After months or years of research, writing, and revisions, completing your thesis or dissertation is a huge achievement. Before submission, one important section remains: the acknowledgements. This is where you thank the people who supported you throughout your academic journey. This guide explains step by step how to write acknowledgements in your thesis or dissertation, with tips and examples.
What Are Acknowledgements?
Acknowledgements are a short section, usually at the beginning of your thesis or dissertation, where you express gratitude to those who contributed to your research and writing process.
They are not academic — they don’t require citations or analysis. Instead, they are personal yet professional statements of thanks.
Who Should You Acknowledge?
1. Academic Support
- Supervisors or advisors.
- Committee members.
- Faculty or departments that provided resources.
2. Funding and Institutional Support
- Grants, scholarships, or fellowships.
- Libraries, labs, or institutions that offered resources.
3. Personal Support
- Family and friends.
- Peers or colleagues who offered encouragement.
- Anyone who contributed emotionally or practically to your journey.
Structure of Acknowledgements
While acknowledgements don’t have strict formatting rules, they usually follow this order:
- Formal thanks to academic supervisors and institutions.
- Recognition of funding bodies or grants.
- Informal thanks to peers, family, and friends.
Tone and Style
- Keep it professional but warm.
- Avoid overly casual language.
- Be specific when possible — name individuals and their contributions.
- Keep it concise (1–2 pages at most).
Examples of Acknowledgements
Example 1: Academic-Focused
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Professor Smith, whose guidance and feedback were invaluable throughout this project. I am also thankful to the University Research Council for providing funding that made this study possible.”
Example 2: Balanced Academic and Personal
“I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Lee, for her constant support and encouragement. I am also grateful to my colleagues for insightful discussions and to my family for their patience and love during this process.”
Example 3: Dissertation Acknowledgement with Funding
“This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. I thank my committee members for their constructive feedback and my peers for their collaboration. Special thanks to my parents, who have always believed in me.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague → Don’t just say “thanks to everyone who helped.”
- Being too casual → Keep language polished.
- Writing too much → Focus on key contributors.
- Forgetting institutions or funding → Always acknowledge official support.
Why Acknowledgements Matter
Acknowledgements show professionalism, gratitude, and academic integrity. They also reflect the collaborative nature of research.
➡️ ResearchPal’s AI-Powered Tools can help you polish acknowledgement text for clarity and tone, ensuring it’s respectful and well-written.
Related Reading
- How to Write the Discussion Section of a Research Paper
- How to Write Limitations in Research Papers (With Examples)
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Final Thoughts
Learning how to write acknowledgements in your thesis or dissertation is about striking the right balance between gratitude and professionalism. Whether you are thanking advisors, funding bodies, or family, the acknowledgements section is your chance to reflect on the support that made your research possible. With the right structure and tone, this short section can leave a lasting impression of respect and appreciation.
