Writing Science for
Non-native English Speakers
Our workshop is designed to enable non-native English speakers (NNS) to thrive in academia using writing as propeller. It equips participants with the skills and the confidence to write and publish their scientific findings in English during and beyond their postgraduate degrees.
Your facilitator
Astrid Rodriguez Acevedo, Ph.D.
Hello, science writers! I'm Astrid, a researcher with more than a decade of experience in the scientific arenas of Australia. Having earned my Ph.D. in Genetics and Biostatistics from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2015, I've had the privilege to work at prestigious institutions like QIMR Berghofer, QUT, and the University of Queensland (UQ). I come from the vibrant landscapes of Colombia, and my journey as an international student and academic has been filled with its unique challenges and triumphs. It's this very journey that inspired me to found Huitaca and create this workshop. My goal? To share the insights I've gained and guide fellow non-native speakers as they navigate the intricate world of academic writing. I hope to continue empowering others with the tools to excel in academia, regardless of linguistic or cultural background.
I'm genuinely thrilled to be your facilitator and as we countdown to our session, I invite you to check out the program below.
I can't wait to connect with each one of you!
Program
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We guide participants through a path of uncovering the connections between deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and the attitudes and choices they make when sitting down to write. Informed by our experience mentoring Spanish and Portuguese female scientists living in Latin America, the workshop focuses on tangible, relevant writing advice tailored to the needs of NNS.
Day 1
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Session 1 : Introduction & Diversity in STEM
9 am – 10:30 am
Discover the significant value of diverse perspectives in the STEM fields. We'll explore the reasons behind the limited gender and racial diversity in senior STEM roles and discuss how effective writing can elevate your career.
Session 2: Planning Your Writing
Hands-on Session: Identify Your Best Writing Hours
10:45 am – 12:30 pm
Harness the power of effective planning to streamline your scientific writing. In the hands-on session, you'll identify your most productive hours, ensuring that you utilize them optimally for your research writing. This session will guide you on how to prioritise your relationship with writing, set clear boundaries, and redefine success in academia.
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Session 3: Basics of Storytelling
Hands-on Session: Craft Your Research Story
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Narratives are powerful, even in scientific writing. Learn how to use the art of storytelling to make your research more engaging. Later, craft a compelling story around your research, making it resonate with your audience.
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Session 4: Organising Your Writing: Where to start
Hands-on Session: Draft Your Paper
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm
Where do you start? Writing the abstract, or methods or introduction? We tell you all the different approaches to start writing your paper and which might fit better your circumstances for a more efficient and pleasant writing experience. Following this, apply your knowledge practically in the hands-on session where you'll start crafting your paper.
Day 2
Session 1: Common Mistakes When Writing a Scientific Paper
Hands-on Session: Be the editor
9 am – 10:30 am
Become aware of the common pitfalls in scientific writing and learn how to avoid them. In the hands-on session, you will identify and rectify mistakes, elevating the quality of your write-up.
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Session 2: Basics of Editing
10:45 am – 12:30 pm
Writing is just the first step; editing brings polish. Dive into the nuances of editing, ensuring your research shines in the best possible light.
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Session 3: Peer Reviewing
Hands on Session: Writing Circle, Let's Fix Your Abstract
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Understand the significance of peer reviews in ensuring the quality and reliability of scientific research. Later, in the writing circle, collaboratively refine and perfect your abstract, making it crisp and impactful.
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Session 4: Artificial Intelligence Tools to help your writing
Mental Health During Your Academic Career
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm
Embrace the future with AI tools designed to streamline and enhance your scientific endeavors. Also, address the elephant in the room: the mental health challenges faced by academics. Equip yourself with strategies and tools to maintain well-being in your academic journey.
Learning while helping
By bringing this workshop to your institute or faculty, you are supporting Huitaca´s mission in Latin America: supporting female scientists with free mentoring and free English editing services.
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Thank you!