaps in climate change adaptation in coastal cities across the globe. Nat Cities 1 , 610–619 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44284-024-00106-9

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Received : 20 November 2023

Accepted : 15 July 2024

Published : 26 August 2024

Issue Date : September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s44284-024-00106-9

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