Marc Abernathy

Partner with researchers and university departments to bridge the gap between complex science and clear communication for high-stakes funding (ERC, DFG) and top-tier journals. Act as an "Intelligent Outsider," providing the critical distance and rigorous feedback researchers need when they are too close to their own data. Design and deliver custom capacity-building workshops (Hochschuldidaktik, Wissenschaftskommunikation) focusing on the rhetorical strategy required for successful Drittmittelanträge.

Served as the writing trainer and Wissenschaftscoach for a multi-day Winter School retreat for high-achieving PhDs and postdocs for the seventh consecutive year. Delivered strategic plenary sessions and intensive 1:1 coaching to help researchers bridge the gap between their publication/funding aims and systemic obstacles. Guided researchers in developing a sustainable Publikationsstrategie, getting high-stakes journal articles and proposals out of their heads and onto the page.

Delivered a high-impact workshop for postdocs focused on securing third-party funding (Drittmittelanträge), specifically targeting DFG, ERC, Volkswagen Stiftung, and German and EU calls. Focused on the strategic psychology of the review process, helping researchers reverse-engineer successful ERC proposals. Provided actionable toolkits for Forschungsförderung to ensure clarity beats complexity in high-stakes grant writing.

Designed and led an advanced funding workshop for postdocs in highly technical fields, including particle physics, nanoscience, and photon science. Bridged the gap between hard science data and persuasive narrative to help researchers structure competitive Forschungsanträge. Trained scientists in Wissenschaftskommunikation, proving that even in quantum physics, rhetorical clarity is essential for funding success.

Led a specialized strategic workshop to support international scholars in navigating the German funding landscape (DFG, Volkswagen Stiftung, DAAD). Culturally translated the review process using a "Mock Panel" simulation to balance scientific rigor with the promotional language required for Forschungsförderung. Taught "Backward Design" timelines to help researchers secure host commitments and structure successful Forschungsanträge.

Delivered a strategic intensive workshop for postdocs and PIs demystifying the proposal development process for high-stakes funding (ERC, FWF). Used reverse-engineering approaches to decode the rhetorical moves of winning grants, moving researchers beyond standard academic writing to targeted Wissenschaftskommunikation. Shifted the writing process from a chronological summary to a narrative-driven argument for competitive Drittmittelanträge.

Over two days, I led a five-module workshop and individual writing-review sessions designed to elevate researchers' academic writing skills for peer-reviewed journal articles and research funding applications. Seven PhD students and postdoctoral researchers came together to get personalized guidance and expert advice to improve their writing output and academic publications and funding applications.

Conducted intensive, outcomes-oriented workshops supporting professors and academic staff in enhancing their Wissenschaftliches Schreiben. Utilized developmental editing (Wissenschaftslektorat) strategies and published articles to train participants to write compelling research articles for target journals. Fostered collaborative environments for peer feedback and advanced academic communication.

Developed and led intensive training tailored for faculty members and researchers from the History and Theatre Arts faculties. Provided strategic Wissenschaftscoaching focusing on narrative structure, managing sprawl, and the strategic use of voice for high-level academic publishing. Delivered personalized on-screen text revisions and follow-up commentary.