Academic Writing & Editing
Abstracts, papers, cover letters, CVs, and research statements — checked for grammar, structure, nuance, and academic tone.
e.g. tighten an abstract before submission.
ACE Helpdesk · Graduate Researchers · since 2022
Publish, present, and explain your research — in English.
ACE Helpdesk helps Graduate Researchers improve academic papers, presentations, posters, conference Q&A, and research explanations — one session at a time, with an experienced coach.
研究を、世界の舞台へ。
One session. One focus. One next step.
We do not try to fix everything at once. We find the first thing blocking your communication, work on it together, and show you how to improve the next version.
Trusted by Graduate Researchers since 2022.
430+
completed coaching sessions
≈300
hours of coaching delivered
95
researchers supported
97.8%
of survey ratings were five out of five (132 of 135)
Figures verified against ACE Helpdesk survey and appointment data, September 2022 – June 2026.
Our support
Practical, one-to-one English support for research.
Whether you are preparing a journal submission, rehearsing a conference talk, or learning to explain your research clearly.
Presentations & Posters
Slides, posters, scripts, delivery, pronunciation, and conference Q&A — rehearsed until it feels ready.
e.g. rehearse a conference talk and its Q&A.
Research Communication
Explain your work clearly — for conferences, networking, interviews, and international collaboration.
e.g. a sixty-second introduction to your research.
Speaking & Pronunciation
Build fluency and clarity through guided conversation and focused speaking practice.
e.g. prepare for daily life and seminars abroad.
Applications, Emails & Study Abroad
Statements of purpose, scholarship applications, emails to professors, and interview preparation for time spent overseas.
Featured · Writing support
Manuscript Readiness Check
Before polishing the English, we check whether the paper is ready for the journal: argument, structure, clarity, recurring language patterns, and journal requirements.
We work through the draft with you. The goal is better English and better control of your own writing — not ghostwriting.
See the Manuscript Readiness CheckHow it works
One session, built around your task.
- i Bring the real work. A paper, poster, talk, slide deck, conference plan, English goal, or question.
- ii We diagnose the need. Is it a quick question, or does it need a deeper coaching session?
- iii We set the session path. Together, we decide whether today is about writing, presenting, speaking, planning, or practice.
- iv We work one focus. We do not try to fix everything at once. We find the first blocker and work on that.
- v You leave with a next step. One action, one model, or one practice habit you can use after the session.
Choose your track
Eight tracks — we route you to the right one.
Not sure which? Bring the task and we choose the track with you.
Paper
Argument, structure, clarity, language, journal style.
Poster
One message, visual flow, less text, print readiness.
Talk
Point, arc, timing, transitions, Q&A, practice.
Slides
One idea per slide, no wall of text, readable from the back.
Conference abroad
Abstract, travel and talk readiness, survival English, culture, confidence.
Improve English
Diagnose level, choose one skill, build a practice habit.
Study plan
Goal, milestones, weekly actions, review.
Other
Scope the problem — help now, or route to the right support.
Resources
Guides and checklists for your research.
Short, practical resources from the ACE Helpdesk coaches. The Manuscript Readiness Check is ready now; more guides are on the way — use them on your own, or bring one to a session.
New · Self-study course
The Academic Writing Lab
A free, self-study course of short interactive modules that teach academic English one skill at a time — each with a printable worksheet to keep. Five Foundations modules are ready now; nothing is graded or tracked.
Enter the Writing LabThe Last 5%: Editing Academic English
The final pass that lifts a paper — the small, high-frequency fixes that separate a good draft from a submission-ready one.
Coming soon
Presentation checklist
Point, arc, timing, transitions, and Q&A — a pre-flight check before you take the stage.
Coming soon
Poster checklist
One message, visual flow, less text, and print readiness — so your poster works from across the hall.
Coming soon
Study plan template
Goal, milestones, weekly actions, and review — a simple structure to keep your English improving.
Coming soon
How can I use ACE Helpdesk?
Bring whatever you are working toward.
Rehearse your talk.
Practise your presentation, sharpen your slides, prepare for Q&A, and build confidence before you travel.
Refine your manuscript.
Check grammar, structure, nuance, and academic tone — from the abstract to the cover letter.
Make your work clear.
Practise a self-introduction, an elevator pitch, or a networking conversation that lands.
Get ready for life abroad.
Practise everyday conversation, interviews, and the English you will use day to day.
In their words
Researchers return because the support is practical and encouraging.
Your careful guidance on the presentation was very encouraging. I was able to approach the presentation with confidence.
Through discussion with the teacher, I was able to express what I wanted to say in my paper — especially the nuance.
The Helpdesk helped me prepare for my first overseas presentation and made me feel reassured.
The coaches
Experienced English communication coaches who edit with care, rehearse with patience, and explain the why — not only the what.
Steve Daly
CoachBring me your draft, your slides, or just the idea you are trying to get across — we will work through it together until it sounds like you, in clear English.
Canadian · 32 years in Japan Book a session
Arnold Baruch
CoachWhether it is a paper, a presentation, or a conference conversation, I will help you say what you mean — clearly, naturally, and with confidence.
American · 20 years in Japan Book a sessionQuestions
Before you book.
Who can use ACE Helpdesk?
ACE Helpdesk is for Graduate Researchers at The University of Osaka — graduate students, postdocs, and faculty preparing to publish, present, or communicate their work in English.
Is the service free?
Yes. ACE Helpdesk is provided to eligible Graduate Researchers at no cost, as part of the programme.
How long is a session?
Sessions run 30, 45, or 60 minutes. We recommend 45 minutes — enough time for presentation or paper support without feeling rushed.
Can you edit a full paper?
We guide your writing rather than rewrite it: structure, clarity, nuance, and tone, working through your draft together.
Can I practise a presentation?
Yes — slides, script, delivery, pronunciation, and Q&A. Many researchers rehearse their full talk before a conference.
Can I ask questions in Japanese?
Yes. You are welcome to discuss in Japanese when it helps; the coaching itself builds your English.
Ready to prepare your paper, presentation, or research explanation?
Book an ACE Helpdesk session and work one-to-one with an experienced English communication coach.
Book a session