Nature Masterclasses

Nature Masterclasses provides professional development training for researchers by drawing on the expertise of Nature Portfolio journal editors and experts. A subscription provides access to the entire platform, enabling researchers to access all the online training courses and resources available. Currently, the platform offers the following courses:

• Scientific Writing and Publishing
• Effective Collaboration in Research
• Managing Research Data to Unlock its Full Potential
• Narrative Tools for Researchers
• Focus On Peer Review
• Persuasive Grant Writing
• Networking for Researchers
• Advancing Your Scientific Presentations
• Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing

CRC 235 provides its members access to this learning platform via a personal access code. The number of spots are limited, and access will be granted on a first come, first served basis. To receive a code contact emergenceoflife@lmu.de.

Course blurbs:

Scientific Writing and Publishing

This 3-part course is delivered across 11 hours, split into 10-minute bitesize lessons which means you can dip in and out of modules at your convenience. The course is designed for both those who are new to publishing and those wishing to refresh their skills. Throughout the course you will develop your writing skills and confidence writing for journals, gain an understanding of the editorial process and what editors are looking for and learn best practices for submitting a paper and peer review.

Effective Collaboration in Research

This course has been developed for researchers looking to participate in or set up and lead collaborative projects. Taught across 3 parts, with 8 hours of learning, this course helps you to understand the benefits and challenges of collaborative research. The course teaches you key collaborative skills, how to initiate and run successful collaboration and how to maximise your projects.

Managing Research Data to Unlock its Potential

This course consists of 4 modules, with 4-5 hours of learning, all split into bitesize 15-minute lessons. It is designed to develop your data management skills and helps you to understand the benefits of using research data effectively. Throughout the duration of the course you will learn how to create and maintain a data management plan, explore best practices for organising and storing your data, and evaluate the different options for sharing research data.

Narrative Tools for Researchers

This 3-module course is designed to enhance your communication to peers by exploring the use of narrative tools to tell your research story. The course helps you to understand the benefits of using narrative tools to communicate your research more effectively, and provides you with the skills to build a refined and compelling research story.

Focus on Peer Review

This course is designed for those new to peer review or those looking to refresh their skills. Taught across 3-4 hours in 10-minute lessons, the course will help you to understand the importance and responsibilities of peer reviews. You will learn how to prepare a peer review reports and discuss ethics and innovations in peer review.

Persuasive Grant Writing

This course consists of 3 modules, with 3.5 hours of learning, all split into bitesize 15-minute lessons. It provides a deep-dive into how the application of storytelling principles can yield an advantage for you when writing grant applications. Throughout the duration of the course you will learn how to use narrative tools when writing your grant proposal to make it more informative and persuasive.

Networking for Researchers

This course has been developed for researchers looking to improve their networking skills. Taught across 3 parts, with 4 hours of learning, this course helps you to understand how to build stronger relationships within the research community both online and in person. The course teaches you strategies for leveraging your network in order to advance your research or career.

Advancing your Scientific Presentations

The course is to provide you with practical skills to build a compelling slide deck and deliver a successful presentation of your findings, in person and virtually, to your peers. Throughout the course you will explore the strategies that can help to overcome challenges researchers commonly experience when creating and delivering oral presentations.

Data Analysis: Planning and Preparation

This course provides insight and skills to create a successful data analysis plan. Working through all the important stages from preparation to completion and analysis, you will learn processes, key terms and planning skills. There are 2 modules and 3-4 hours of learning taught in 20 minute lessons.