A research paper's first page is an important element that sets the stage for the content that follows. It should provide a clear and concise overview of the paper's purpose, the methods used, and the main findings or conclusions. Additionally, the first page should include all necessary information about the authors and the institutional affiliations.
The first page should begin with a title that accurately reflects the content of the paper. The title should be brief and to the point, ideally no more than 12 words, and should be centered on the page. Below the title, the authors' names and institutional affiliations should be listed. If there are multiple authors, they should be listed in the order in which they contributed to the paper. The institutional affiliations should also be listed, including the department, institution, and location.
After the authors' information, the abstract should be included. The abstract is a summary of the paper's main points, typically no more than 250 words in length. It should provide a clear and concise overview of the research question, the methods used, the main findings, and the conclusions. The abstract should be written in complete sentences and should not include any citations or references.
Below the abstract, the first page should include any necessary keywords that will help readers find the paper through searches. Keywords should be specific to the paper's content and should be listed in alphabetical order.
Finally, the first page should include any necessary acknowledgments or funding information. This might include acknowledgments of funding sources, support from colleagues or institutions, or other contributions that are not directly related to the research but are important to acknowledge.
In summary, the first page of a research paper is an important element that provides the reader with a clear overview of the paper's content and purpose. It should include the title, authors' names and institutional affiliations, abstract, keywords, and any necessary acknowledgments or funding information. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your research paper's first page is well-organized and effectively communicates the main points of your research.