Writing a scientific paper

The focus is on peer-peer communication via scientific manuscripts destined for publication in a recognized journal. However, the skills and insights that are conveyed in this event can be used immediately in a very broad range of communication situations. The workshop starts with the cognitive psychology of the relationship between you as a communicator and your intended audience or readership. We then move to analysis of writing structure from very low levels up to the level of the whole manuscript. Here you will learn what it means to write "simple scientific English", for example. Next we look at the business of starting to write a research paper, and consider a simple recipe to help you determine whether you have a "good story". Later in the workshop we delve into the workings of editorial and peer review so that you have a better idea of the publication process and how to improve your chances of a favourable outcome! Important here is the initial choice of journal that you make, and we will go into that in some detail. Throughout the workshop there are shorter and longer interactive exercises in real time, and numerous opportunities for you to ask questions and discuss particular points. We work, at intervals, on the written works that participants have prepared and submitted before the workshop (typically a title and abstract of their work or intended work), and all participants receive a commented/edited copy of their work at the end.