Accurate scientific translation is essential in many areas of industry, engineering, pharmacology, medicine and education. In all of these sectors, qualified and professional scientific translators are needed. So, how do you become a scientific translator? What is involved in this profession and what qualifications do you need? Let’s take a look at the different aspects of becoming a scientific translator.
How do you become a scientific translator?
Those who wish to become scientific translators need to specialize in scientific fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, biotechnology or similar. You will need professional and academic qualifications that demonstrate your knowledge, expertise and experience.
Not only is scientific knowledge necessary but you must also possess linguistic qualifications. This typically means being fluent in two or more languages including of course, your mother tongue. As obvious as this may sound, you will need to have a firm grasp of all the grammar concepts in your native language.
Combining your scientific field of expertise and multilingual skills is not the limit of the requirements. As science is a constantly evolving subject, you will have to stay up to date with new developments in your specific field including all related terminology.
Just as precision is key in science, so it is in the translation of scientific documents, texts and files. Clients expect professional translators linguistic skills to be matched by their understanding as subject matter experts.
Why hire a professional scientific translator?
If you have scientific texts or technical documents that need to be translated into one or more languages, you must use a professional translator. The standards required for translating scientific papers or research are very high and need to be done by someone with the appropriate knowledgeable and training.
Machine translation is not suitable for scientific language and it always needs the skills of a professional translation agency or individual with the right background and accreditation. Espresso Translation has a global network of more than 2,000 qualified linguists, many of whom have a scientific background and experience.
Our scientific and technical translation services are ISO 17100 certified, which is the internationally recognised standard for the translation industry. We work in more than 150 languages and all our translators are native speakers of the target language. By working with translators with the right background and knowledge as well as the right linguistic abilities, your scientific content will be accurately translated.
What does a scientific translator do?
A scientific translator provides translation solutions for a wide range of scientific, technical and academic documents. This involves changing the language of the documents from the original into one or more other languages without altering the meaning or context of the content.
Accuracy is vital in any translation project but this is particularly the case for scientific translation where clear communication is essential. For example, when translating a scientific method, a mistranslation, omission or error could completely invalidate the process or trigger serious consequences.
This is why it is important to use the services of a professional translation company such as Espresso Translations. The information contained in scientific articles, research papers and technical manuals must always be accurately and faithfully translated.
What are the types of documents handled by a scientific translator?
There are numerous documents which may require translation by a qualified translator who specialises in scientific content. However, they can be broken down into a few different categories for clarification.
Academic and research publications
The world of academic publishing is huge and there are innumerable areas of scientific literature which may require translation and localization. Whether you’re looking for translation of research reports or academic articles, our expert scientific translators provide the highest quality results from anywhere in the world.
Technical and industrial documents
The adaptation of technical and industrial documents from one language to another is a job for professional translation organizations. Accurate and full translation is vital for technical documentation as mistakes or mistranslations can have considerable consequences and repercussions.
Compliance with international regulations is required for most scientific endeavours so translation of regulatory documents is a frequent request. This requires knowledge not just of the specific area of science or technology but also the industry-specific regulations which apply.
Medical and pharmaceutical documentation
Pharmaceutical and medical translation services require deep knowledge of the subject matter as well as sound linguistic qualifications. There are a multitude of document and files within health care which may require translation including patient medical records, test results and vaccination certificates.
The pharmaceutical sector generates millions of documents, many of which need to be translated into several languages for regulatory purposes. Localization services are very important in these areas with translations needing adaptation to specific regions and cultures.
What are the industries requiring scientific translation services?
The industries which most often require scientific translation services include:
- Life sciences: biology, microbiology, genetics and neuroscience
- Healthcare and medicine: medical research, clinical trials, etc.
- Pharmacology: research and development of new drugs and treatments
- Environmental science: renewable energy, pollution prevention
- Medical device manufacturing: user manuals and regulatory documentation
- Materials science and engineering: nanotechnology, biomaterials
- Academia: university textbooks, scientific research
Any industry or sector that uses scientific information which needs to be translated will require the services of a professional translator or translation agency.
What are the essential skills of a scientific translator?
The skills that a scientific translator will need vary depending on the types of translation in question as well as the area of science involved. In general, however, to translate a scientific document, a translator will need the following.
Industry expertise
The need for industry expertise is clear. A translator must understand the subject matter and have a deep knowledge of the associated scientific or academic language. For example, if the translation project involves technical reports, the translator must have technical experience so that all terminology is precisely and accurately translated without losing any of the meaning of the text.
Science is not static and there is constant development and discovery within the various fields. Therefore, every translator must stay updated on the latest information and conclusions in their relevant sector or industry.
Quality control processes
At Espresso Translations, translated documents go through a series of strict quality control processes. In the first instance, once you accept our quote a dedicated project manager will assign the most suitable translator to your project. When the translation is done, this translator will proofread the translated text. It is then passed to a second, equally qualified linguist who will also proofread it. Finally, your project manager will carry out their own quality control checks before sending you the translation for your approval. This ensures that all translated documents meet our rigorous standards and client requirements are consistently met.
Data security and compliance
Espresso Translations is GDPR and Privacy Shield compliant as well as being ISO 17100:2015 certified – the highest quality standard governing the translation industry. We are a trusted translation agency, serving clients from a range of industries and sectors.
Our commitment to the security and privacy of your data includes non-disclosure agreements to protect our clients’ confidentiality.
What are the technologies used in scientific translation?
All of our translations are carried out by human and not machine translators. However, we do utilise certain software applications to support our professional scientific translation services.
The most commonly used tools employed to support professional scientific translators include:
- Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tool such as Trados and MemoQ.
- AI-assisted post-editing software for large-scale projects.
- Customized glossaries for terminological consistency across different projects.
This use of artificial intelligence allows us to guarantee consistency in terminology management across scientific language translation projects for precise translation and uniformity across documents.
What are the benefits of working with a certified scientific translator?
Working with a certified translation agency such as Espresso Translations, provides you with experienced and knowledgeable translators who understand your needs and work to deliver the highest quality translation, on time, every time.
Our network of accredited linguists covers a vast range of specialisms including scientific and medical translation. Each of our bilingual native translators has more than five years of experience in the translation industry and a background in a relevant scientific field. You can rest assured that our translation of scientific texts is carried out to the highest possible standards and thoroughly quality control checked.
From the moment you connect with our customer service team until you receive delivery of your translated files, you can be confident that you are receiving a professional and experienced service.
Contact us today to see how we can help you with your next scientific translation project.
FAQs
What qualifications should a scientific translator have?
A scientific translator needs to have recognised qualifications in their field of scientific expertise. They also need to be fluent in at least two languages with experience working in the translation sector.
How much does a scientific translation cost?
The type of translation you require is one of the factors which determines how much you will pay.
– Certified transitions cost from £30 plus VAT and are accompanied by a statement of truth signed and stamped by the translator.
– A sworn translation costs £50 plus VAT and is attached to a sworn affidavit signed by a court or public official.
– A notarized translation costs £90 plus VAT and contains the signature of a notary public, attesting to the true identity of the translator.
– A legalised translation also costs £90 plus VAT and contains an apostille, rendering it valid in any country which is a signatory of the Hague Convention without the need for further translation.
What languages are supported?
Our worldwide network of accredited, qualified linguists work in more than 150 different languages. Each is a native speaker of the target language and fluent in the source language.
How do you ensure translation accuracy?
At Espresso Translations, all our translators are qualified linguists and subject matter experts with more than five years of experience in the translation industry. We also appoint project managers to each of our clients. This project manager puts every translation through a series of quality control checks to ensure our rigorous standards are consistently met. Only then is the translated document sent to the client for approval.
