The Write Touch: Technical Writing for Microbiologists

Abstract: Writing can be a difficult assignment, one that many approach with fear or trepidation. Scientists write for many different reasons, creating a variety of documents, each with its own purpose and set of rules or guidelines for document creation. Examples include peer-reviewed manuscripts, standard operating procedures, and business proposals. No matter the purpose, all clinical laboratory documents require a keen eye for detail, a grasp of the document audience and preferred language, either scientific or business, to correctly relay the message and intent. Writing is not an easy task, yet with a simple outline in hand and a clear vision of the end result, each task is quite manageable. In addition, all documents require some form of document control and documentation of reference material to create bibliographies. Software programs called “citation managers” make the daunting task of collecting and citing references and sources easier by seamlessly integrating references into word processing documents. In summary, anyone can learn to write well and receive a profound sense of joy and accomplishment once the task is completed and the result is either published or funded.
Source: Clinical Microbiology Newsletter - Category: Microbiology Authors: Source Type: news