Passionate about helping researchers succeed

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I saw that what publishers wanted was different from what researchers submitted, and wanted to help researchers navigate the publication process.

Anna Sharman, founder

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I have been a biologist, journal editor and publishing consultant.

I’m fascinated by new developments in  academic publishing and how these can help research move forward more quickly.

But I am not just a scientist, editor, trainer and business owner. I am also a person; I am a bisexual woman. My experience in science and in my subsequent career is affected by all these identities..

I remember being a struggling PhD student and postdoc trying to get enough results to move forward in my career. That memory and my sympathy with early career researchers motivates everything I do at Cofactor.

Photo of Anna Sharman

More about my background

A degree in natural sciences from University of Cambridge, UK

A PhD on vertebrate evolution, from the University of Reading, UK

Postdoctoral experience on zebrafish embryonic development, from the University of Heidelberg, when I also learnt German

In house journal editor for 7 years, working on Trends in Biochemical Sciences, Current Biology and Genome Biology

Freelance editor and publishing consultant for 9 years, for publishers such as PLoS,  BMJ Group and Springer Nature

Developing and presenting training courses for researchers for 8 years, including for the University of Oxford, King’s College London and Humboldt University Berlin

Member of the Advisory Board of the annual Researcher to Reader conference

Anna has run our Writing for Publication in the Sciences workshop for five years. Feedback from PhD students after the session is consistently excellent. Students really appreciate the practical exercises and personalised comments on their writing that they receive. As a former journal editor, Anna brings a wealth of experience which she can draw on in responding to the specific needs of each group.

Dr Nigel Eady,

Director of Research Talent, King's College London, UK

Cofactor’s values

Inclusivity

We do our best to make our courses accessible and comfortable for everyone

We will continue to work on identifying and removing barriers due to gender, sexuality, ethnicity, nationality, native language, level of English ability, disability or academic title.

The environment

We take steps to minimise environmental impact.

Before Covid we pledged to use low-impact  travel where possible and explore options without flights, such as online training or using a local trainer.

Inspiring best practice

We aim to inspire researchers to write clearly and honestly, to practice open science and to publish all data so as to prevent publication bias. We encourage critical thinking around impact and journal metrics.

Cofactor logo

Cofactor – it’s in the name

In biochemistry, a cofactor is a small molecule or atom that helps an enzyme to do its job.

Cofactor is here to help researchers to do their job.

Our trainers

Cofactor trainers are passionate about helping you succeed

All associate trainers support Cofactor’s values:

  • respect for everyone
  • no discrimination
  • minimise environmental impact

Stefania Vega

Clear communication and fiction writing

Bruce Johnson

University teaching and camping

Jack Ullrich - trainer for Cofactor Science

Jack Ullrich, PhD

Invertebrate sensory systems and diving

Lee-Ann Coleman

Neuroscience and fossil hunting

Chris St Pourcain

Scientific editing and family ancestry

Questions?

If you’d like to book training for your organisation, or have questions about Cofactor training, including customising courses to meet your needs, please get in touch.

You can use our contact form, email us direct or call us:

+44 (0)20 8819 3233

hello@cofactorscience.com

Contact us

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