How can I find academic papers and research in the field that interests me?

Locating relevant academic papers is feasible through specialized academic databases, institutional libraries, and targeted search strategies. Major platforms like PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and JSTOR provide comprehensive access across disciplines. Effective searching necessitates defining key terms and synonyms precisely, often employing Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). Utilizing database filters for publication date, document type, and subject area refines results significantly. Tracking citations ("forward" and "backward chaining") from known relevant papers identifies seminal and recent works. Registering for email alerts on specific topics or authors ensures timely updates. Begin by identifying prominent databases and digital libraries pertinent to your field through your institution's library portal or open-access repositories. Conduct iterative searches using controlled vocabularies (like MeSH or Thesaurus terms) where available, refine terms based on results, and consult review articles for foundational perspectives. Organize findings and track new publications using reference management software. Leveraging institutional subscriptions is crucial for accessing subscription-based content. Maintain persistent attention on key journals and conference proceedings within your specific research niche.