Abstract
Until now, there has been no Australian science style manual. People have relied on overseas guides, or guides that focused on only one field of science. The Australian science communication community has been requesting its own style manual for many years to improve communication accuracy, consistency and effectiveness.

As scientific writers, editors and designers, Biotext has developed a range of resources over the years, including a style guide for common science and technical terms, guidance on data visualisation, and training materials on science writing and editing. These formed the basis of the Australian manual of scientific style (AMOSS), along with research into national and international standards, and a wealth of input from experts in particular fields.

AMOSS is designed to offer a number of benefits for anyone working in science communication or publication. Unlike other currently available style guides, AMOSS:

• brings together scientific conventions and standards for a wide range of disciplines and aspects of communication, from writing clearly to getting a graph right
• is researched, written and tested specifically for an Australian audience
• is online.

This session will discuss the need for, and development of, the manual, and will spend some time exploring the content with the audience.

Want to do more with your science writing this year?
ASC2017 delegates and ASC members receive $10 off a subscription to the Australian manual of scientific style (AMOSS). Check your recent SCOPE member newsletter for the discount code or email asc2017@asc.asn.au to get it.