Scientific Writing Online "Shortie": Abstract Writing

Course Objective:

First impressions are important, which is why abstract writing is a key skill. A well-written abstract, in which you briefly and clearly communicate your purpose, approach and conclusions, will increase your chances of being published. It will also enable your readers to identify what the paper is about, judge how relevant it is to their interests and decide whether to read it. The main difficulty lies in providing the main story and a few essential details with only very few words.

In this webinar, we will look at how to clearly and concisely summarize the major points of your research whilst maintaining continuity.

Feedback is one of the best learning experiences: Participants of Module 2 will be given individual feedback on their texts in order to strengthen their future abstracts.

Topics:

Module 1a: Abstract Writing (1 hour)

• Content and Organization
• Using language to signal topics
• Ensuring continuity
• Verb tenses / active vs. passive
• Possible pitfalls

 Module 1b: Language and style: Writing clearly and concisely (1 hour)

• Paragraph structure: forest followed by trees
• Writing short, concise sentences
• Improving word order
• Internet resources

Module 2: Feedback (1 hour)

• The group and trainer provide feedback on texts

It is possible to participate in Module 1 only.

Target audience: Doctoral students, and clinician scientists

Maximum number of participants: unlimited for Module 1, 20 participants for Module 2

Methodology: Input by trainer, Q&A, writing and editing own text, feedback.

Preparation:

Module 1a and b: come prepared with questions on the topic

Module 2: write an abstract. Your text will be proofread/edited by two/three other students and the trainer and discussed in the session.

Technology: Zoom
Please check that your PC meets the requirements beforehand (microphone, camera, Internet connection).  

Next workshop: to be announced

TransMed Credit Points: For module 1 0.3 CP / for both modules 1 CP for transferable skills training