SHAWNEE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An essential part of scientific training is learning to communicate new findings in manuscripts and theses. But access to scientific writing training, mentoring, and support varies widely, and many early career scientists report a need for more intensive help in developing their skills. This gap in mentoring and skill development negatively impacts the self-efficacy and career progression of those scientists who lack access to adequate support. As organizations that serve the scientific community, the Genetics Society of America and BioKansas have partnered to fill this gap through developing and implementing a mentored scientific writing program with generous funding support from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
This program is designed to be a new model of scientific writing training for graduate students, postdocs, and newly appointed faculty. The training will be provided virtually through multiple tracks to meet the individual needs of participants. The four program tracks are: multi-year thesis writing, single manuscript writing, project planning and accountability, and an abbreviated workshop. The program provides valuable training and practical experience on how to navigate the process of scientific writing, time management, goal setting, data management, data visualization and more.
“The scientific training experience is designed to train individuals for success in research intensive roles within academia. Yet, it’s clear that career outcomes for early career scientists are quite variable. This disconnect between the training early career scientists receive and the training they need often leaves them searching for additional opportunities to gain core professional skills including writing, communication, mentoring, and time management. By providing participants an opportunity to improve their core professional skills, this program will prepare them for a diverse range of academic and non-academic careers while not increasing the time it will take to complete their degree,” said Sonia M. Hall, President & CEO of BioKansas.
The program is being piloted this summer with a small cohort of participants from research institutions across the Midwest. Each organization will then launch independent programs that serve the needs of their members.
“We are excited to partner with BioKansas to support scientific writing training. The program’s virtual format is intentionally designed to ensure accessibility for early career scientists that face barriers to participating in professional development programs, such as remote geographic location, family care responsibilities, and financial limitations,” said Tracey DePellegrin, Executive Director of the Genetics Society of America.
For more information on the program, please contact Alex Erwin [alex@biokansas.org].
About Genetics Society of America: The Genetics Society of America serves an international community of more than 5,000 scientists who use genetics to make new discoveries and improve lives. GSA advances the field through conferences, the journals GENETICS and G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, advocacy, professional development programs, and more.
About BioKansas: BioKansas is a non-profit life science organization and voice of the bioscience community in Kansas and the surrounding region. BioKansas’ members span the private, academic, government, and non-profit sectors. Their unique programs and events are designed to strengthen connections between stakeholder groups to support the success, growth, and visibility of the bioscience industry in the heartland of the United States. Learn more at www.biokansas.org