What is Systematic Editing©?
We start with a checklist based on our many years of experience with scientific editing and teaching scientific writing:
- What is the health-related problem addressed by your research?
- What are the current knowledge gaps and what is your strategy to fill those gaps?
- What are your specific research questions and methods answer those questions?
- What are the uncertainties in your answers?
- How do those answers help to solve the health-related problem?
All these aspects need to fit together in a logical and readable way. For example: the scope of the problem is often too broad and/or does not sufficiently match the strategy and research questions. Or the research design (methods) may not be explicitly linked to the research questions. These structural aspects are crucial for the readability and credibility of the manuscript or grant proposal.
A crucial advantage of the Systematic Editing© approach is that non-specialist readers can follow the scientific story more easily.
During this process, we also correct any linguistic problems (syntax, grammar, verbose style) in the text.
NEW
Online training for PhD students/young scientists
In cooperation with ProSciCom, we provide online training for PhD students based on the prize-winning course taught by Ed Hull: Scientific Writing for Publication. This training uses the systematic approach to writing outlined above. A unique aspect is that the participants work on their own manuscript during the course.
Grant proposals
We provide Systematic Editing© and assessment of grant proposals, including
Horizon 2020
ERC
Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships
NWO (Veni, Vidi, Vici)
KWF
ZonMw
Manuscripts:
Our proprietary Systematic Editing© approach goes beyond linguistic correction alone. Language is obviously important, but is usually not the biggest obstacle to effective communication. After all most scientists, especially in the Netherlands, have adequate skills in English.
Our aim is to provide a well-structured and logically linked manuscript. This enables journal editors, reviewers and readers to understand your research without a struggle. Particularly important in this era of large, multi-disciplinary research consortia, our approach also ensures that non-specialists can understand your research in broad terms.