Research Communication
Scientific publication is often the measure of a researcher's productivity and scientists look to publish their work in the most prestigious journals. Journal editors seeking to attract the best papers reject close to 80% of manuscripts. This leaves the authors struggling to figure out where they went wrong. With a large number of manuscripts being rejected during the triage process due to faulty study designs, poor organization and writing, and failure to meet journal requirements, it is important for authors to learn the expectation of journal editors. This can be key to understanding the review and acceptance process.
Effective communication is fundamental to interpretation and dissemination of science. Yet, most authors do not receive any formal training in scientific writing, even though scientific publishing is a key aspect of their professional development. They learn to write by imitating the style and approach of their mentors or other authors. Some form of training in scientific writing becomes even more crucial for authors for whom English is a second language. A systematic approach to writing a manuscript can make the process less tedious and increase the chances of acceptance.
EHP's scientific writing workshop provides the audience an insider's view of the scientific publishing process and covers a range of topics including the publication process, the peer review process, the structure of a paper, scientific writing style, writing in English as a foreign language, and helpful writing resources and tips.
Draft Agenda for EHP Writing Workshop
Topic 1: Preparing to Write
Topic 2: The Publication Process
Topic 3: Review Process
Topic 4: Structure of a Scientific Paper
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Tables/Figures
- Discussion
- Abstract
- Citing References
Topic 6: Writing in English as a foreign language
For more information about EHP's Science Writing Workshops, contact:
Banalata Sen, PhD
Science Education and Outreach Program Manager
e-mail: senb@niehs.nih.gov
Phone: 919-541-4692
Mailing Address:
Environmental Health Perspectives
Mail Drop K3-01
PO Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233 USA
