Consolidated data analysis and presentation using an open-source add-in for the Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet software - Volume 23, Issue

A free and open-source software tool is presented that facilitates the analysis and the visualisation of data in basic life science. Daniel's XL Toolbox is an add-in for the Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet software. It enables scientists to store…

The work model of hybrid freelancing - Volume 32, Issue

Must we choose between a path as a self-employed, freelance medical writer, or as an in-house employee? It might come as a surprise that a medical writer can enjoy both worlds. If you dream of becoming a freelance medical writer but dread losing…

How to soften the red pen’s blow: Tips for editing a colleague’s work - Volume 27, Issue

Applying the dreaded red editing pen to colleague's work can be nerve-racking for professional writers. But there are some concrete steps every writer can take that will improve his or her ability to communicate the type of clear, constructive…

Subcontracting: Not for the faint of heart - Volume 28, Issue

Subcontracting can be the answer to a successful freelancer’s prayers, or the opportunity to work harder than you have ever worked before for less money than you made when you were a struggling newbie. The potential advantages of subcontracting are…

Carbon footprint of clinical trials: a high-level literature review - Volume 31, Issue

Thousands of clinical trials are conducted globally each year. Yet, little is known about their environmental impact. This paper presents the results of a high-level literature review of the carbon footprint of clinical trials. Five papers were…

Message from the President - Volume 23, Issue

These two years in the Executive Committee flew by. They will remain in my heart for ever. It is difficult to summarise the emotions and the things we accomplished these last two years. When this adventure started in Cyprus, Susan Bhatti, the…

Out On Our Own - Volume 24, Issue

Editorial

All of us are aware by now that we can't live without technology and not only at work. With advice, aids, appliances and apps in abundance, we are at the point where we can't see the wood for the trees. Thank goodness we have advice from M…

In the Bookstores - Volume 22, Issue

The Spirit Level

Ever had a ‘ping’ moment? This book might have been mine. I'm not a natural pessimist, but Western society today seems less cohesive and people more materialistic, stressed, unhealthy, and unhappy than in times gone by. Wealth and s…

Out On Our Own - Volume 22, Issue

We are all riding high after meeting in Manchester at the EMWA conference in May 2013. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues coming together and enjoying the new-look events that EMWA offered us for the first time. Both the Symposium Day, and Ka…