I'm Tom Offrede, an editor and translator specializing in scientific content. I'm based in Berlin, Germany.
I help researchers communicate their science clearly and accurately. I have a PhD in Experimental Linguistics (Phonetics & Physiology), with a background in Psychology, Psycholinguistics, and English language education.
My connection to language started at a young age. I've always been enthusiastic about learning foreign languages, and a big reader of literature. During my undergraduate degree was when I started translating and editing scientific content—first for colleagues, then as a freelancer. Back then, I also became a regular collaborator to a science communication blog as a writer and translator.
This is how my academic path started: my linguistic interest turned into scientific curiosity, which took me across six countries as I completed my degrees. Now, I combine my experience in experimental behavioral research with my understanding of how (written) language works to help knowledge professionals polish their texts.
As a native Portuguese speaker who has not only published in English, but also taught the language (and has also worked in French), I understand the challenges of writing in a second language. I know where common errors occur, which phrasings sound awkward, and how to preserve meaning while improving clarity.
I work collaboratively with my clients. Your research is your own; my job is to help you communicate it clearly, not to rewrite it in my voice.
Here's what you can expect when working with me:
Clear communication: I respond to emails within 24 hours and keep you updated throughout the process.
Attention to detail: I catch not just typos and grammar issues, but also inconsistencies in terminology, unclear phrasing, and structural problems.
Respect for your expertise: You're the expert in your research. I ask questions when something is unclear, but I trust your scientific judgment.
Cultural sensitivity: I understand that academic writing conventions vary across countries and fields. I help you meet international standards while respecting your disciplinary norms.
Flexibility: Need a rush turnaround? Have a specific style guide? Working with a tight budget? Let's talk. I'll do my best to accommodate your needs.
I'm trained in academic writing and have taught English at the university level. I've published peer-reviewed articles in English and helped other researchers by editing and translating their work. Being fluent in five languages, I understand the challenges of writing in a foreign language, and can help polish your text while keeping your voice.
I have a PhD in experimental linguistics, including phonetic and psychophysiological research. I also have research experience in cognitive science and have worked with content from the life sciences and humanities.
Having designed experiments, analyzed data, and written my own papers, I understand research and know how to communicate it.
I've worked with research teams across Germany, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Brazil, and the Netherlands. I'm familiar with the standards and expectations of international journals and know how to help your work meet them.
PhD in Linguistics, magna cum laude
Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, 2024
Research Master in Language and Cognition
University of Groningen, Netherlands, 2020
Bachelor's in English Language and Literature
University of Brasilia, Brazil, 2017
Portuguese (Brazil) · Native
English (US) · Full professional proficiency (C2)
French (European) · Professional working proficiency (C1)
Spanish · Professional working proficiency (B2+)
German · Conversational (B2)
Offrede, T., Mooshammer, C., & Fuchs, S. (2024) Breathing and Speech Adaptation: Do Speakers Adapt Toward a Confederate Talking Under Physical Effort? Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, pp. 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_JSLHR-23-00113
Offrede, T., Mooshammer, C., D’Ausilio, A., & Fuchs, S. (2024) Speech Adaptation and Physiological Responses: A Study on f0 and Skin Temperature. Proc. Speech Prosody 2024, pp. 467–471. https://doi.org/10.21437/SpeechProsody.2024-95
Offrede, T., Mishra, C., Skantze, G., Fuchs, S., & Mooshammer, C. (2023) Do Humans Converge Phonetically When Talking to a Robot? In: Radek Skarnitzl & Jan Volín (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International Congress of Phonetic Sciences (pp. 3507–3511). Guarant International. (access)