Essential Training and Career Development
Elevate your writing skills and enhance your research success with professional guidance from experienced editors.
We offer scientific writing workshops and webinars designed to help pre-docs, post-docs, and PIs in the life sciences improve their paper and grant writing skills. Our team of expert editors will guide you through the intricacies of scientific writing, providing valuable insights and feedback tailored to your specific work. Spending time with an experienced editor means you can ask the questions that matter most to you, receiving direct, constructive feedback on your own projects. Whether you’re refining your manuscript or preparing a grant proposal, we’re here to help you elevate your writing to the next level.
Improve your writing skills and learn to communicate more effectively.
Learn from former Nature Masterclass presenters, former journal editors, grants specialists, academic directors.
Topics include Advanced Manuscript Writing, Illustrations, Writing Specific Aims (NIH), Handling Rejection.
We offer in-person and virtual webinars and workshops.
I found the workshop incredibly helpful, and am now more confident in navigating the publication and peer review process.
I was originally struggling with figuring out where to start. But now, I have a well-planned structure and flow to help me speed up the writing process.
Wonderful session. Dr. Wilson did a great job breaking down the different tasks and how to address each aspect of grant writing.
OUR WORKSHOPS
In short, our workshops focus on manuscript writing and grant writing, offering hands-on exercises, personalized coaching, and valuable feedback. Each session includes interactive in-class activities, individual coaching, and optional homework to reinforce learning.
Our modular workshops can be built around one to two-days and are designed for PhD students, post-docs, and PIs and are targeted to around 20 participants for a more personalized experience. Get the tools you need to improve your writing and boost your success in academic publishing and grant applications.
Master the Art of Scientific Writing
Our Manuscript and Grant Writing Workshops cover everything you need to write clear, compelling, and well-structured scientific papers and grant proposals. Key topics include:
- Getting Started: Crafting your story, structure, and identifying your target audience.
- Writing with Clarity: Techniques to make your writing engaging and easy to understand.
- Best Practices & Common Pitfalls: Learn essential writing tips and avoid frequent mistakes.
- Editorial Process & Peer Review: Understanding the review process and how to navigate revisions.
- Cover Letters & Editor Communication: Writing effective cover letters and understanding the role of journal editors.
- Personalized Feedback: Receive direct, constructive feedback on your own written work.
Join our workshop to sharpen your writing skills and increase your chances of success!
Select a Host for More Details:
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Michele Marass
Michele Marass
Michele teaches in-depth, participatory workshops based on his experience as a Nature Masterclass host that usually comprise two 5-hour days. Participants learn important writing tips from a scientific editor, with a focus on the most crucial parts of a manuscript and how to build a convincing narrative. Michele provides an overview of the publication landscape, the peer review process, and the reasoning behind editorial decisions. He includes interactive activities such as “Choose the best title” and “In the Editor’s mind,” and has added material on AI (pitfalls and possibilities).
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Stephen Matheson
Stephen Matheson
Stephen teaches participatory writing workshops based on ten years of leadership in the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Scientific Writing Retreat, in one- and two-day formats. The overall theme: good scientific writing is just good writing. Typically, participants bring something they are currently writing, which they revise and resubmit based on instruction and feedback. Stephen’s instructional topics include: 1) numerous writing tips from the CSHL retreat, based partly on the ancient wisdom of “know thyself”; 2) elements of a good abstract with real-time critique and revision; 3) practicing audience-centered writing and thought; 4) exploring AI tools (promises and pitfalls); and 5) creating some drama while providing guideposts. The one-day workshop involves two 3-hour sessions; in the two-day format, each day involves five hours in class. Both formats include written feedback from Stephen, after the workshop has ended, on participants’ work.
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Brandi Mattson
Brandi Mattson
Brandi offers in-depth, participatory workshops and talks tailored to the needs of scientists across career stages, from senior graduate students to senior faculty. Sessions are interactive and impactful, focusing on real-world skills and strategies to advance participants’ careers and research programs. Formats can range from single-day workshops to multi-day events. Sessions include guided exercises, peer feedback, and optional personalized coaching. Learn tips on scientific manuscript writing and publishing, grant writing from insights working at journals, philanthropies, and academic medical centers – from a life from the bench to science strategy delivered at leading global institutes, societies, and conferences.
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Carol Featherstone
Carol Featherstone
Carol teaches participatory writing workshops aimed at early career researchers who are just starting to write their own papers. The workshops use a mix of approaches including analysis and discussion of papers nominated by the participants, as well as exercises, writing practice, and individual feedback on participant’s written work. They aim to guide the participants in how to approach writing a paper, to create a compelling narrative, to identify good practice and common mistakes, and to write English in a clear and concise style. The format is flexible ranging from 1 day (6 hours) to 3 days, which may include an editor’s-eye view of the publication process and peer review.
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Jenna Sternberg
Jenna Sternberg
Jenna teaches shorter participatory workshops of 1.5-3 hours that focus on writing as a tool to reach a desired audience, whether that be editors, reviewers, other scientists, or funders. Workshop topics can include (1) building a narrative, (2) writing a convincing abstract, (3) deep dives into each section of a paper, (4) the editorial process, (5) general writing strategies, and (6) how to get started (often the hardest part!).
OUR TALKS AND MINI-WORKSHOPS
Manuscript Writing
Grant Writing
Careers
Illustrations
Our Talks and Mini-Workshops range from one to three hours and can accommodate unlimited participants. These sessions can be delivered in-person for a more interactive experience. Perfect for groups looking to enhance their writing and illustration skills, whether it’s for manuscripts, grants, or scientific communication. We also offer career talks with journal editors and scientific illustrators, providing valuable insights for those exploring career opportunities outside of academia.
Advanced manuscript writing
Insiders guide to publishing
Writing abstracts
Handling rejection
General grant writing
Writing specific aims (NIH)
Career talk (illustrator)
Figures and Graphics