On 28 and 29 May 2015, Research Support presented a workshop on writing for publication. The two-day workshop aimed to teach early career academics, including advanced post-graduate students, how to write articles. It was facilitated by Prof Cheryl McCrindle, a registered veterinarian.

The workshop detailed the necessary steps in the construction of an article. Elements that were discussed included the intended audience, the required format, originality, ethics, and the prevention of plagiarism. The content was supplemented with video clips that reiterated salient points. Helpful tips were offered, such as exercising before writing, dedicating time to write, and writing an abstract first. Prof McCrindle assured the participants that they are capable of writing for publication as long as they plan properly.

The workshop began with the participants creating a list of six key words that they thought were important. They presented their key words individually and Prof McCrindle suggested key words that she thought better represented the topic. Detailed explanations were developed from the key words, which were then formatted into sentences and paragraphs that could potentially form the first draft of an article.

The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to share and discuss their topics with a diverse group and to refine the focus areas of their research topics. The participants appreciated the detailed information on how articles should be written. Some even said that they had developed new ideas as a result of the workshop. One participant described the workshop as beneficial, informative, and energising.