Drs Natashia Muna and Taahira Goolam -Hoosen speak about the Papers with Purpose programme on writing as a social practice rather than just a technical skill, developing scholarly identity, research culture and community.
In episode fourteen I am joined by Drs Natashia Muna and Taahira Goolam-Hoosen from the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Health Sciences Writing Lab. We partnered on the Papers with Purpose: Writing Workshops for Research Impact with early career Health Professions Education scholars in Southern Africa.
Natashia and Taahira begin by sharing their journeys into academic research writing, before discussing the award-winning Papers with Purpose writing and mentoring programme. Together they explore the challenges researchers face when transitioning into new disciplines, the hidden rules of academic writing, and why publication support requires far more than teaching technical skills. The conversation considers writing as a social practice, the importance of scholarly identity and authorial voice, and how Communities of Practice can help researchers navigate the often-isolating realities of academic life.
The episode also reflects on equity in global knowledge production, barriers faced by African researchers, and the role universities can play in creating supportive research cultures. Through stories from the programme, the discussion highlights how mentorship, protected writing time, peer support, and community building can create meaningful opportunities for researchers to grow, publish, and thrive.
Whether you are an early-career researcher, supervisor, educator, or academic leader, this episode offers insights into writing, belonging, and the power of investing in people as well as publications.
For more information see:
The University of Oxford, Department of Education Papers with Purpose webpage: https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/project/papers-with-purpose-writing-workshops-for-research-impact-with-early-career-health-professions-education-scholars-in-southern-africa/
The University of Cape Town, Department of Health Sciences Education webpage: https://health.uct.ac.za/fhs-writing-lab/papers-with-purpose
The UCT, Faculty of Health Sciences Writing Lab: https://health.uct.ac.za/fhs-writing-lab
The British Academy International Writing Workshop scheme: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/projects/papers-with-purpose-writing-workshops-for-research-impact-with-early-career-health-professions-education-scholars-in-southern-africa/
