How to Read a Scientific Paper: A Guide for Science Journalists and Communicators

Learning how to read scientific papers effectively is a crucial skill for science journalists or communicators. This short guide offers 10 expert tips to help analyse research and spot red flags

Science journalists and communicators are well aware of this. Behind every accessible article lies a less accessible source: the scientific paper. These documents are dense, technical, and written primarily for specialists—not for the general public. Yet they remain the most authoritative account of new scientific findings.

To report on science responsibly, professionals must learn to navigate this literature—not just to summarise results, but to interpret meaning, evaluate quality, and place each study in its broader context. Reading a scientific paper isn't like reading a news article or a blog post. It requires strategic reading, a critical eye, and a clear sense of purpose.

Here are some of the most effective strategies, drawn from expert guidelines, to help you read scientific papers with confidence and precision.

1. Know Why You're Reading

Always start with intent. Are you checking a claim, seeking a quote, understanding the background, or covering a breakthrough? Your reason will determine how deeply you need to read and which parts to focus on.

2. Start with the Big Picture

Use the first-pass method: scan the title, abstract, introduction, section headings, and conclusion. Ask yourself:

• What's the main idea?
• What kind of study is this—original research, a review, a commentary?
• Is it relevant to your story?

This step helps you decide whether to read further or move on.

3. Focus on Key Sections

For most communicators, the most valuable parts are:

• Abstract – the elevator pitch
• Introduction – what problem does the paper address, and why does it matter
• Results and Figures – what was actually found
• Discussion – how the authors interpret the findings and what they claim

The Methods section can be dense, but scanning it helps judge the robustness of the research.

4. Look Beyond the Headlines

Authors may oversell findings, especially when aiming for high-impact journals. Ask:

• Does the data support the conclusions?
• What are the limitations, and are they acknowledged?
• Is this really new, or just a minor variation?

Skepticism is your friend—don't confuse peer review with infallibility.

5. Interrogate the Data

Figures and tables are where science lives. Try to interpret them before reading the captions. Check axes, units, and sample sizes. Do the visuals match the authors' claims? Are error bars or statistical tests reported?

6. Take Notes and Summarize

Distill the study into its core elements:

What was done? What was found? Why does it matter?

Try writing a one-paragraph summary in plain language. If you can't explain it clearly, it's likely that you don't fully understand it yet.

7. Trace the Backstory

Refer to the references to understand where this study fits within the larger conversation. Are other major studies cited—or conspicuously absent? Follow up on unfamiliar citations if needed.

8. Be Prepared to Dig Deeper

You may need to look up jargon, read a background article, or consult a trusted expert. It's okay not to grasp everything on the first try—scientific literacy is a process.

9. Discuss and Reality-Check

Talk through the paper with colleagues or scientists you trust. Talking or explaining the study out loud can reveal gaps in your understanding—and lead to stronger, more transparent reporting.

10. Don't Treat Every Paper Equally

Not all studies deserve the same weight. Look for red flags, such as small sample sizes, questionable funding sources, or unclear methodologies. Prioritise well-designed, peer-reviewed studies published in reputable, scholarly journals.

Reading scientific papers may never be effortless, but it gets easier with practice—and it's a skill that will elevate your reporting. By digging beneath the press release and confronting the original research head-on, you'll be better equipped to tell accurate, nuanced, and impactful science stories.

Further Reading and Sources:

This short guide draws on three excellent resources that offer deeper insights into reading scientific literature:

• Carey, M. A., Steiner, K. L., & Petri, W. A. Jr. (2020). Ten Simple Rules for Reading a Scientific Paper. PLOS Computational Biology
• Keshav, S. (2007). How to Read a Paper. University of Waterloo (also available in PDF from academic repositories)
• Purugganan, M., & Hewitt, J. How to Read a Scientific Article. Rice University guide