Writing Scientific Manuscripts
Although they may be trained extensively on research methods and instrumentation, many researchers do not receive specific training on "soft skills" such as giving presentations or writing papers. For those scientists and engineers wanting more guidance on writing up their research results, help is only an Internet connection away. This month, we're featuring several free, online resources for writing scientific papers. Documents include:

• "The Science of Scientific Writing," by George Gopen and Judith Swan; originally published in American Scientist, a classic reference covering the nuances of writing style
• "Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals," by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors; discusses ethical considerations and publishing and editorial issues in addition to manuscript preparation
• "Tips for Writing a Scientific Manuscript," by Kelly LaMarco and Rebecca Ward; written by former editors of Science and Nature and hosted on the International Science and Health Network site
• "How Do I Write a Scientific Paper?", on SciDev.Net; a good summary containing advice for each section of a manuscript, adapted from a text developed by the Applied Ecology Research Group at the University of Canberra Australia
• "Writing a Scientific Paper," by Michael Zigmond and Beth Fischer; detailed advice available in several different file formats; published as part of the International Brain Research Organization's biweekly column "Map & Compass"

Information is also available in presentation format:

• "Guidelines for Scientific and Technical Publishing," by Celia Elliott; a step-by-step guide starting prior to writing a manuscript and running all the way through the peer review process; originally written for researchers in the former Soviet Union
• "Writing and Submitting a Scientific Paper," by Margaret Foster; written specifically for submitting papers to the journal Physical Review but full of generally applicable information
• "Writing for International Publications," by the editor of this newsletter; Part 1 covers the process of writing and Part 2 covers the structural elements of a manuscript in detail; PowerPoint format

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Distinguished Lecturer Journeys to South America
Last month, Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer Dr. Helen Longino gave a lecture entitled "Can Values Be Good for Science?" in both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile. This joint Distinguished Lectureship was organized by the Packard Initiative networking groups in the two respective cities. Dr. Lia Gersenschon, a member of the Buenos Aires group, commented: "Her conference was really a success because it was very interesting for professionals [in] other disciplines as well as for [professors] in philosophy [familiar with] her research who were grateful to Sigma Xi for having the opportunity of interchanging ideas with her." La Nacion, one of the largest nationwide, daily newspapers in Argentina, published an interview with Longino. Commenting on her trip, she remarked that she "had good conversations with many people and...felt the visit had been very worthwhile."

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Chemist and Physicist Sought for Summer English Training in Russia
The Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) will be conducting its annual English Language summer camp July 12–31, 2004. Russian science students from institutions participating in its Basic Research and Higher Education program attend to improve conversational and written English skills. CRDF is still seeking a chemist and a physicist in any career stage, from postdoc to emeritus, to run English-language journal clubs in which all Russian students will participate. Journal club leaders must have excellent English skills (native or near-native fluency), have overseas experience and be able to stay on site for the entire duration of the camp, held about one hour outside Moscow. Travel, visa costs, room, and board will be covered, and a small honorarium will be provided. For further information, please contact Stuart Politi at spoliti@crdf.org.

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Did You Know?
Until May 30, 2004, the Third World Organization for Women in Science will accept applications for its Postgraduate Training Fellowships. Women from sub-Saharan Africa or developing countries working/studying in the natural sciences are eligible to apply for the program, which provides travel expenses and a modest monthly living allowance for up to three years to study at centers of excellence in other countries in the global South. [Source: SciDev.Net]

The Open Society Institute is providing funding to support Institutional memberships to the Public Library of Science. This award targets institutions in developing and transitional countries that are engaged in biological and/or medical research. The list of eligible countries and application details are available online, and the next deadline for applications is June 15, 2004. [Source: Digital Dividend Digest]

The Association Liaison Office for University Cooperation in Development and its partners have issued a request for applications for the U.S.-Middle East University Partnerships Program. The peer-reviewed competition will award up to eight grants of up to US$100,000 each to implement cooperative partnerships between institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Arab universities in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank and Gaza and Yemen. Programs can be in several disciplines, including economics and information and communication technologies. Applications are due by June 15, 2004.

The International Foundation for Science (IFS) and the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU/IAS) are accepting applications for the Agriculture for Peace Fellowship until June 30, 2004. Awardees will receive a one-year research grant of up to US$12,000 and will be invited to participate in a mentorship program that includes a one-month stay at the UNU/IAS in Japan. Applicants must be early-career researchers who are citizens of countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the New Zealand Science & Technology Medals. This program recognizes and honors those who have made exceptional contributions to New Zealand society through activities in science, mathematics, social science or technology. Nominations for the 2004 awards close on June 30, 2004 and must be made or seconded through organizations affiliated with the Royal Society of New Zealand.

The South African Department of Science and Technology will be accepting applications until June 30, 2004 for the five different awards available under its new South African Awards for Women in Science program. Most of the award categories are for South African women at various stages in their research careers. [Source: SciDev.Net]

The Engineering Information Foundation Grant Programs support developmental projects, training programs and instructional projects in engineering education and research. Fields of interest currently include the availability and use of published information, women in engineering, and information access in developing countries. The next deadline for proposals is June 30, 2004.

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Upcoming Meetings
Global ICT Summit 2004: From Adversity to Success—The World's Best e-Content & e-Creativity Experience; Hong Kong, China; May 11–15, 2004

Berlin 2 Open Access: Steps Toward Implementation of the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities; Geneva, Switzerland; May 12–13, 2004

Technical and Economic Challenges of Scientific Information: STM Content Access, Linking and Archiving; London, UK; May 17, 2004

Council of Science Editors Annual Meeting; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; May 15–18, 2004

2nd Workshop on Science, Communication and Society; Panama; July 7–9, 2004

International Conference on Sustainability Engineering and Science; Auckland, New Zealand; July 7–9, 2004

EuroScience Open Forum: Highlighting Science, Technology & Innovation in Europe; Stockholm, Sweden; August 25–28, 2004

For more information on any of the programs mentioned in this newsletter, please contact:

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
P. O. Box 13975, 3106 East NC Highway 54
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
Telephone: +1-919-549-4691 or +1-919-547-5246
Fax: +1-919-549-0090
E-mail: international@sigmaxi.org