Think Writing Doesn’t Matter in STEM? Think Again!

In the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we often think of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians as solitary figures, hunched over their labs, equations, or complex machinery, speaking in a language of numbers, formulas, and codes. We envision work in STEM as an intellectual game played with data and hypothesis testing, devoid of the need for eloquent writing or persuasive language. But here’s the catch: writing is an essential skill that underpins virtually every facet of a successful STEM career.

While it’s true that you’re not exactly going to pen the next Great American Novel in your laboratory, excellent writing has the power to boost your career, establish your credibility, and ensure that your contributions are recognized. In fact, poor communication, whether in written reports, emails, or research papers, could leave your hard work unnoticed or misinterpreted. Let’s explore why writing is crucial and how even the most mathematically inclined can improve their writing skills.

Why Writing is More Than “Just Writing”

In the past, the world of STEM may have been more isolated, with scientists and engineers largely working behind the scenes. Today, however, the landscape is different. STEM professionals no longer just conduct research; they need to present, explain, and market their findings to a much broader audience. Communication plays a key role in a STEM professional’s success. Here’s why:

1. It’s About Sharing Knowledge

Think of STEM as a never-ending game of telephone. Researchers discover something groundbreaking, but if they can’t clearly communicate their findings, the discovery might as well be lost in translation. Whether it’s writing a grant proposal, publishing a research paper, or crafting an email to your team, clear writing is essential for making sure others can understand, trust, and build upon your work. A great idea without solid communication is like an amazing cake with no frosting—no one gets to appreciate it.

2. STEM is Collaborative

In today’s interconnected world, STEM professionals rarely work alone. Whether you’re collaborating with colleagues, presenting to stakeholders, or explaining your findings to a non-expert, effective writing can make or break your collaborative efforts. Scientific papers, project reports, and even emails need to be clear and concise to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. As they say, if you can’t explain your idea in writing, maybe you don’t understand it well enough to collaborate on it.

3. Marketing Your Work

Yes, you read that right. Even the most dedicated scientist or engineer is in the business of marketing their work. This doesn’t mean you have to hire a PR agency, but it does mean you need to be able to craft your ideas in a way that gets noticed. Publishing a paper in a prestigious journal or presenting a project proposal isn’t just about having the right data or solution—it’s about being able to articulate why that work matters. Writing is the vehicle through which you demonstrate your expertise to the world. Without effective writing, you risk having the next game-changing discovery sitting on a dusty shelf.

4. Increased Professional Opportunities

In a field like STEM, professionals with excellent communication skills stand out. Writing well can elevate your career by helping you gain recognition, increase your network, and provide opportunities for collaboration. Whether it’s submitting papers, preparing grant proposals, or applying for new jobs, good writing is what ensures that your work gets noticed by the right people. After all, it’s hard to get a call back for a promotion if your emails are unreadable or your research papers are a confusing jumble of jargon.

5. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Good writing forces you to think clearly. The process of explaining complex concepts in writing helps organize your thoughts, reinforces your understanding, and enhances your problem-solving skills. Whether you’re writing a technical report or drafting an email to a supervisor, the need to clarify your ideas makes you a better thinker. Clear writing and clear thinking go hand in hand, and in STEM, both are essential.

How Non-Writers Can Improve Their Writing

So, if you’re a scientist who believes their talents lie in equations rather than prose, how can you improve your writing and set yourself up for success? Here’s the good news: anyone can improve their writing with practice, and in many cases, it’s simpler than you think.

1. Know Your Audience

One of the golden rules of writing is tailoring your message to your audience. A research paper meant for a peer audience will be quite different from an email you write to a non-scientific colleague. Understanding who you are writing for is crucial in shaping how you write. If you’re presenting complex technical material to a non-expert, for example, don’t be afraid to simplify things and reduce the jargon. Your goal isn’t to impress with complexity—it’s to help others understand.

2. Get to the Point (and Stay There)

STEM professionals are notorious for their love of detail. But here’s the deal: unnecessary detail can muddy your writing. Practice getting to the main point early on and keep it clear throughout. Stick to the essentials, and if you find yourself drifting into technical jargon or excessive explanations, pause and ask: “Does this really need to be here?”

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to improve your writing is by doing it. Set aside time to write regularly, even if it’s just journaling or drafting a blog post about your work. The more you write, the more you’ll see where you can improve. Practice helps you become more comfortable with the writing process and less intimidated by it.

4. Seek Feedback

Even the most experienced writers need feedback. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re drafting something important, like a proposal or a paper. Colleagues, mentors, or even friends can provide valuable insights on how to make your writing clearer, more engaging, or more concise.

5. Embrace Rewriting

Great writing doesn’t happen on the first try. Be prepared to rewrite. Edit your drafts with the mindset that every revision makes your writing stronger and clearer. Even professionals like Barbara Kingsolver or Stephen King go through multiple drafts to perfect their work. Remember: rewriting is part of the process, not a sign of failure.

Final Thoughts: Writing Is Your Secret Weapon

In STEM, we often focus so heavily on technical expertise that we forget how critical communication is to our success. Clear and compelling writing isn’t just for writers—it’s an essential tool for anyone in the STEM field. Whether you’re publishing research, writing emails, or giving a presentation, your ability to communicate will determine how effectively you share your knowledge and ideas.

So, if you’re a scientist, engineer, or mathematician, take some time to sharpen your writing skills. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your career. Your research and ideas deserve to be heard. And, who knows? You might even find that writing is more enjoyable than you think. Plus, in the end, having the ability to write well might just be the thing that turns your next brilliant idea into the next big breakthrough in STEM.

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Resources

Ofgang, Erik. “4 Tips for STEM Writing.” TechLearning. 10/26/23. Accessed 2/21/25. https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/4-tips-for-stem-writing 

Perez-Oquendo, Mabel and Elizabeth O. Hileman. “STEM Trainees Must Master Writing Skills.” Inside Higher Ed. 7/1/24. Accessed 2/21/25. https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/career-advice/carpe-careers/2024/07/01/how-and-why-stem-trainees-must-hone-their-writing