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RIDS  |  Tygerberg Doctoral Office

Research & Writing

Scientific writing is not merely a byproduct of scientific inquiry, but an essential skill requiring attention and cultivation just as the scientific method. It serves as the medium through which hypotheses are tested, discoveries are communicated, and knowledge is disseminated. Like any craft, mastering scientific writing requires deliberate practice, honing the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity, accuracy, and accessibility. Through meticulous attention to structure, style, and disciplinary conventions, scientists can bridge the gap between their research and its wider audience, ensuring that the fruits of their labour are impactful. Thus, writing is a conduit and cornerstone of the scientific endeavor. 

Research writing, including every chapter of a doctoral dissertation, should integrate and engage the seminal and recent literature in the relevant field. The SU Medicine & Health Sciences Library on Tygerberg Campus offers guidance to postgraduate students on integrating information from the literature effectively. These and other services are available via this link. The SU Postgraduate Office also offers a range of workshops relevant to academic or scientific writing. All doctoral students in the FMHS are invited to join the FMHS monthly Doctoral Discussion Group at any stage. Participation in this group will assist with your writing process. ?

Writing is a dynamic and iterative process, evolving through successive stages of brainstorming, drafting, revision, and editing. It begins with generating and organising ideas to craft an initial draft that captures the essence of the message. Subsequent revisions refine the content, clarifying concepts, enhancing coherence, and strengthening the story line. Editing polishes the text, addressing issues of grammar, punctuation, and style to ensure clarity and consistency. Throughout this cyclical process, writers continually revisit their work, responding to feedback and striving for excellence. Writing is an integral part of the journey of exploration and discovery. The SU Writing Lab, based in the Language Centre, offers advice on how to improve, order, and structure, argumentation, academic writing style, references, and provides a soundboard for your ideas, which helps to develop writing skill.  Book consultations of 50 minutes via MS Teams on the Writing Lab website, or book a face to face consultation in the FMHS library on Tygerberg campus. Contact Anne-Mari Lackay  at  amlackay@sun.ac.za?.

The SU software hub gives postgraduate students access to specific research software packages as facilitated by institutional licenses.

Those interested in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health research may want to consider the following resources:

1. WHO (2025) document on Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health: Guidance on large multi-modal models
2. WHO (2021) document on Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health
3. WHO (2017) document on Big data and artificial intelligence for achieving universal health coverage: an international consultation on ethics
   
4. SU Position Statement on the Ethical Use of AI in Research and TLA
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?While conducting research and writing your drafts, please also pay careful a?ttention to the requirements for doctoral examination.

At this stage, please consider securing the services of a professional proofreader or editor to help ensure you submit a polished document. It may be necessary to allow a month or more for the editing process. The Tygerberg Doctoral Office has reached out to supervisors within the FMHS to compile a list of editing professionals, and some translation and transcription professionals, who are recommended by individual academic colleagues affiliated to the FMHS based on previous experience of their work. Click here to download the list and type the digits one two three four five six to open the list.

*Note that this list is updated continuously based on our most recent feedback. Please return to this page rather than to retain an offline copy. Should you want to recommend and editor, translator, or transcription professional, simply email their details to tyg-phd@sun.ac.za.