Tailor-made course academic communication

Writing a grant can be a challenging process. How do you elaborate on your research project in just a few pages and explain its relevance clearly and concisely so that both experts and non-experts are impressed and convinced? This module teaches you to write impactful applications. The VENI course consists of a series of workshops that help you manage this process. The workshops touch upon the essentials in the VENI application such as writing style, valorisation and your CV. At the end of the course, participants will submit their application to a panel of Wageningen experts for a final round of comments before submitting it to NWO.

Academic writing can be a tough and lonely enterprise. Those who join a writing group can often concentrate better and work in a more focused way, ensuring greater productivity. Wageningen in'to Languages can provide support with this. For example, when forming a writing group and giving specific advice at each stage of the writing process: assignment orientation, creating a plan, conducting the research and the writing itself.

The truly tailor-made course. You become more aware of your writing qualities and points of improvement as a scientific writer with focused coaching, tips and professional editing you. You simultaneously develop strategies which will benefit you in the longer term. This module could revolve around language skills: grammar, spelling and vocabulary, but also structure, style and persuasiveness. We work with your own documents as much as possible.

Your presentation will be hammered out in one or more sessions. Where we start and what is needed depends on you and how far along you are in your preparations. Sometimes we start from scratch, sometimes from a few slides. We help you create a structure, divide the time and slides and think about what the audience takeaways should be. We then work on sharpening your presentation skills. We pay attention to, for example, creating a connection, posture, use of voice and gestures.

Recordings are made during the training. Crucial fragments can be reviewed in a subsequent session.

Researchers are increasingly expected to share their findings with the general public to convince laypeople that their research is of societal benefit. In this course, you will learn to write a magazine or newspaper article that targets a broad, general readership. You will also learn how to focus on the essence of your research project in your texts, to emphasise its significance and to approach it from new angles. Finally, you will learn to use a creative writing style that is interesting, informative, persuasive and accessible.

In a rebuttal, you present additional information, refute a misconception and offer further explanation where needed. That is often easier said than done. Criticism is sometimes razor-sharp, blunt and - in your eyes - unjustified. How do you deal with this? Writing a rebuttal to a peer review requires above all empathy, wisdom and tact. In this module, you get the do's and don'ts and specific writing tips.

Communicating with non-specialists. This is a difficult process for many researchers, which sometimes leads to misunderstanding and frustration. In this module, you will learn how to ‘simplify’ (from technical and nuanced to plain, layperson language) your communication about your research. This is crucial for media appearances, or if you want to collaborate with others outside your field or acquire financing.

How do you get the most out of an interview with a grant panel? You will not only be asked predictable questions, but also be hit from unexpected angles. How do you keep control, answer calmly and make a statement at the same time? In short: How do you respond effectively, concisely and, above all, convincingly? The content of your answer is paramount, but your communication style and the atmosphere during the interview are decisive. You can also include these in your preparation.

Wat is your scientific talent? What is your ambition? What differentiates you from others? Those who know how to answer these questions with conviction can present themselves more effectively to relevant interested parties and stakeholders within a strong (international) network. By honestly considering these questions, the chance of an interesting research project that matches your ambitions is many times greater.

Speaking a language fluently goes beyond grammatical knowledge, vocabulary and pronunciation. It also requires the necessary diplomatic skills and the right courteous strategies. This module looks at the tools and techniques with which you get the most from yourself and others at any meeting, whether it is a scientific congress or a lunch meeting. The language of instruction in this module is always English.

Networking in the scientific world is not about distributing business cards and sending standard online invitations. It is about building and maintaining relationships. During this training course, you will learn how to be a good ambassador for the people in your network, how to keep your network intact and how to expand it. It includes instruction on the right network attitude, the do's and don'ts on LinkedIn and getting referrals.