Transferable Skills Courses

As researchers navigate increasingly diverse careers, the importance of collaboration, networking, and interdisciplinary is rising. In this context, transferable skills, often referred to as soft skills, such as communication and leadership, are not just beneficial but essential. They can enhance researchers’ effectiveness in various work environments, improve their ability to disseminate results, and, most importantly, be applied in different aspects of life.

CFM is dedicated to equipping our researchers with the skills they need to succeed, with a particular focus on our youngest members. That is why, throughout the year, we offer various practical, transferable skills training activities for researchers at all levels.

CONTACT: Paula Malo de Molina, and Claire Tonnelé

AGENDA 2025

Scientific Writing Training

This workshop is designed for PhD students and early-career postdocs who wish to strengthen one of the most critical skills for success in science: scientific writing. Writing is not only the primary vehicle to communicate scientific results—it is also one of the key factors that will determine your impact and progression in a scientific career. Unfortunately, it is a skill that is rarely taught at university and is not always easy to master.
Unlike other forms of writing, scientific writing has its own structure, logic, and style. This workshop will guide participants through the key elements of scientific writing, from planning and drafting to publication, while also offering practical tools to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
This year, we are pleased to announce a special session with Professor Javier Aizpurua, who has been among the most highly cited researchers for several consecutive years and has served as an editor of Nanophotonics. He will share his insights on the editorial process, peer review, and what editors look for in a manuscript.
We will also include a peer review exercise, where participants will engage in reviewing each other’s work to gain hands-on experience with the peer review process.

Registration is required as spaces are limited.

Workshop Program:

Day 1 – Developing a Scientific Writing Mindset*

Scientific Writing: impact, visibility, and scientific progress
Overcoming common writing barriers
Scientific writing as a process: tools, routines, and habits
Differences between papers, thesis, and grant proposals
Planning your paper: mind maps, figures-first strategy, and
organizing content
Tools to support your writing

Day 2 – Developing the Structure

Finding your story: problem–solution–impact
Paper structure in detail: Title, Abstract, Introduction,
Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions
Visual communication: designing figures, tables, and captions
Enhancing coherence and cohesion across sections
/Guest session: Editorial insights with Prof. Javier Aizpurua/

Day 3 – Publishing & Peer Review*

Tips for writing abstracts and introductions
Grammar: sentence structure and guidelines
The peer-review process: how it works and how to navigate it
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Writing effective cover letters and responding to reviewers
Ethics and integrity in scientific writing (including AI use)

Who

Sofía Facal (Skills for Science)

Where
CFM auditorium

When

September 16th, 17th, and 18th from 10:00 to 13:00h

An example of Open Access: BERC BCAM

We will introduce what open access in publishing is like in a BERC centre: BCAM, how we have adapted our centre to European and national mandates and what the process of change has been like. We will focus on the importance of the preprint, talk about quantitative indicators and the DORA and COARA declarations.

Zoom: https://dipc-org.zoom.us/j/91934875828

Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/jAe53zw5ReE