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The technical communicator as independent scholar

Technical communicators are ideally suited for contributing serious independent research and scholarship. Their experience in providing clear technical information brings them in touch with many technical disciplines. An expertise often develops in a technical subject area through assimilation, self-education, or passion (or a combination of these elements), which frequently leads to scholarly achievement and recognition from peers and larger audiences. Outside of on-the-job contributions, partnerships with think tanks, academic- and government-affiliate research institutions offer opportunities for technical communicators to become independent scholars. The paper examines the various contributions technical communicators can make to independent scholarly research, attaining recognition for their efforts, and starting a local independent scholars' network.