Nature Masterclasses

Nature Masterclasses

UMC Utrecht has an institutional subscription to Nature Masterclasses (starting 1 September 2023). This subscription grants everyone with an UMC Utrecht account access to all currently available online courses on the Nature Masterclasses platform. The online courses are designed for postdocs, fellows, UD/assistant professors and UHD/associate professors. See below for details on what the courses are about and how you can get access to the content.

How to login for the first time uitklapper, klik om te openen

• Visit masterclasses.nature.com.
• Select the "Register" icon
• In the "Institution" dropdown menu, look for "UMC Utrecht"
• Enter your institutional email address (@umcutrecht.nl), set a password, and click "register." Do not create an account using a personal email address, as that account will not be covered by the UMC Utrecht subscription.
• Check your inbox for the confirmation email from 'onlineservice@springernature.com,' and click the confirmation link.
• You can now navigate to the courses by selecting the "Menu" button in the top left corner of the page. Choose ‘On-demand courses’ for the available course list

 Please note:

• The first time you access the online course, you’ll be asked to enter a few details, such as your name and our institution name. Afterwards, you can access the content of the courses.
• If you need further assistance with your course access, please refer to the Help page on the Nature Masterclasses website, where you will find further useful information, FAQs and contact details for the Masterclasses support teams.

A. Effective Science Communication uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course has been designed for researchers looking to understand how storytelling techniques can build a compelling scientific story to communicate their research and apply strategies in an accessible and persuasive way to a non-scientific audience. In this 1-module course, there are 6.5 hours of learning, consisting of 10-30 minute lessons.
Effective Science Communication >

B. Writing and Publishing uitklapper, klik om te openen

Formerly known as Scientific Writing and Publishing, this course has been restructured and split into 3 separate components:

• Writing a Research course
  This course is designed for researchers looking to write an effective, clear and concise article that will appeal to a broad audience as well as attract the attention of their peers. Taught across 4.5 hours in bitesize 15-minute lessons, you will learn how to manage and present your data, develop a great title and abstract, and structure your paper.
• Publishing a Research course
  This course will teach you how to submit your research paper and select the most appropriate journal for publication and submit your paper. Taught across 5.5 hours in bitesize 15-minute lessons, you will learn how to navigate the editorial process, and write cover letters, to include ethical considerations.
• Writing and Publishing a Review Paper
  In the course, you will discover how to plan, structure, write and referee a review. You will learn to create a clear and compelling story supported by relevant citations. This 1-module course is delivered across 1.5 hours, split into 15-minute bitesize lessons

C. Focus on Peer Review uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course is designed for those new to peer review or those looking to refresh their skills and will help you to understand the importance and responsibilities of peer reviews. Taught across 3-4 hours in bitesize 10-minute lessons, you will learn how to prepare peer review reports and discuss ethics and innovations in peer review.
Focus on Peer Review >

D. Narrative Tools for Research uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course is designed to enhance your communication with peers by exploring the use of narrative tools to tell your research story. The 3-module course helps you to understand the benefits of using narrative tools to communicate your research more effectively and provides you with the skills to build a refined and compelling research story.
Narrative Tools for Research >

E. Advancing your Scientific Presentations uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course has been developed for researchers in the natural sciences who want to improve the quality of their peer-to-peer scientific presentations with both virtual and face-to-face audiences. In the course, you will discover how you can develop your research story, how to build a slide deck that supports and enhances your presentation, and how to prepare to deliver your presentation on the day. This 4-module course is delivered across 10 hours, split into 15-minute bitesize lessons.
Advancing your Scientific Presentations >

F. Getting an Academic Research Position uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course is designed to help you take the next step in your career, either as a new postdoc or in a new faculty role. You will learn how to find the best potential career opportunities and give your application the best possible chance of success. Developed in collaboration with 11 experts, this course is made up of modules and 7-8 hours of learning split into bite-size lessons.
Getting an Academic Research Position >

G. Experiments: From Idea to Design uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course is designed to give you the opportunity to develop your experimental design skills and will teach you how to select and refine the precise methods, tools, techniques, and protocols you need to answer your research question. Developed in collaboration with 9 experts, this 4-module course consists of 7-8 hours of learning split up into manageable bite-size lessons.
Experiments: From Idea to Design >

H. Persuasive Grant Writing uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course provides a deep dive into how the application of storytelling principles can yield advantage for you when writing grant applications. Throughout, you will learn how to use narrative tools when writing your grant proposal to make it more informative and persuasive. This course consists of 3 modules, with 3.5 hours of learning, all split into bitesize 15-minute lessons.
Persuasive Grant Writing > 

I. Finding Funding Opportunities uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course has been developed for researchers looking to find funding opportunities or mentor others through the process. Throughout, you will learn how to analyse your funding requirements and will learn strategies to prioritise and select the opportunities that best fit your needs. This course, consisting of 1-module, was developed in collaboration with 5 experts in the field, and consists of 3-4 hours of learning split into bite-size lessons.
Finding Funding Opportunities >

J. Managing Research Data to Unlock it’s Potential uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course is designed to develop your data management skills and helps you to understand the benefits of using research data effectively. Throughout the course, you will learn how to create and maintain a data management plan, explore best practices for organizing and storing your data, and evaluate the different options for sharing research data. Made up of 4 modules, with 4-5 hours of learning, all split into bitesize 15-minute lessons.
Managing Research Data to Unlock it’s Potential >

K. Data Analysis: Planning and Preparation uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course provides insight and skills to create a successful data analysis plan. Working through all the important stages from preparation to completion and analysis, you will learn processes, key terms, and planning skills. There are 2 modules and 3-4 hours of learning taught in 20-minute lessons.
Data Analysis: Planning and Preparation >

L. Data Analysis: Conducting and Troubleshooting uitklapper, klik om te openen

In this course, you will learn how to develop your data analysis skills or mentor others through the process. The course, consisting of 3 modules, was developed in collaboration with 10 experts in data analysis including experienced statisticians and data scientists, journal editors, and early career researchers.
Data Analysis: Conducting and Troubleshooting >

M. Interpreting Scientific Results uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course will teach you how to interpret scientific findings with more confidence or mentor others through the process. Developed in collaboration with a team of 5 international experts in interpreting results, the course consists of 1 module containing 12 bite-size lessons to provide an accessible, dip-in-and-out format for busy researchers.
Interpreting Scientific Results >

N. Networking for Researchers uitklapper, klik om te openen

This course has been developed for researchers looking to improve their networking skills and helps you to understand how to build stronger relationships within the research community both online and in person. Taught across 3 parts, with 4 hours of learning you’ll be taught strategies for leveraging your network to advance your research or career.
Networking for Researchers >

O. Collaboration in Research uitklapper, klik om te openen

Formerly known as Effective Collaboration in Research, this course has been restructured and split into 3 separate components:

• Introduction to Collaboration >
  This course provides insights for researchers in the natural sciences who wish to participate in collaborative projects. In this 1-module course spanning 2.5 hours of learning taught in 12-minute lessons, you will discover how becoming a more effective collaborator could help to further both your research and your career.
•  Leading a Collaboration >
  This course has been designed for researchers to identify and approach potential collaborators with the right expertise. Managing challenges including conflict between collaborators, ethical misconduct, and administering shared funds, you will learn to maximize the outputs, value and impact of your collaboration. There are 3 modules and 11.5 hours of learning taught in 15-minute lessons.
• Participating in a Collaboration >
  This course has been developed for researchers looking to make a meaningful contribution when joining a collaborative project. In this course, you will discover how to overcome possible roadblocks, to maximise the skills, ideas, and contacts you’ll gain from collaborating. In this 1-module course, there are 5 hours of learning, consisting of 15-minute bite-sized lessons.

P. Research Integrity: Publication Ethics uitklapper, klik om te openen

'Research Integrity: Publication Ethics' assists researchers to master the essential steps for publishing work with the highest standards of integrity. By providing practical strategies to implement editorial policies the course serves as a toolbox, enabling researchers to navigate the whole writing and publishing process. This free online training course supports researchers in publishing with integrity, allowing them to confidently contribute to the scientific record.
Research Integrity: Publication Ethics >