The purpose of this study was to establish a community of practice (CoP) called an academic research and writing group (ARWG), to improve the research and writing skills of graduate students, and to increase their levels of interaction while conducting their academic research. In the current study, formative research was implemented to improve the quality of academic output from the ARWG group. The study's findings showed that specific features added through the ARWG provided both a positive impression toward the ARWG and encouraged novice researchers to work collaboratively.