How to write a first-class paper

The session begins with an introduction by Jack Leaney, an editor at Nature Careers, who welcomes attendees to the Nature Master Class on writing excellent papers. He introduces Christine, a senior editor from Nature Reviews Materials, who will lead the discussion. Jack also explains the interactive features of the event, such as the question box and polls, encouraging participants to engage actively.

Christine takes the stage and shares her background, highlighting her experience at Nature Nanotechnology. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication in science and outlines the mission of Nature—to present significant scientific discoveries to the public. Christine discusses the characteristics of papers suitable for Nature journals, focusing on their broad appeal and the impact on various fields. She also provides insights into the editorial process and criteria for assessing manuscripts.

Christine delves into the core of what constitutes great research, stressing the necessity of robust data and strong evidence to draw noteworthy conclusions. She explains that the foundation of a great paper is laid during project conception, hypothesis formulation, and experimental design. Christine also discusses the importance of proper data analysis and the application of appropriate statistical methods.

In this segment, Christine discusses the criteria editors use to assess papers, such as relevance to the journal's scope, data robustness, and the novelty of findings. She engages the audience with a poll to determine which factors are most valued in the editorial process. The results show a strong focus on the paper's relevance and the robustness of its data.

Christine provides guidance on writing a manuscript, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and clarity. She advises considering the audience and making complex concepts accessible to a broader readership. Christine also discusses the role of figures in presenting research results and the necessity of engaging and well-thought-out visuals.

Christine highlights the significance of titles and abstracts in capturing the reader's interest. She explains that a title should be declarative, engaging, and focused, while an abstract should succinctly convey the paper's main findings and broader implications. She also discusses the importance of using active voice and avoiding jargon and acronyms that may not be widely recognized.

Christine presents an example of a paper on human longevity, discussing the importance of clear and concise titles and abstracts. She uses a poll to engage the audience in selecting the most effective title from a set of options. The discussion underscores the challenge of creating accessible and engaging titles that accurately reflect the paper's content.

Christine addresses the debate on active versus passive voice in scientific writing. She advocates for the active voice for its brevity and clarity, which helps maintain the reader's attention. She also provides examples to illustrate the differences and the impact on the reader's understanding.

Christine wraps up the session by emphasizing the importance of making scientific research accessible to a broad audience. She discusses the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the role of clear communication in fostering such partnerships. Christine also invites participants to explore Nature Master Classes for more in-depth learning opportunities.

The session concludes with an interactive Q&A segment where Christine addresses various questions from the audience. Topics include the importance of reaching a wide audience with research, the role of review articles, and advice for aspiring editors. Christine's insights provide valuable guidance for scientists looking to enhance their research communication skills.