How to write a scientific article

If scientific research is not communicated effectively, it may not have the desired impact on the world. Today, the internet has made knowledge available to anyone with access to a computer or smartphone. However, the real challenge is connecting readers to scientific concepts in an interesting, accurate, and authoritative way. Thanks to social media and news feeds, misunderstandings and miscommunications can easily spread among readers and only increase confusion. Here are some tips on how to write a scientific article.

1) When you write a scientific article: know your audience

It is important that you know exactly who your article is intended for. You are not going to write a popular science text about viruses for children in the same way you would for adults. You also need to consider their level of scientific and general knowledge. Indeed, the tone with which you address your readers is also important: you will not write the same way for a specialized site as for a general information site.

2) Tell a story

Psychologically, storytelling has the power to create a deep emotional connection with readers, even for dry scientific facts. When people read evidence-based scientific articles, they tend to process the information emotionally. So, rather than ignoring this element of human communication, it is best to use it to its fullest when you write a scientific article. An effective story has six elements: setting, characters, plot, conflict, theme, and story arc. While science writing doesn’t always lend itself easily to breaking down into these elements, you can always find a way to creatively connect some aspects of narrative writing to science.

3) When you write a scientific article: be concise

Pay attention to the size of your text. Because long texts are usually hard to read and you need to do everything you can to keep the reader from losing interest in your work. The bigger your text, the less attractive it is, frankly.

4) Be open to discussion

The discussion section will allow you to state your own conclusions. For readability, make one paragraph per idea and start the section with the conclusion, then demonstrate your result. This section pretends to highlight your scientific work, particularly by comparing it with that obtained by other scientists.

Remember: After you write a scientific article, a second look is sometimes necessary to avoid those unprofessional spelling mistakes that would discredit you in the eyes of the scientific community!