Nature Masterclasses

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course has been designed to support researchers in mastering the steps needed to publish their work with integrity, ultimately helping them advance their careers and make valuable contributions to the scientific record with confidence. In this 3-module course, there are 8 hours of learning consisting of 45-minute lessons.

What’s in the course?

Part 1: Preparing to publish with integrity
How to identify a reputable journal and publish with integrity.

Part 2: Publication ethics during manuscript preparation
How to uphold data and image integrity and publish with transparency— including how to reuse material and ensure accurate citation.

Part 3: Publication ethics after submission
How to navigate manuscript revisions and handle post-publication issues

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course has been designed for researchers looking to understand how storytelling techniques can build a compelling scientific story to communicate their research and apply strategies in an accessible and persuasive way to a non-scientific audience. In this 1-module course, there are 6.5 hours of learning, consisting of 10-30 minute lessons.

What’s in the course?

You will learn how to identify your communication goals, understand and reach your audience, and create a compelling narrative to effectively communicate when writing and presenting.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course will introduce researchers to powerful narrative tools and principles of scientific writing. It will also teach researchers how to apply them to their next manuscript. The course was developed in collaboration with a team of 12 experts in writing and evaluating research papers, including Nature Portfolio Journal Editors. Researchers learn in five modules how to write informative, concise, well structured and engaging research papers. This 2nd edition provides an improved learning experience and enriched content with extensive real-world examples.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Understanding the elements of an effective research paper

You will learn what makes an effective research paper, including helpful strategies for structuring and create narratives.

Module 2: Applying narrative tools to your research paper

A deep dive into narrative tools: the audience, the evidence and how to create a story arc.

Module 3: Using the principles of scientific writing style for your research paper

A module focusing on informative, concise, engaging and well-structured writing, with tips for each section of a research paper.

Module 4: Finalising your research paper for submission

The finishing touches: how to assemble an appealing title, compose an effective abstract and revise your paper before submission.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course will teach you how to submit your research paper and select the most appropriate journal for publication and submit your paper. Taught across 5.5 hours in bitesize 15-minute lessons, you will learn how to navigate the editorial process, and write cover letters, to include ethical considerations.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Authorship and authors’ responsibilities

You will learn the principles of authorship and how to identify authors.

Module 2: Selecting a journal for publication

This module provides you with input on important things to consider when selecting a journal.

Module 3: Submitting your paper

A module focusing on presubmission enquiries, scientific cover letters and the submission process.

Module 4: Understanding peer review

A deep dive into all issues regarding peer reviewed publishing.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course is designed to enhance your communication with peers by exploring the use of narrative tools to tell your research story. The 3-module 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.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Why use a story?

The benefits of using narrative tools to communicate your research more effectively to scientific peers and stakeholders.

Module 2: Building your story

• How to create and combine narrative elements to build a compelling scientific story.

Module 3: Refining your story

• How to refine your research story depending on the audience and format for your communication.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course has been developed for researchers in the natural sciences who want to improve the quality of their peer-to-peer scientific presentations with both virtual and face-to-face audiences. In the course, you will discover how you can develop your research story, how to build a slide deck that supports and enhances your presentation, and how to prepare to deliver your presentation on the day. This 4-module course is delivered across 10 hours, split into 15-minute bitesize lessons.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Overcoming your research presentation challenges

You will learn to identify techniques that can help to overcome the challenges that researchers commonly face when creating and delivering oral presentations

Module 2: Developing the story behind your talk

This module provides you with input on building compelling research stories to use as the foundation for your presentations.

Module 3: Building an engaging slide deck

A module focusing on creating professional slide decks that effectively communicate your research findings to your audience.

Module 4: Preparing and navigating your talk

You will learn to apply strategies to help you deliver your presentation effectively on the day, in both virtual and face-to-face environments

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course is designed to help you take the next step in your career, either as a new postdoc or in a new faculty role. You will learn how to find the best potential career opportunities and give your application the best possible chance of success. Developed in collaboration with 11 experts, this course is made up of modules and 7-8 hours of learning split into bite-size lessons.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Exploring your values, interests, skills and career goals

You will learn how to find to assess whether a job you are offered is suitable and choose between competing job offers.

Module 2: Finding a research position

You will learn how to find potential career opportunities that align with your personal attributes, desires and goals.

Module 3: Applying for a research position

This module provides you with input on how to apply for positions in a way that will highlight your strongest attributes and most relevant qualities.

Module 4: Excelling at the interview

You will learn how to present yourself authentically and effectively during all stages of the interview process, giving you the best possible chance of success.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course is designed to give you the opportunity to develop your experimental design skills and will teach you how to select and refine the precise methods, tools, techniques, and protocols you need to answer your research question. Developed in collaboration with 9 experts, this 4-module course consists of 7-8 hours of learning split up into manageable bite-size lessons.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Foundations of experimental design

You will learn about the benefits of honing your experimental design skills before embarking on full-scale experiments.

Module 2: Developing your motivation, assumptions and hypotheses

This module provides you with input on how to develop research motivations, identify assumptions and formulate hypotheses.

Module 3: Assembling your experimental plan

A module focusing on how to select the precise methods, tools, techniques and protocols you need to answer your research question.

Module 4: Utilising your experimental design

A deep dive into how to refine and make use of your experimental design.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

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

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Before starting your grant application

You will learn to understand how narrative tools can improve the quality of your grant applications.

Module 2: Targeting your audience

This module provides you with input on how to align your grant proposal with the requirements and objectives of your chosen funder.

Module 3: Creating a narrative

A module focusing on how to apply narrative tools when writing your grant proposal, to make it more informative, persuasive and engaging

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course has been developed for researchers looking to find funding opportunities or mentor others through the process. Throughout, you will learn how to analyse your funding requirements and will learn strategies to prioritise and select the opportunities that best fit your needs. This course, consisting of 1-module, was developed in collaboration with 5 experts in the field, and consists of 3-4 hours of learning split into bite-size lessons.

What’s in the course?

In this course, you will learn

• The funding landscape and the benefits of searching for and prioritising the best-fitting funding opportunities
• How to analyse your funding requirements while considering your personal and professional circumstances
• Strategies to find and keep track of suitable funding opportunities
• How best to shortlist different funding opportunities
• Strategies to prioritise and select those opportunities that best fit your needs

What is the course about, and who is it for?

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

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Welcome and introduction

You will learn why effective data management is beneficial to your research and your career

Module 2: Creating and maintaining your data management plan (DMP)

This module provides you with input on how to create and maintain a data management plan.

Module 3: Managing data in the short and long term

A module focusing on how to apply best practices for organising, storing, archiving and quality checking your data, as well as on how to make your data understandable.

Module 4: Sharing your data

A deep dive into the pros and cons of different options for sharing your data.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

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.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Introduction to data analysis and the importance of planning

You will learn about the importance of planning and preparing for data analysis.

Module 2: Preparing your data for analysis

This module provides you with input on the key terms and processes relating to data analysis, as well as the principles of creating and updating a data analysis plan

What is the course about, and who is it for?

In this course, you will learn how to develop your data analysis skills or mentor others through the process. The course, consisting of 3 modules, was developed in collaboration with 10 experts in data analysis including experienced statisticians and data scientists, journal editors, and early career researchers.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Introduction to data analysis

You will learn about the importance of conducting effective data analysis.

Module 2: Exploring your data and reviewing your analysis plan

This module provides you with input on the best tools for exploring various datasets.

Module 3: Analysing your data

A module focusing on the range of analytic methods available, and understanding which is most suited to your data. You will also learn about strategies for obtaining feedback, troubleshooting, and expressing the limitations of your analysis.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course will teach you how to interpret scientific findings with more confidence or mentor others through the process. Developed in collaboration with a team of 5 international experts in interpreting results, the course consists of 1 module containing 12 bite-size lessons to provide an accessible, dip-in-and-out format for busy researchers.

What’s in the course?

In this course, you will learn to

• Recognise and avoid the most common pitfalls when interpreting results 
• Understand the steps you can take if their results are unexpected
• Address your research aims, contextualise your findings and understand how they advance their scientific field
• Communicate findings with a focus on your key message

What is the course about, and who is it for?

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

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Why network?

You will learn about the theory behind and the importance of networking, and how to use your research and career goals to guide you to find appropriate networking opportunities .

Module 2: Getting ready to network

This module provides you with input on how to research and prepare key resources to help you build an effective network.

Module 3: Connect with new networking contacts - in person and online

A module focusing on strategies to approach and connect with potential contacts, and how to follow up – both in person and online.

Module 4: Nurturing and harnessing the power of your network

A deep dive into strategies for nurturing your networking contacts, and how to leverage them to advance your research and career

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What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course provides insights for researchers in the natural sciences who wish to participate in collaborative projects. In this 1-module course spanning 2.5 hours of learning taught in 12-minute lessons, you will discover how becoming a more effective collaborator could help to further both your research and your career.

What’s in the course?

In this course, you will learn

• Why collaborative research is becoming more prevalent
• The pros and cons of collaborating
• The specifics of collaborating with industry
• How collaborative projects can help advance your research and career

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course has been designed for researchers to identify and approach potential collaborators with the right expertise. Managing challenges including conflict between collaborators, ethical misconduct, and administering shared funds, you will learn to maximize the outputs, value and impact of your collaboration. There are 3 modules and 11.5 hours of learning taught in 15-minute lessons.

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Initiating and leading a collaboration

You will learn to identify and approach potential collaborators with the right skills and expertise. Further lessons are on effective leadership, collaboration agreements and how to apply for funding for your collaborative project.

Module 2: Running and troubleshooting a collaboration

This module provides you with input on how to manage challenges including conflict between collaborators, stress, ethical misconduct, administering shared funds and resources, and going over-budget.

Module 3: Outputs and next steps

A module focusing on how to maximise the outputs, value and impact of your collaboration, as well as on how to wrap-up a collaborative project that has reached its goals, or end a project early if required.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

This course has been developed for researchers looking to make a meaningful contribution when joining a collaborative project. In this course, you will discover how to overcome possible roadblocks, to maximise the skills, ideas, and contacts you’ll gain from collaborating. In this 1-module course, there are 5 hours of learning, consisting of 15-minute bite-sized lessons.

What’s in the course?

In this course, you will learn

• Strategies for working in a new research team
• Key collaborative skills such as dividing tasks, managing your time, and communicating efficiently
• Tools to help you collaborate
• How to plan to maximise the skills, ideas and contacts you’ll gain from collaborating
• How to overcome possible roadblocks when participating in collaborative projects

What is the course about, and who is it for?

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

What’s in the course?

Module 1: Your role as peer reviewer

In this module, you will learn about the importance and responsibilities of peer reviewers.

Module 2: The peer review report

This module provides input on how to prepare a peer review report.

Module 3: Ethics in peer review

A deep dive into the ethics of a peer review process.

Module 4: Variations and innovations in peer review

In this module, you will be given an overview over the different variants of and recent innovations in peer review.

What is the course about, and who is it for?

Being easily found and contacted online by different stakeholders such as journal editors, industry professionals, journalists and fellow researchers is crucial in fostering collaborations and advancing your career. This new ‘espresso’ course aims to equip you with the essential skills to build and optimise your online researcher profile(s). 

What’s in the course?

Module 1: What is an online researcher profile?

This module will help you understand the importance of having a strong online researcher profile

Module 2: Who might be searching for you online?

Get familiar with the requirements of professionals who may look at your profile.

Module 3: Where can you build your online researcher profile?

Here you will gain insights into how to strategically choose the right platforms for your researcher profile.

Module 4: Which websites or platforms should you use?

In this module, you will be given an overview over the different variants of and recent innovations in peer review.

Module 5: How can you make your researcher profile(s) stand out?

This section will teach you how to boost the visibility of your work and experience.

What are espresso courses?

‘Espresso courses’ are an innovative adaptation to our user’s training needs 

To cater to different learning styles and to mitigate the short amount of time that researchers have to dedicate to training, we adapted several parameters of our traditional courses to create our new experimental ‘espresso’ course format as shown below:

• Shorter course length– manageable both practically and mentally

• A user-friendly structure that allows learners to ‘glide’ through the content swimmingly

• Better workflow with shorter production times