1. Scientific Writing: Tips and Resources Barbara Gastel, MD, MPH Texas A&M University Knowledge Community Editor AuthorAID at INASP bgastel@cvm.tamu.edu

3. Overview Importance of scientific writing 10 tips Some resources

4. Importance of Scientific Writing

5. Some Reasons Writing Is Important Research isn’t complete until it’s published. If research isn’t shared, it’s as if the research hadn’t been done. Publication is crucial in obtaining continued funding. The writing process can be a tool for one’s own understanding.

6. 10 Tips on Scientific Writing

7. 1.Write to communicate, not to impress. Desirable impression: that the material is clear and interesting Undesirable impression: that you have a big vocabulary but that the subject matter is confusing Good writing is largely “invisible writing.” Remember: Many readers know relatively little English, and most readers are busy.

8. 2. Follow the instructions. Surprisingly, this guideline is often ignored. Extremely important for grant proposals Also very important for scientific papers A good resource: “Instructions to Authors in the Health Sciences” (http://mulford.meduohio.edu/instr/)http://mulford.meduohio.edu/instr/

9. 3. Use good models. Good scientific writing: largely a matter of imitation Use articles in your target journal as models Some things to notice: –Length (total and of individual sections) –Number and design of tables and figures –Words and phrases commonly used

10. 4. Gather plenty of suitable information. An article can be no better than the information gathered. In addition to gathering new data, search the literature, so your findings are presented in context Often an excellent resource: librarians Make note of sources of information, to avoid problems later.

11. 5. Organize the information carefully. Robert A. Day: “The preparation of a scientific paper has less to do with literary skill than with organization.” Time invested in organization can save much time later. Usual organization of a scientific paper: IMRAD or a variant thereof

12. The IMRAD Format IntroductionWhat was the question? MethodsHow did you try to answer it? ResultsWhat did you find? And DiscussionWhat does it mean?

13. 6. Set aside blocks of time for writing. Block out times for writing. Consider having regularly scheduled times to write. Choose the times according to when you tend to function best.

14. 7. Keep your audience in mind. Gear the content to the readers’ knowledge. Gear the content to the readers’ interests. (Readers of different journals can have different knowledge levels and different interests.)

15. 8. Write readably. Generally avoid –Very long paragraphs –Very long sentences Especially for general readerships, consider using –Headings –Bullets –Italics and boldface (but don’t overuse these) –Easy-to-understand graphics

16. Write readably (cont) Where feasible, –Use simple, common words attempt→fundamental→ –Delete needless words red in color→totally destroyed→ –Condense wordy phrases at this point in time→in the event that→ –Use verbs, not nouns made from them produce relief of→provide an explanation→

17. 9. Credit sources adequately. In general, use your own words. When using others’ words: –Put the material in quotation marks if it’s short. –Indent it if it’s long. –Cite the source. If a fact or idea isn’t your own (and isn’t common knowledge), cite the source. Use the requested citation format.

18. Credit sources adequately Follow instructions for –Citing sources in text (by name and date or by number) –Preparing the reference list (Note: Citation management software can facilitate this process.)

19. 10. Revise, revise, revise. A story: editor of the Journal of Clinical Investigation In revising, make good use of feedback from others.

20. Recap: The Basics 1.Write to communicate, not to impress. 2.Follow the instructions. 3.Use good models. 4.Gather plenty of suitable information. 5.Organize the information carefully. 6.Set aside blocks of time for writing. 7.Keep your audience in mind. 8.Write readably. 9.Credit sources adequately. 10.Revise, revise, revise.

21. Some Resources

22. AuthorAID at INASP (www.authoraid.info)www.authoraid.info A project to help researchers in developing countries to write about and publish their work Main components –Mentoring –Workshops –Openly accessible content

33. Some Additional Resources OneLook Dictionary Search (www.onelook.com)www.onelook.com Academic Phrasebank (www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk)www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk Grammar Girl (grammar.quickanddirtytips.com)grammar.quickanddirtytips.com Advice on Designing Scientific Posters (www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/pos teradvice.htm)www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/pos teradvice.htm

34. Questions?

35. A Handout: Writing and Publishing Scientific Papers: 50 Ways to Decrease Stress and Increase Success

36. Thank You Obrigada … Gracias … Merci …