The Essentials of Scientific Writing and Presenting (face-to-face)

This course is offered in collaboration with Wageningen Graduate Schools (WGS).

Course description

The Essentials of Scientific Writing and Presenting is an intensive (6 days of 4.5 hours each) course that gives you some fundamental tips and techniques for effectively writing and presenting scientific information. The course also spends some time on developing clear pronunciation and polishing general English-language skills.

PhD candidates wishing to explore these issues in more detail and get hands-on practice should also follow Scientific Writing,Presenting with Impact and Efficient Writing Strategies.

Target group

• PhD candidates who are starting their academic careers and who want an overview of the communication skills they need for their PhD.
• More experienced PhD candidates who may already have these communication skills but who want an overview to check that they are on the right track.
• The maximum number of participants per group is 20.

Course goals

• Understand effective scientific communication better – both written and spoken
• Become familiar with the structure and elements of an IMRAD paper
• Learn to identify the characteristics of good scientific writing, including academic style, coherence, word choice, correct grammar and punctuation, and to avoid pitfalls
• Learn, identify and practise the elements of a good presentation
• Improve your pronunciation
• Improve proficiency in both written and spoken scientific English

Practical details and credits

• Face-to-face classes
• 6 days of 4.5 hours each
• 10 hours of self study
• 1.2. ECTS

Admission requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to be admitted to this course.

Dates and times

The Essentials of Scientific Writing and Presenting is offered 3 times per year, twice in the first semester and once in the second semester. Please click below for the latest course schedule.

Schedule PhD and Postdoc courses 2024

Schedule PhD and Postdoc courses 2025

If you would like to take this course but it is either full or does not list a starting date that suits you, please subscribe to our notification list by filling in the registration form. You will then be kept updated on new sign-up opportunities and dates.

Course materials

The course material is included in the course fee and will be distributed during the first session.

Certificate

To receive a certificate, you must submit the assignments on time. You may miss 1 session and still receive a certificate. However, you may not miss the session of your final presentation. You will give your final presentation during session 5 or 6. You and the course instructor will set the date of your final presentation once the course begins.

Course fee

The fee includes study and training material. Coffee/tea and lunches are not included.

Reduced fee*

• PhD candidates of Wageningen University with an approved Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) who are registered at one of the WU graduate schools (EPS, PE&RC, VLAG, WASS, WIAS, WIMEK).
• Postdocs of Wageningen University who are registered at one of the WU graduate schools.

University fee**

• All other PhD candidates / Wageningen University postdocs and staff.

Cancellation conditions

You may cancel free of charge up to four weeks before the start of the course. After this date you will be charged the incurring course fee. Unless:

• You can find someone to replace you in the course and supply the course coordinator with the name and contact information of your replacement. In this case you will only be charged a €50 cancellation fee.
• You (PhDs and postdocs of Wageningen University) have a valid reason to cancel (illness or death in the family 1st or 2nd degree). In this case you will be charged the reduced fee and your supervisor/PI must send a mail indicating the reason for cancellation.