Unlocking research success: Nature Masterclasses now available for the ASU community
Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at ASU now have a powerful new resource to elevate their research and publishing skills — Nature Masterclasses On Demand. In a recent “Lunch and Learn” webinar hosted by the Graduate College’s Professional Development and Engagement team, Dr. Daniel Froid, Senior Program Manager in the Office of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in the Fulton Schools of Engineering, walked participants through how to make the most of this exciting new platform.
The Nature Masterclasses program, developed by the same organization behind Nature journals, offers flexible, bite-sized online courses that help researchers strengthen their skills in scientific writing, publishing, collaboration, data presentation, and career development. The platform officially launched for ASU students and faculty on September 1, thanks to a partnership between the Fulton Schools and the Graduate College.
During the session, Dr. Froid emphasized how the courses are self-paced and modular, making it easy to fit professional development into a busy academic schedule. He shared how the platform can help researchers at every stage — from crafting clearer manuscripts and responding to reviewer feedback, to communicating complex findings to non-specialist audiences. “It’s a way to make your research stand out — not just in journals, but in the broader scientific community,” he explained.
Participants also got a live walkthrough of how to access the platform and explore its offerings. Each course includes interactive videos, case studies, and quizzes, and users can earn certificates upon completion — a great addition to CVs or professional portfolios. The features of the platform provide an opportunity for graduate students and postdocs to invest in their long-term career growth — a chance to sharpen writing skills, boost publication success, and build confidence as independent scholars.
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