Make Your Mark in Science

CLAUS ASCHERON is Physics Editor at Springer-Verlag Heidelberg and a former professor of Kyoto University. He has given lectures on the topics of creativity, presenting, and publishing at numerous universities and professional conferences. ANGELA KICKUTH also works in science publishing and as a freelance writer and translator. Both authors have themselves survived the experience of obtaining a PhD in physics. Both also subsequently pursued careers in research, with appointments at universities and other research centers in several countries.

• Preface. 1. Introduction.1.1 What Does It Take to Be a Successful Scientist?1.2 Creativity.1.3 Presenting.1.4 Publishing and Electronic Publishing.1.5 Patents.2. Scientific Creativity.2.1 What is Creativity?2.2 Creativity in Science.2.3 Prerequisites for Creative Work.2.4 Personal Working Conditions.2.5 Group Creativity: Cooperation and Competition.2.6 Intelligence and Creativity.2.7 Scientific Creativity and Productivity Worldwide.3. Scientific Presenting.3.1 Planning a Presentation.3.2 Visual Aids.3.3 Preparing Slides.3.4 Practicing Before the Event.3.5 Delivering a Talk.3.6 Surviving the Discussion.3.7 The Art of Asking Questions.3.8 Poster Presentations.3.9 Some Tips for Chairing Meetings.3.10 Dos and Don'ts.4. The Culture and Ethics of Scientific Publishing.4.1 Purposes of Scientific Publishing.4.2 Types of Publications.4.3 A Few Words About Ethics.5. Writing and Publishing Your Own Paper.5.1 Planning and Preparation.5.2  Style of Writing.5.3 Structure of a Scientific Paper.5.4 Formal Aspects of Manuscript Preparation.5.5 Submission, Refereeing, Revisions.5.6 Writing for Profit?5.7 Dos and Don'ts.6. Electronic Publishing.6.1 Milestones in the Development of Electronic Publishing.6.2 Today's Electronic Media and Products.6.3 Use and Benefits of Online Publications.6.4 The Roles of the Publisher.6.5 Problems and Potential Pitfalls.6.6 Future Prospects, Near and Medium-Term.6.7 Open Access Publications.7. Patents.7.1 Introduction.7.2 What Is a Patent?7.3 What Can and Can't Be Patented?7.4 Conditions for Patentability.7.5 Who Should Apply? Patent Ownership.7.6 Before You Apply.7.7 Patent Application Procedure: Example of European Patent Office.7.8 The Patent Examination Process (EPO).7.9 Differences Between US and European Patents.7.10 Costs of Patents.7.11 Getting Assistance.7.12 A Little Relief.

"...succeeds at its intent, which is to give good advice on basic skills necessary for a successful scientific career." (Physics Today, December 2005) "...essential for young scientists...as well as for experienced scientists who need to improve their communication skills." (Journal of Chemical Education, September 2005)"…a good book containing great advice on publishing and presenting scientific results, patenting scientific work, and the creative side of science." (Journal of Natural Products, August 2005)“designed to help young scientists to communicate their scientific achievements effectively…” (Physics World, August 2005)"…brings many important aspects of professional scientific endeavor together in one place and in an informal and understandable language…comprehensive and offers much that would be of interest…" (CHOICE, June 2005)"A sensible, eminently readable collection of nuts-and-bolts information…gives a concise, thorough, and above all pragmatic answer to the question 'What's it really like to be a scientist?'" (E-STREAMS, May 2005)"...an excellent and readable guide to developing the right mental attitudes to allow creativity to flourish..." (Chemistry World, Vol.2, No.4, April 2005)