Scientific and academic research translation services

Scientific research depends on precision. Whether you are publishing findings, collaborating with international partners, developing new technologies or sharing scientific knowledge, the right terminology matters.

At Atlas Translations, we regularly support university research departments, academic teams, research institutions, laboratories and businesses with specialist language services. From laboratory protocols and research papers to international conferences and research dissemination, we work with professional linguists selected for their relevant subject expertise.

Because when you have spent years getting the science right, you need the translation to be right too.

Scientific translation requires more than linguistic expertise

Scientific language is highly specialised. A term that makes perfect sense in one discipline may have a different meaning in another, and even small inaccuracies can affect how research is understood, reproduced or applied. We select translators with the appropriate linguistic and scientific knowledge for each project.

• Bioscience and biotechnology – molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and biochemistry
• Chemistry – analytical chemistry, chemical processes and laboratory analysis
• Materials science – polymers, composites, metals and testing methodologies
• Environmental science – environmental monitoring, ecology and sustainability research
• Food science and nutrition – food technology, testing and nutritional research
• Agricultural and animal sciences – crop science, animal health and agricultural research
• Physics and applied sciences – scientific instrumentation, measurement and technical research
• Laboratory and analytical sciences – protocols, quality documentation and research data

We also support multidisciplinary research that crosses traditional subject boundaries.

What scientific documents can we translate?

• Scientific papers, journal articles and manuscripts
• Research reports, summaries and abstracts
• Laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Testing procedures, methodologies and technical specifications
• Research funding applications and supporting documentation
• Conference papers, presentations and posters
• Equipment manuals and laboratory instructions
• Research questionnaires and participant-facing information
• Academic publications and scientific training materials
• Research collaboration agreements and project documentation

Whether you need a single abstract or ongoing language support for an international research programme, we will help you find an appropriate approach.

Supporting universities and academic research

University research departments are an important part of our work. We regularly support academics, postgraduate researchers and research teams with translation, editing, proofreading and other language services across a wide range of disciplines.

We understand the challenges of specialist terminology, publication requirements, funding budgets, international collaboration and communicating findings to different audiences.

• Research papers and journal articles – specialist translation and linguistic editing of manuscripts
• Abstracts and conference submissions – clear communication of research findings
• Academic editing and proofreading – supporting researchers writing in English as an additional language, while preserving their academic voice
• Research proposals and funding applications – language support for grants and collaborative projects
• Theses and dissertations – linguistic support for postgraduate research
• Conference presentations and posters – translation of slides and supporting materials
• Research questionnaires and participant information – accurate, culturally appropriate language for international participants
• Research dissemination and public engagement – sharing findings with partners, policymakers, industry and the public

Researchers know their subject inside out. Our role is to help them communicate their work accurately and effectively, without changing the underlying research, arguments or scientific conclusions.

Supporting international research collaboration

Science does not stop at national borders, and neither should communication. International projects bring together universities, laboratories, commercial partners and funding bodies across countries. We can support everything from initial proposals to reporting and dissemination.

Scientific translation

Accurate translation of specialist documents by professional translators with relevant scientific knowledge.

Scientific editing and proofreading

Linguistic editing and proofreading to improve clarity, consistency and readability, including for researchers writing in English as an additional language.

Interpreting

Face-to-face, video and telephone interpreting for research meetings, technical discussions, site visits, training and conferences, including consecutive and simultaneous interpreting where appropriate.

Subtitling, transcription and voiceover

Multilingual support for scientific webinars, training videos, conference recordings, educational resources and research communications.

Desktop publishing and formatting

Helping translated scientific documents retain their layout, including tables, diagrams, figures and technical content.

Accuracy, consistency and confidentiality

Scientific documents may contain unpublished research, commercially sensitive information or valuable intellectual property. We consider the discipline, intended audience, terminology requirements and purpose of every project. We can work with existing glossaries, reference materials and preferred terminology to maintain consistency.

Our project managers are happy to ask questions. If something is ambiguous in the source material, we would rather clarify it than make an assumption.

Atlas Translations is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 17100, with independently assessed quality management and translation processes. We also take confidentiality seriously, with appropriate agreements and procedures to protect information entrusted to us.

From specialist researchers to wider audiences

Not every scientific document is written for another scientist. Research findings may need to be understood by funding bodies, policymakers, industry partners, students or members of the public. The language that works in a peer-reviewed paper may not suit a public information leaflet or international press release.

We take the audience into account, helping communicate research clearly without losing the accuracy or meaning of the original.

Why choose Atlas Translations?

• Specialist expertise – linguists selected for their knowledge of your scientific field
• Human judgement – professionals who recognise ambiguity and raise queries
• Quality-assured processes – ISO-certified systems and experienced project management
• Terminology consistency – glossary and terminology support for ongoing programmes
• Confidentiality – careful handling of unpublished findings and sensitive information
• Flexible support – from one abstract to complex multilingual programmes
• A real person to talk to – an experienced project manager who will guide the process

We do not expect you to be a translation expert. That is our job. We will ask the right questions, explain your options and recommend an approach that works for your research, timescales and budget.