If you are stepping into the field of research, starting academics or shifting to a different field of interest, then it is not compulsory that the process to become a co-author of a research paper is very tough. You can make this job easy with a little hard work in the right direction.
Dr. Jessica Lasky-Soo, Associate Professor and veteran researcher at Harvard Medical School, states, “Currently, I need very good scientific writers badly to compose research papers. If I find some writers now, I will hire them at once.”
This indicates that the need for good science writers and editors is still undervalued, but once the senior researcher or principal investigator realizes how much you can contribute to their manuscript, then publishing opens its doors for you.
How much effort does one need to make in order to become a co-author of a research paper?
Rules might be a little more flexible in every line of research, but Dr. Lasky-Su thinks that
If one has contributed any sort of meaningful scientific contribution—whether collecting data, reading or writing the introduction to the paper—they should receive credit on the paper.”
Even college or school interns can be made co-authors if they know something about the topic and assist with any aspect of the research paper (like background research).
That is, you don’t have to be a PhD or postdoctoral researcher. If you are contributing to any significant portion, you can receive that acknowledgement.
Why networking is step number one?
If you are a beginner in research or you want to do some specific work that you aren’t familiar with yet, networking is most crucial.
“If you don’t have experience but you want to assist, call a person working in the particular field and ask—’I would like to know something about this subject and assist on a paper, is there a possibility I can be a part of it?'”
This sort of start-up is not typically like a job. You might not get paid but you can earn experience and reputation.
You can contribute to research papers alongside doing your job or other work.
What sections can you contribute to?
Each research paper has varying requirements. But in these present times when there is a great volume of data, there is a requirement for someone who could interpret it and make a good story out of it.
Dr. Lasky-Soo describes,
Data today is so massive and complicated. To understand, analyze, and then show it to the reader in a plain way is an art.”
Introduction and Discussion sections of a research paper are most time-consuming to compose, and they need a different kind of skill from the one who prepares scientific data.
If you are able to assist with this aspect—integrating, summarizing, and putting forward information in an effective manner—you can prove to be a valuable team member to the research team.
How to progress your writing career?
If you have written a research paper or two and been acknowledged as an author, you can further develop this experience.
“Once you’ve had experience of 2-3 papers, then you can associate with other researchers and be part of new teams. It’s like a chain, one link attaches to the other,” responds Dr. Lasky-Sue.
You can improve your writing ability as well as your network by enrolling in formal training programs, for example, Harvard Medical School’s Effective Writing for Health Care course.
These programs educate you on how to write, how to interpret research, and network with other professionals.
Conclusion: Research writing is not a challenging process, you only need the correct beginning
If you would like to carry out academic science or health writing, then:
- Get in touch with a seasoned researcher
- Demonstrate the willingness to learn and produce
- Schedule writing and analysis time
- You might not be paid at first, but the experience will prove priceless
- Network and invest in formal training
Over time, you can become a coveted author in each research team.
