Michele Marass

Michele teaches in-depth, participatory workshops based on his experience as a Nature Masterclass host that usually comprise two 5-hour days. Participants learn important writing tips from a scientific editor, with a focus on the most crucial parts of a manuscript and how to build a convincing narrative. Michele provides an overview of the publication landscape, the peer review process, and the reasoning behind editorial decisions. He includes interactive activities such as “Choose the best title” and “In the Editor’s mind,” and has added material on AI (pitfalls and possibilities).

Stephen Matheson

Stephen teaches participatory writing workshops based on ten years of leadership in the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Scientific Writing Retreat, in one- and two-day formats. The overall theme: good scientific writing is just good writing. Typically, participants bring something they are currently writing, which they revise and resubmit based on instruction and feedback. Stephen’s instructional topics include: 1) numerous writing tips from the CSHL retreat, based partly on the ancient wisdom of “know thyself”; 2) elements of a good abstract with real-time critique and revision; 3) practicing audience-centered writing and thought; 4) exploring AI tools (promises and pitfalls); and 5) creating some drama while providing guideposts. The one-day workshop involves two 3-hour sessions; in the two-day format, each day involves five hours in class. Both formats include written feedback from Stephen, after the workshop has ended, on participants’ work.

Brandi Mattson

Brandi offers in-depth, participatory workshops and talks tailored to the needs of scientists across career stages, from senior graduate students to senior faculty. Sessions are interactive and impactful, focusing on real-world skills and strategies to advance participants’ careers and research programs. Formats can range from single-day workshops to multi-day events. Sessions include guided exercises, peer feedback, and optional personalized coaching.  Learn tips on scientific manuscript writing and publishing, grant writing from insights working at journals, philanthropies, and academic medical centers – from a life from the bench to science strategy delivered at leading  global institutes, societies, and conferences.

Carol Featherstone

Carol teaches participatory writing workshops aimed at early career researchers who are just starting to write their own papers. The workshops use a mix of approaches including analysis and discussion of papers nominated by the participants, as well as exercises, writing practice, and individual feedback on participant’s written work. They aim to guide the participants in how to approach writing a paper, to create a compelling narrative, to identify good practice and common mistakes, and to write English in a clear and concise style. The format is flexible ranging from 1 day (6 hours) to 3 days, which may include an editor’s-eye view of the publication process and peer review.

Jenna Sternberg

Jenna teaches shorter participatory workshops of 1.5-3 hours that focus on writing as a tool to reach a desired audience, whether that be editors, reviewers, other scientists, or funders. Workshop topics can include (1) building a narrative, (2) writing a convincing abstract, (3) deep dives into each section of a paper, (4) the editorial process, (5) general writing strategies, and (6) how to get started (often the hardest part!).

Sonhita Chakraborty