Q: How to use the present tense in academic writing?

This question is rather unclear, but I am assuming that you wish to know about correct verb tense usage in academic writing. Tense usage varies across different sections of a manuscript. For instance, the Introduction section uses a mix of the present tense and the past tense. These variations get even finer and more complex depending upon which aspect of the research process is being discussed.  

The following articles will give you a clearer understanding of which tense to use while writing various sections of your research paper:

• Using past and present tenses in research writing

• Getting the tenses right: Materials and methods section

• The secret to using tenses in scientific writing

• What tense should I use while writing a literature review?

• Which tense should be used in the results and discussion sections of a paper?