In a partnership between Nature, Nature Africa and AfroScientric, editors from Nature magazine held a workshop on sharing and communicating scientific discoveries for young researchers from across Africa.
“Sometimes communicating your research with peers or with the general public is seen as something you do at the end of the research process, but I argue that it is something that should happen all along in parallel with conducting research,” said Magdalena Skipper, the editor-in-chief of Nature. “In my view, it is just as important as any other element of doing research.”
During the three-hour workshop, editors from all the different sections of Nature explained what they look for to communicate science accurately and effectively, whether through words or imagery. They all shared key tips for writing high quality research papers, what editors look for when they are assessing papers and how to interact with science journalists and explained the importance of good science communication.
“If you are communicating your work to the wider public, you have the opportunity to inform, educate, engage and when relevant get feedback for use in your own work,” added Skipper. “The need for a well-informed public that recognizes the importance of science and becomes engaged with it is very well illustrated by the current situation we find ourselves in in the pandemic.”
A full video of the event will be posted here within the next few days to make it available to a larger group of researchers. Readers can also find links to the presentations that the editors shared below.
