Title: How to Write a Good Scientific Paper
Instructors: Dr. Richard Patience and David J. Curry
Date: November 18, 2026
Time: 12:00am - 1:30pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: Members: $35; Honorary and Students: $25; Non-members: $45
Abstract:
This presentation is given by Drs. Richard Patience and David Curry. They are native English (British and American) speakers who have, between them, over 80 years’ experience in writing scientific reports and papers. They are also highly experienced in peer reviewing and editing scientific papers written by other authors. In addition, for this presentation, they have searched the internet for tips and advice from other such guides. These experiences have given them key insights into how to write meaningful scientific articles. The goal of this presentation is for the attendees to better understand how to prepare a scientific paper that will be published, read, and cited. Even authors who are experienced and/or native English speakers may find some useful ideas, as the presenters did when preparing this.
The presentation is divided into three main parts: structure, language and content. Each part also includes examples of both good and poor usage.
Structure: What goes into a scientific paper, how to organize the paper in a logical and focused manner, and how to write it.
Language: Some insights into the English language; how to write sentences and paragraphs; passive vs active voice or form; use of AI/translation software; common mistakes in style and writing.
Content: What information goes in which place; what does not go in which place; data tables; figures; captions references
About the speakers:
David J. Curry received his M.A. in Chemistry from Rice University and his Ph.D. in chemistry (organic geochemistry) from the University of Texas at Austin. Subsequently, he worked in geochemistry and basin modelling roles in research and exploration for several international oil companies, including Exxon/ExxonMobil, HRT, and Devon.
David has authored or co-authored over 30 publications in journals including Organic Geochemistry, AAPG Bulletin, Fuel, Energy and Fuels, and Marine and Petroleum Geology and has made numerous presentations at international meetings such as the IMOG, International AAPG, and Hedberg conferences. In addition, he has organized and acted as session chairs for international meetings, and edited proceedings volumes.
David has peer-reviewed papers on geochemistry and basin modelling for several journals, including Organic Geochemistry, Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta, AAPG Bulletin, Fuel, and Marine and Petroleum Geology. He is also a technical editor for Albion Publishing USA, a company that specializes in editing and polishing papers written by non-native English speakers.
