Seminars
A Seminar Series by Christopher Dant, PhD
In addition to being available on demand in recorded format below, these seminars are also offered live periodically. Check our Calendar of Events for upcoming offerings, or contact Andi M. Gilbert at (603) 653-6018 for more information.
For information about obtaining copies of these presentations, contact Christopher Dant.
The Biomedical Manuscript: Strategies for Getting Your Paper in Print from the Journal Editor's and the Writer's Perspectives
121 minutes. Originally presented on May 13, 2011.
Speakers: Harold Sox, MD; Former Editor, Annals Internal Medicine; Professor of Medicine, Dartmouth; and Christopher Dant, PhD; Faculty Instructor, Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Dr. Harold Sox, the former Medical Editor of Annals Internal Medicine, one of the most prestigious and cited medical journals in the world, joins Dr. Christopher Dant, a former investigator, writer, and editor, to examine the essentials of creating the peer-reviewed biomedical manuscript from the point of view of the journal editor and the writer.
Writing the Biomedical Manuscript: A Systematic Approach
46 minutes. Originally presented on September 2, 2009.
Watch "Writing the Biomedical Manuscript: A Systematic Approach"
In this seminar, we examine the essentials of creating the peer-reviewed biomedical manuscript from the point of view of the journal editor. We look at what constitutes a good and bad manuscript and how scientists and physicians can improve their manuscript-construction skills. We also examine several aspects of English usage and abusage.
Writing the New NIH Research Grant: A Systematic Approach
76 minutes. Originally presented on March 8, 2010.
Watch "Writing the New NIH Research Grant: A Systematic Approach"
In September 2009, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the new "Enhancing Peer Review" guidelines for research grant structure and content. Beginning in 2010, most R, K, and F grant types must be restructured to fit within half the space previously allotted for the research plan. While streamlining peer review, the newly redesigned grant structure requires a different approach to grant writing. In this seminar, we explore the NIH research grant with its restructured content, and present a strategy for writing the grant. We specifically dissect the new research section and discuss many common mistakes investigators make in writing this section of the grant. We also address grant organization, aesthetics, and aspects of language and writing important to presentation. Overall, we present a strategy of grant writing that will improve investigator grantsmanship.
Basics of Clear Writing
86 minutes. Originally presented February 23, 2010.
Watch "Basics of Clear Writing"
Many scientists struggle with their writing. Learning to write clearly is one of the most important aspects of a scientist's career and yet research shows that many manuscripts and grants are unsuccessful partly because of a lack of clarity. In this 1.5-hour seminar, we will examine the basis for unclear writing and offer ways scientists can improve their writing.
Communicating Your Science to Your Peers
67 minutes. Originally presented April 19, 2010.
Watch "Communicating Your Science to Your Peers"
Key communications from scientist include not only grants and manuscripts, but powerpoint presentations. At all levels, scientists must learn how to prepare their presentations and deliver them at major medical congresses and within their own instutions. Some of these presentations are poorly designed and delivered, and the key scientific messages get lost or are misunderstood. This is like a poorly written paper or grant, but a poorly delivered talk also reflects poorly on the presenter. In this one-hour seminar, we will examine the key elements in how to best prepare scientific content as well as optimize design and delivery for clear communion to your audience. We will also examine posters—how to best design and deliver them.
NIH Career Development Programs
76 minutes. Originally presented on March 21, 2011.
Watch "NIH Career Development Programs"
Career Development Awards (K awards) are one of the most successful NIH programs that have helped launched many productive investigator careers. Over the past 5 years, K award funding has steadily increased NIH-wide, and in 2010, overall K award success rates were 35% across all institutes. However, many investigators often miss funding opportunities because they are not aware of the kinds of career awards available to them and what's expected of the trainee in securing an award. In this 1.5-hour seminar, we will examine different NIH training and career development programs, discuss what programs are tailored to specific individuals during their career, and provide an overview of how to write a competitive K award..
