Editorial support for researchers

Catalyst Editorial Director, Dr Jane Alfred, has provided researchers at the University of Glasgow with editorial support on their grants and manuscripts for several years.              

“I have worked with Jane on a number of projects – papers and grants. As a biologist who works with engineers and chemists, I need to convey clear messages, sometimes about complex science, to a multidisciplinary audience.

Jane’s editorial input means that I can ensure there is a strong narrative and that complex ideas are discussed in the right order and in an accessible manner. I am surprised that even when I think I have done a really good job, her edits show me where I have missed an important narrative to bring out the story and to make sure the main messages are not missed.

One interesting project that Jane helped me with was the preparation of a large, multi-centre doctoral training grant application. This was a long and complex document unlike anything I had written before. With a pressing deadline and multiple authors adding to a complicated document, having Jane edit the document helped me to get rid of the multiple voices and to weave a thread through the document that was needed to tie the grant together and to make it accessible. In a very tough competition, we were successful.

Now Jane teaches the students about scientific writing! Jane is communicative, professional and punctual. For publishing with impact and complex grants, I know I will turn to Jane.”

– Matt Dalby, Professor of Cell Engineering at the University of Glasgow.