The 11th workshop on science writing organised by Current Science was hosted by Dibrugarh University from 7 to 14 February 2020.

Though the workshop was organised primarily to facilitate the participation of scientists, researchers and science faculty from the North East, there were participants from the North, South and Central India. This created a platform for cultural exchange. The diversity of specialisations of the participants created an ambience for inter-disciplinary discussions. And the gender balance too, was more than satisfactory.

Thirteen participants. Four Assistant Professors, one Assistant Director, a Senior Research Analyst, a Post Doc and five PhD scholars. Horizontal communication among the participants started on the second day, discussions gained intensity on the third. By the fourth day people started writing in earnest.

The intervention by Yateendra Joshi came at the right time. Then came Prof Bhushan Patwardhan, Vice Chair Person of the UGC who talked about the circumstances that led to the drastic reduction in the list of journals approved by the UGC. He said that only journals that meet the criteria of quality standards will be included in the list. So new journals that follow ethical practices in publishing can indeed be added to the list.

There were many interesting discussions on various issues related to doing science in Indian universities and institutes. The workshop focused on improving skills related to reading, writing and editing scientific materials – practices that will continue for a month after the workshop. At the end of the workshop, the participants evaluated the workshop. This is what they had to say:

“My attitude towards science eight days ago was very confined; it was limited to only the requirements of my research. I did not read about any other. I just worked in the lab and thought only about writing a good paper. But taking part in the discussions made me realise that science is not about learning or mugging up things. It about questioning and wanting to know the reason why something is happening”

“This workshop solved many of my confusions about writing, communicating and accessing information and storing for future reference. Many tricks and techniques were not known to me before this workshop. “

“I never thought writing Scientific paper is like writing a story. Writing a paper seems easy this way. Also I feel confident and courageous after understanding these similarities.”

“I was not aware of the structure and target of a piece of writing. Considering these two makes the writing more apt. And it helps in the process of writing.”

The participants appreciated the excellent hospitality of the Department of Applied Geology, Dirburgarh University. They played the part of a perfect host for such workshops. The cultural show was put up by the Department was a highlight, hugely enjoyed by the participants.

A part of the work done in the workshop can be read in the March 10 issue of Current Science. And the remaining in STEAMindiaReports, later.