NSF Retreat for Biology Faculty

Funded by the National Science Foundation

Photo Credit: Jamie Jones

We invite applications from early-stage faculty from groups under-represented in Biology for an intensive writing retreat paired with a publication workshop August 5-9, 2013.

Workshop Goals

Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Integrative Organismal Systems, the goal of the workshop is to support early-stage biologists from groups under-represented in biology to develop into consistent, creative, productive writers within their disciplines.

Specific Aims

• Developing strategies for effective and efficient publication by drawing on the expertise of successful senior faculty and members of the publishing community
• Fostering community ties among participants that will continue to facilitate effective scholarship
• Offering the concentrated opportunity to engage in productive writing

Intended Participants

Post-docs and early-stage faculty from groups under-represented in biology. Priority will be given to participants 2-8 years out from their PhD. We define "under-represented" very broadly and plan to be very inclusive as we gather a group of participants who are diverse in many ways, including discipline of biology and type of institution.

Approaches

Mentors with extensive expertise as editors and editors-in chief, department chairs, and senior scientists with highly successful publication records to will help participants develop strategies for productive publication. The group workshops will include topics such as: developing a scholarship/writing plan; time management and developing effective writing habits; knowing when you have enough data to make a paper complete; choosing the right journal and writing effective cover letters for manuscripts; communicating effectively with editors and reviewers; developing productive writing collaborations; and working with student coauthors.

Cost

Our NSF funding covers room, board and participation costs for approximately 30 early-stage biologists from under-represented groups. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs.

Date

August 5 - 9, 2013

Location

Mountain Lake Biological Station, Pembroke, VA

General Daily Organization

• 7:30-8:30 Breakfast
• 8:30-10:30 Individual writing time
• 10:30-12:00 Group workshop
• 12:00-1:00 Lunch, informal topic tables
• 1:00-2:30 Community-building time (e.g. hike)
• 2:30-5:00 Individual writing
• 5:00-6:30 Break/Dinner
• 6:30-8:30 Group Workshop or additional writing time