Gabrielle David, PhD
Scientific Editing and Research Communication Support
Specialist manuscript/grant editing, indexing, and information structure by a PhD-trained scientist-editor
SCIENTIFIC EDITING AND WRITING SERVICES
I provide specialist scientific editing for researchers, science organisations, and technical professionals requiring more than grammar correction. As a PhD-trained scientist-editor with 17+ years of experience, I help refine scientific clarity, logical structure, and publication readiness, while preserving technical accuracy and author voice.
I do not use generative AI to edit. This avoids potential risks with confidentiality and the use of unpublished material in AI training systems.
For English as an additional language (EAL) researchers, specialist editing of text after translation is important to identify altered scientific meaning, factual distortion, terminology inconsistencies and tone shifts that may affect clarity or accuracy.
Manuscript Editing
Substantive editing and copyediting to improve clarity, structure, coherence, and readability.
Reviewer responses
Editing and review of response letters to help ensure reviewer comments are addressed clearly and consistently and that corresponding manuscript revisions are accurately reflected.
Grant and Research Writing Support
Editorial support for grant applications, impact statements, research proposals, and other scientific communications requiring clear, persuasive, and logically structured writing.
Indexing
Back-of-book indexing to enhance publication usability and help readers to efficiently navigate complex information.
Publication preparation
Journal and reference formatting to meet specific guidelines. Abstract and cover letter preparation to effectively communicate your research's significance.
Information Structure
Glossary development, terminology consistency review, and document structure assessment to improve usability, consistency, and reader navigation.
Documents I Work With
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Journal articles.
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Grant applications.
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Research proposals.
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Technical reports
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Scientific books/chapters.
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Conference presentations.
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Impact statements.
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Public-facing research communications.
Who I Work With
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Academic scientists.
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English as an additional language (EAL) researchers.
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Government scientists.
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Interdisciplinary researchers.
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Research organisations.
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Science consultancies.
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Early-career researchers preparing publications and grant applications.
Rates
Projects are quoted individually based on document type, technical complexity, turnaround requirements, and the level of editing required.
My rates are consistent with professional standards recommended for professional editors from the Institute of Professional Editors and the Editorial Freelancers Association.
I provide a tailored estimate based on a sample of your work. This typically involves viewing your entire file and completing a one page (250 word) sample edit, if relevant. Please contact me for further details.
Working Together
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Initial discussion of your project requirements.
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Manuscript review and tailored estimate.
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Collaborative editing and feedback.
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Revision support and final review.
What People Say
Scientific editing for research publications:
“Gabrielle is a highly conscientious editor with professional communication who consistently returns work of superlative quality.”
Laura Luse
Researcher Services Resource Coordinator, Edanz Inc. (now part of Scribendi)
Freelance scientific editor work since 2008, with thousands of editing assignments completed in the chemical sciences.
Grant and research communication support:
"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
Ongoing collaboration since 2021 providing editorial support for major grant applications, including MBIE Smart Ideas and Royal Society Marsden funding.
Why Work With Me?
I provide specialist scientific editing that goes beyond language correction.
I help researchers communicate complex scientific ideas clearly and accurately, while retaining the author's voice.
Unlike generic writing tools, AI-based services, or large editing companies, I provide:
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direct collaboration with an experienced scientist-editor,
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editing informed by scientific reasoning and academic conventions,
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support with argument structure, logic, and flow,
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constructive feedback that supports long-term writing development
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confidential handling of unpublished data and grant material,
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and consistent editorial support tailored to your field, audience, and publication goals.
AI tools can assist with surface-level language correction, but they cannot reliably evaluate scientific reasoning, identify recurring communication issues, or provide the contextual editorial judgement required for scientific publications and research funding environments.
My Editing Approach
I tailor editing to the needs of the document, discipline, and author. Depending on the project, editing may involve improving structure and flow, clarifying scientific reasoning, refining language, reducing ambiguity, strengthening coherence, and preparing documents or presentations for publication or peer review.
For researchers seeking collaborative support, I also provide constructive editorial feedback and practical guidance to help strengthen long-term scientific writing and communication skills. This is particularly valuable for many EAL authors and early-career researchers working in competitive publication and funding environments.
My goal is not only to improve the document itself, but to support clear and effective scientific communication to both specialist and non-specialist readers.
SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE
I work across a range of scientific disciplines, with particular expertise in:
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analytical chemistry,
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biochemistry and molecular biology.
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environmental chemistry,
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forensic science,
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and traditional medicines and natural products.
I also support researchers communicating complex scientific content to non-specialist readers in grant applications, impact statements, and public-facing research communication.
Chemistry
Biochemistry and Microbiology
Environmental Sciences
Traditional Medicines and Natural Products
Forensic Sciences
Experience Highlights
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Freelance scientific editor and writing consultant since 2008.
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Thousands of scientific editing assignments completed.
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Extensive experience supporting English as an additional language (EAL) scientists.
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Long-term collaborations involving grant applications and scientific publications.
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Scientific training and research experience in chemistry, molecular sciences, forensics, and environmental sciences.
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Internship experience at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Bangkok).
Editing Contributions
I have edited drafts of thousands of academic journal articles. A selection of published articles acknowledging my editorial contribution can be viewed on Google Scholar.
Personal Publications
Please see my Google Scholar profile.
Professional Memberships
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Institute of Professional Editors.
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Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers (ANZSI).
Scientific Training
PhD, Chemistry, University of Otago.
BSc(Hons), Chemistry, University of Otago.
My research experience includes stable isotope analysis, forensic science, and inorganic synthesis.
Ongoing Professional Development
I regularly undertake professional development in academic editing, scientific communication, indexing, editorial technology, and culturally responsive language practices to remain current with evolving editorial standards and publishing expectations.
Recent Areas of Training:
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Academic and plain English editing.
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AI and editorial practice.
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Indexing theory and application.
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Editing Māori-language text in English language documents.
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Editorial productivity tools and
Word macros.
About Gabrielle
I have a longstanding interest in science communication and enjoy helping researchers communicate complex ideas with clarity. Over the course of my career, I have worked extensively with researchers from a wide range of scientific and cultural backgrounds and value what I learn from their perspectives. I value thoughtful communication, lifelong learning, and making science more accessible to both specialist and general audiences.