GABRIELLE DAVID, PhD

Scientific EditorChemistry · Environmental Science · Forensic Science · Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

I provide specialist scientific editing that goes beyond correcting grammar and language. I help researchers and technical professionals communicate complex scientific ideas clearly and accurately, while retaining their own voice.As a PhD-trained scientist and scientific editor with more than 17 years’ experience, I bring a strong understanding of scientific reasoning, academic writing, and the conventions of research communication to my editing.

© Gabrielle David. All rights reserved.

Experience

I have a longstanding interest in science communication and enjoy helping researchers communicate complex ideas with clarity. My scientific training gives me a strong foundation for working with complex technical material, particularly in chemistry and environmental science. I enjoy working with researchers from a wide range of scientific and cultural backgrounds.

Key Information

  • Freelance scientific editor since 2008.

  • Thousands of scientific editing assignments completed.

  • Extensive experience editing scientific journal articles and other materials.

  • Long-term collaborations involving scientific publications and grant applications.

  • Extensive experience supporting EAL researchers, including researchers from Asia and Europe.

Scientific background

  • PhD, Chemistry — University of Otago

  • BSc(Hons), Chemistry — University of Otago

My research experience includes stable isotope analysis, forensic science, and inorganic synthesis.

Professional development

I undertake ongoing professional development in academic editing, scientific communication, indexing, editorial technology, and culturally responsive language practices.

Professional membership

Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd)

Editing Contributions

A selection of published articles acknowledging my editorial contribution can be viewed on Google Scholar.

Personal Publications

Please see my Google Scholar profile.

Services

I tailor the level of editorial support to the document, scientific discipline, publication or funding context, target audience, and author.

Scientific editing

Specialist editing for scientific and technical documents, including:

  • Journal manuscripts.

  • Technical reports.

  • Scientific books and chapters.

  • Reviewer response letters.

  • Abstracts and journal cover letters.

  • Conference presentations and scientific posters.

Editing may include substantive editing, copyediting, document structure, formatting, terminology and consistency, and review of figures, tables and references.

Grants & research communication

Editorial and structural support for:

  • Grant applications and research proposals.

  • Impact statements.

  • Research summaries.

  • Narrative CVs.

  • Research communication for interdisciplinary or broader audiences.

I can help strengthen clarity, logical flow, structure, terminology, and communication of research significance and impact.

Support for EAL researchers

I have extensive experience supporting scientists who use English as an Additional Language.Editing can be particularly useful for text produced after translation, helping identify changes in meaning, terminology inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, and differences in tone or scientific communication conventions.Where useful, I provide constructive feedback to help researchers recognise recurring issues and strengthen future manuscripts.

Back-of-book indexing

I can prepare or review indexes to improve the usability and navigation of scientific and technical books.

Areas of Expertise

My scientific background and editing experience include:

  • Chemistry.

  • Environmental sciences.

  • Forensic sciences.

  • Biochemistry & molecular biology.

  • Natural products & traditional medicines.

I also work with interdisciplinary scientific material and documents intended for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Process

How I Work

Every project is different, so I tailor the editing process to the document and the level of support required.A typical project involves:

  • Initial discussion: We discuss the document, requirements and timeline.

  • Document review: I review the material and provide a tailored estimate.

  • Editing: I work directly on the document, using Track Changes where appropriate, with the level of substantive or copyediting support agreed for the project. During editing, I can prepare a style sheet, which is a project-specific record of terminology, formatting, editorial decisions, and recurring consistency issues.

  • Review and feedback: I provide feedback or revision support to help resolve editorial issues and prepare the final document.

Projects are quoted individually based on document type, technical complexity, turnaround requirements, and the level of editing required. Where appropriate, I can provide a short sample edit of approximately one page (250 words).

Practical information

For journal manuscripts of up to approximately 7,500 words, my usual turnaround is 3–4 days. Longer documents may require more time.Rush editing may be available for documents of up to approximately 4,000 words, depending on the document, technical complexity, and required turnaround. Rush work is charged at a higher rate.I primarily work with Microsoft Word using Track Changes. PowerPoint and Excel files can also be supported, with other formats by arrangement.

Confidentiality and AI

Client confidentiality is important to me.I do not upload client-created or unpublished material to generative AI tools, and I do not use generative AI to perform editing tasks.This means editorial decisions remain under direct professional oversight, without exposing unpublished manuscripts, grant applications, or other client material to generative AI systems.All client work is handled confidentially and files are securely stored during the editing process. Files are deleted after project completion unless otherwise requested.

Testimonials

"Dr. David is a highly conscientious editor with professional
communication who consistently returns work of superlative quality."Anusha Balasubramanian
Researcher Services Resource Coordinator
Edanz Inc.

"Dr David has a comprehensive understanding of scientific writing conventions and her editing work is of excellent quality. Most usefully, she has a strong grounding in science (particularly the molecular sciences) and has a good feel for how to logically lay out an argument with evidence."Professor of Biochemistry
New Zealand university research group

Contact

If you have a manuscript, grant application, research communication, or other scientific or technical document you would like to discuss, please get in touch.I am happy to discuss your requirements, answer questions, and provide a tailored estimate.

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