Academic Writing - Focus: Natural and Life Sciences

A workshop offered by the Bonn Graduate Center

Writing is an essential skill for researchers regardless of discipline. Writing academic texts in the life and natural sciences means clearly presenting evidence-based research to advance knowledge and address real-world challenges. During our two days together, we’ll immerse ourselves in the art of writing from the reader’s perspective, learning tools and strategies to engage your readers.

In-person Workshop

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Trainer

Lesley-Anne Weiling

Language

English

Location

Alte Sternwarte
Poppelsdorfer Allee 47*

Target Group

Doctoral students and postdocs

Track(s)

Research, Research Management

Certificate

16 units are applicable within the Doctorate plus or the Careers plus certificate

* The premises are not barrier-free. Please contact the Bonn Graduate Center if you need assistance.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.

Description

You are encouraged to bring along a sample of your current writing that will be the basis for peer review on the second day of the course. In addition, you can bring an example of a research article from your own research field that you found engaging, or where you aspire to publish.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The writing process and techniques to overcome writer’s block and procrastination
Cultural differences in writing and reader expectations
Introducing a narrative structure into an academic text
Structuring an English paper
Composing well-structured paragraphs and sentences
Finding your scholarly voice and writing with authority
Writing compelling titles and abstracts
Identifying typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Self-editing and concise writing
Resources to support your writing
Tips for overcoming procrastination and becoming a productive writer
Peer review feedback and feedback from the instructor

Content

Understanding the principles of clear and engaging academic writing in the life and natural sciences.
Developing skills to structure a paper, including crafting compelling titles, abstracts, and introductions.
Learning techniques for writing well-structured paragraphs and concise sentences.
Identifying and avoiding common mistakes in academic writing.
Incorporating narrative elements to make research more accessible and engaging.
Enhancing self-editing abilities to improve clarity and readability.
Strengthening scholarly voice and authority in writing.
Gaining strategies to overcome writer’s block and maintain productive writing habits.

Feedback from participants

"The teacher was especially good!" (Participant 2023)

"I really liked the lecturer. She is a very positive person and very motivating." (Participant 2024)

"The contents of the course were brilliant. There are many things I either did only unconsciously or not at all. For the first time, I feel like having an actual concept of academic writing and how to approach it. I also have to mention the energy the lecturer brought into the room, which was contagious and helped to stay motivated as well as focused. This lead to a fun and friendly atmosphere, which I enjoyed greatly!" (Participant 2024)

Contact

Bonn Graduate Center

Contact

+49 228 73-60141

graduiertenzentrum@uni-bonn.de

Address

Alte Sternwarte
Poppelsdorfer Allee 47
53115 Bonn

More Workshops?

Have a look at further workshops offered in our Doctorate plus program this semester.

Research Track ²

Research Management Track ³

Business and Organizations Track ⁴

Also see

Certificate Doctorate plus

Acquire the Doctorate plus Certificate in one of our three career tracks.

Read more⁵²²

Qualification Program Doctorate plus

Expand your skills with our qualification program Doctorate plus.

Read more⁶³²

Newsletter - Bonn Doctoral Bulletin

Stay up-to-date on important topics on doctoral studies and subscribe to our newsletter.

Read more⁷⁴²