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Board of Editors in the Life Sciences

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Board of Editors in the Life Sciences
FormationJanuary 23, 1991
TypeCertifying Body
Headquarters2345 Rice Street, Suite 220, St. Paul, MN 55113
Location
  • United States
President
Melanie Fridl Ross, MSJ, ELS
Website[1]

The Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) is a professional organization that awards credentials to exemplary manuscript editors in the life sciences (e.g., medicine, biology, agriculture).[1][2][3][4] Here, the term "manuscript editor" refers to both authors' editors and editors employed by academic publishers (often called copy editors or editor-in-chief). Individuals who demonstrate excellence in editing and an understanding of the ethical principles of publishing—both of which are assessed through a certification exam—are awarded the title Editor in the Life Sciences and may use the initials ELS after their names.[2][3][5][6] BELS also allows use of its electronic badge by BELS-certified editors (those who have passed its certification examinations).[7]

BELS was founded in 1991[1] and offers certification examinations several times each year at various locations across the United States and in other countries.[6] In 2020, the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences also began offering the examination via Prometric, a global testing service provider. The exam is available quarterly each year, with the option to test at a Prometric site or via remote assessment.[8] Once certified and as a member in good standing, BELS members can access other members' contact information, job openings, and links to similar editorial associations through the BELS website.[9] All organizational functions of BELS are performed by volunteers among its members.[10]

Credentials offered

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Editor in the Life Sciences

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Those wishing to attain the BELS certification (ELS) credential are required to pass a certification examination.[10] To be eligible to sit for the exam, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and must have at least 2 years of experience as a manuscript editor in the life sciences.[6][11] Registration for the certification exam requires candidates to submit a resume, an application fee, and three letters of reference from professionals who can attest to the candidate's experience as manuscript editor.[4] Most applicants hold degrees in physical or life sciences, English, or journalism.[1] The 3-hour exam consists of 105 multiple-choice questions.[1][6][10][12] Daily work as an editor is the best preparation for the exam, but BELS also offers a Study Guide that gives a list of references that might be helpful.[13]

Diplomate Editor in the Life Sciences

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ELS-certified editors may apply for diplomate status, ELS(D), by submitting a portfolio of edited material and documenting at least 6 years of experience as a manuscript editor in the life sciences.[6] A person whose portfolio passes detailed review and evaluation is deemed a Diplomate Editor in the Life Sciences, ELS(D).[1][10]

Honored Editor in the Life Sciences

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BELS grants the title of Honored Editor in the Life Sciences, ELS(H), to distinguished editors of its choosing. Those with this status may use the credential ELS(H).[1]

History

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The concept of BELS was formulated in the early 1980s, and the organization was founded on January 23, 1991, in Maryland.[6][10][11][14] Charter members were Martha Brookes, Gillian Brown, Gil Croome, Susan Eastwood, Norman Grossblatt, Carol Kakalec Kohn, Walter Pagel, Frances Porcher, Barbara Reitt, and Martha Tacker.[10]

The first BELS exam was held on May 4, 1991, in Denver, CO. Twenty-three candidates attempted certification and 14 passed the exam.[6][10] In 1992, BELS hosted its first annual meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, which a majority of the membership attended.[10]

The first BELS exam conducted in Australia was held in 2001; 3 of 5 candidates passed.[11] By 2005, the BELS membership included 13 Australians.[11] In November 2008, BELS offered two exams in India. All applicants held degrees in science, and about two-thirds passed the exam, a pass rate similar to that in the U.S. at the time.[15]

BELS initiated a newsletter, the BELS Newsletter (later known simply as the BELS Letter), in the spring of 1993, distributing it to members and related organizations.[10]

Membership growth

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A total of 33 editors were certified in the life sciences in 1991, the first year in which the organization offered the exam.[10] By April 2001, BELS had more than 300 members, and a total of 51 scheduled exams had been held.[10] By July 2006, BELS membership had reached 550,[11] and by 2007, the number of editors holding the ELS credential had increased to almost 700.[1] By 2011, there were about 1,000 BELS-certified editors worldwide.[14][16] As of July 2022, more than 1,600 BELS-certified editors can be found in the U.S. and 36 other countries.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Berman, S.K., & Aiello, S. (2007). Professional organization profile: Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS). AMWA Journal, 22(4), 192-193.
  2. ^ a b International Academy of Nursing Editors (INANE). (2011). Professional organizations: Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS). Retrieved from "INANE Professional Writing Organizations". Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
  3. ^ a b Moore, M. (2006). Teaming up with a medical writer: Tips for finding well-qualified candidates. Retrieved from "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 15, 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. ^ a b Salisbury, J. (2005). Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS): First notice of BELS exam to be held in Melbourne in October 2005. The Fine Print, 1, x-xi.
  5. ^ Day, R.A., & Gastel, B. (2006). How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (6th ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Phillips, K.F. (1993). The BELS program: Certification for manuscript editors in the life sciences. AMWA Journal, 8(2), 56-58.
  7. ^ "Logo & Badge Use Policy". www.bels.org. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  8. ^ "Exam Schedule". www.bels.org. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  9. ^ Wang, L. (2001). Net results: Help by association. Science Editor, 24(1), 12-13.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Grossblatt, N., & Reitt, B.B. (2001). BELS: The first 10 years. Science Editor, 24(20), 39-42.
  11. ^ a b c d e Pike, R. (2005). On becoming a certified editor. The Fine Print, 2, 26-28.
  12. ^ Pownall, M. (2008). Member musings: Out of focus. AMWA Journal, 23(3), 151.
  13. ^ "Become a Board-Certified Editor". www.bels.org. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  14. ^ a b TC Library. (2011). Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. Retrieved from http://tc.eserver.org/12985.html Archived October 20, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ Appiah, B. (2009). Science editing at an Indian firm: Perspectives of two U.S. visitors. Science Editor, 32(4), 118-119.
  16. ^ Melcher, T.M. (2011). The Board of Editors in the Life Sciences Certification: An interview with BELS president Susan E. Aiello. Science Editor, 34(4), e13. Retrieved from http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/files/scienceeditor/v34n4pe13.pdf[permanent dead link]
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