How hiring a science writer can boost your productivity

Time is a commodity that is in increasingly short supply for today’s busy scientist, who must juggle a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. Key among them is effective science communication. However, given all these other tasks and responsibilities, science communication often takes a backseat. Enter the science writer – a professional specialised in multiple aspects of science communication who can save scientists considerable time, enabling them to focus on their core scientific work. This blog post outlines some of the key benefits of hiring a science writer, including how they can boost your productivity. 

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Boosting productivity, amplifying reach and maximising impact

When I led a research group, I invested in a science writer to support my team with various writing activities, including writing funding proposals, reports for funders and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. This resulted in a huge return on investment, as my group members published more papers and submitted more funding proposals, which led to increased grant funding coming into the group. Furthermore, it also enabled all members of my group, not just the most senior members or those whose first language was English, to engage in these activities. Hiring a science writer, therefore, also helped my group members’ career development.

In today’s digital world, the reach and impact of scientific research can be greatly amplified by effective communication, using the various platforms available in addition to traditional scientific outlets. These platforms include social media, webinars, podcasts and blogs. Investing in a science writer’s services helps ensure my work reaches a broad audience, thereby increasing its reach, visibility and impact.

Full disclosure: all of the blog posts on my website are written by a science writer I have contracted to undertake this work!

Another issue scientists and academics face is the increasing demand on their time. (In some cases, this workload contributes to scientists leaving academia.) A science writer can help to alleviate this burden, thus boosting scientists’ productivity.

Cultivating a competitive edge: polished proposals and publications

Investing in a science writer can help you produce highly professional text-based materials more rapidly than if you had to squeeze writing sessions into your already busy schedule. Science writers bring a level of experience, polish and professionalism that enhances the overall quality of your writing, giving you a competitive edge when it comes to securing funding, obtaining consultancy contracts or getting published.

Bridging the gap: translating complex concepts

A key role of the science writer is to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and clear, accessible communication. This need is exemplified by the increasingly common requirement for a plain language summary when submitting a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Scientists are experts who are fully immersed in their own field’s specific terminology. As a result, they may sometimes find it challenging to summarise their findings in simple yet factually correct and scientifically accurate language. A science writer can help transform complex, jargon-heavy writing into text that is accessible and compelling to a broader, non-specialist audience.

Crafting a compelling narrative is equally essential for a manuscript. A science writer will enhance the clarity, coherence and readability of a manuscript, increasing its chances of acceptance and publication in a high-impact, prestigious and widely read peer-reviewed journal.

The art of storytelling: engaging diverse audiences

Science is about more than just data; it is about stories. These include stories of discovery, stories about innovation, stories describing an individual’s journey and, of course, stories about the quest for knowledge. A science writer can help bring these stories to life, making narratives about research not only informative but also engaging. This is particularly valuable when communicating with diverse audiences such as policymakers, scientists who work in different fields, funders and the wider public.

Enhancing public engagement: building trust and understanding

Public engagement is a critical aspect of scientific research, especially in areas that directly impact society, such as health, the environment and technological developments. Public engagement with science is crucial for building public trust and understanding, which requires transparent, accessible communication.

A science writer can help craft messages that resonate with the public while maintaining scientific integrity and accuracy. Furthermore, science writers help scientists produce fact-based content that is comprehensible and educational, dispels myths and disinformation, and promotes informed, evidence-based decision-making.

Why choose a science writer over an AI-based tool?

Large language models (LLMs) are tools based on generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. ChatGPT is currently one of the most widely known and used LLMs. They possess impressive capabilities and can rapidly process information and generate text. However, LLMs cannot replicate complex human traits and abilities such as intuition, creativity and nuanced, contextual understanding.

A human science writer can bring a depth of expertise and personalised insight that an LLM cannot. For example, a science writer can engage in dynamic discussions with scientists, ask questions to clarify areas of uncertainty, and tailor their writing to the specific needs, preferences and expertise of a given audience.

Using the services of a human science writer can also avoid some of the pitfalls associated with LLMs. These include LLMs’ limitations regarding complex reasoning, particularly in mathematics; their potential to reinforce negative stereotypes and biases that already exist in society; their propensity to make untruthful statements or ‘hallucinations’; and issues around intellectual property.

The strategic value of a science writer

The contribution a science writer can make is multifaceted, wide-ranging and strategically valuable for scientists working in any field. In an era when effective communication is key to the success of any scientific endeavour, the synergistic partnership between scientists and science writers is increasingly important.

Hiring a science writer is an investment in your research and will boost your productivity. Additionally, it will help to ensure that groundbreaking scientific findings are disseminated within your field while also having a broader, real-world impact.

To find out more about science writing and editing services, please get in touch with Adam at Impact Factor Editing.