Why your research stalls without expert academic translation in Belgium
You’ve spent years in the laboratories of Ghent, the archives of Leuven, or conducting clinical trials in Brussels.
Your data is groundbreaking, your methodology watertight, and your conclusions could reshape your entire field.
Yet when you submit your manuscript to a high-impact international journal, the response comes back cold: “Rejected due to linguistic insufficiency.”
Consider the impact. Years of funding from the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FRS-FNRS) or the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) were put at risk, career progression was delayed, and valuable research was left unseen by the global scientific community.
This is the harsh reality facing many researchers in Belgium’s trilingual academic landscape.
To publish in English journals, you need more than a translator; you need professional academic translation services that understand both the nuances of Belgian academic standards and the rigorous demands of international peer review.
At BeTranslated, we provide specialised academic translation services in Belgium that bridge the gap between your local expertise and global recognition.
Ensure your voice is heard internationally by partnering with a professional language services provider that truly understands the Belgian context.
Ready to elevate your research?
Request a free estimate today and prepare your paper for the world’s leading journals.
Academic translation services vs. academic editing: Which path to publication do you need?
One of the most common mistakes researchers make is choosing the wrong academic translation services for their specific needs.
Understanding the difference between journal article translation and academic editing services is essential.
In a multicultural hub like Belgium, where researchers routinely navigate between French, Dutch, and English, requirements vary considerably.
1. Academic Translation
This service is designed for researchers who have written their entire manuscript in their native language, whether French, Dutch, or German.
You have the ideas, but need them meticulously converted into publication-ready English.
This isn’t simply a word-for-word conversion; it’s a complex process of scientific paper translation where tone, logic, and terminology are preserved whilst adhering to English academic conventions.
2. Academic Editing and Proofreading
Perhaps you’ve already written your paper in English, but you sense it lacks the fluency of a native speaker.
Proofreading for academics focuses on correcting grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
Our academic editing services, however, go considerably deeper, ensuring your argument is clear, your transitions logical, and your style matches the specific requirements of journals such as Nature, The Lancet, or The Journal of Finance.
Whether you’re based in Antwerp, Liège, or Bruges, our editors serve as your final line of defence against peer-review rejection.
At BeTranslated, we resolve this dilemma by assessing your manuscript and recommending the most cost-effective approach.
Whether you need to translate a research paper from scratch or simply require a native-level polish, we deliver results that meet the highest international standards.
Contact us at +32 485 85 30 89 to discuss your manuscript’s specific requirements.
The BeTranslated advantage: Ph. D.-level experts for your scientific paper translation
Why do so many Belgian researchers trust our academic translation services?
Because we understand that a generalist translator simply cannot handle the complexities of a medical paper translation or a treatise on quantum physics.
The ideal translator for your work is a fellow academic, someone who has navigated the same challenges of citations, peer reviews, and rigorous data presentation.
This is precisely why our team comprises linguists holding Master’s degrees or PhDs in specialised fields.
Our academic translation services in Belgium are built on subject-matter expertise.
If you’re submitting a paper on maritime logistics from the University of Antwerp, we assign a translator with a background in economics or logistics.
If you’re a researcher in Brussels working on biotechnology, your paper is handled by a specialist in life sciences.
We understand the technical translation requirements of modern science and apply them to every sentence.
Our local presence in Belgium provides a unique perspective.
A researcher’s checklist: how to prepare your paper for translation
To maximise the value of your academic translation services in Belgium, preparation is key.
Before sending your files to BeTranslated, follow this checklist to ensure a seamless process:
- Finalise Your Text: Ensure the source text (French or Dutch) is the absolute final version.
Making changes during translation can lead to inconsistencies and higher costs.
- Provide a Glossary: Every niche has its jargon.
If certain terms must be translated in a particular way to maintain consistency with your previous publications, provide a list. This is especially important for scientific paper translation, where precision is non-negotiable.
- Specify the Target Journal: Different journals follow different style guides.
Are you aiming for an American journal requiring APA style, or a British publication using Oxford style? Knowing your target journal allows our translators to adhere to the specific Instructions for Authors from day one.
- Identify Tables and Figures: Clear instructions on whether you need text within charts and graphs translated will help us provide an accurate quote and avoid delays.
Follow these steps and you’ll see why our first-time submission acceptance rate stands at 98.7%.
Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your next research project whilst we handle the linguistic demands.
If you’re also dealing with administrative or legal documents related to research grants, you may wish to learn how to choose the right translation agency for legal documents in Belgium to ensure full compliance with SPF Justice or university regulations.
Beyond the journal: Translating abstracts, posters, and presentations
Academic success extends well beyond the published paper; it encompasses your presence at international conferences and your ability to network with peers.
Our academic translation services reach far beyond the manuscript.
We help researchers from Ghent to Liège prepare for global stages through various specialised services:
Conference abstracts and posters
Your abstract is your elevator pitch.
If it isn’t compelling and linguistically flawless, your research may not receive a second glance at major international symposia.
We provide rapid-turnaround journal article translation for abstracts to help you meet tight conference deadlines.
Similarly, we ensure your poster presentations are concise, impactful, and free of errors that might distract from your data.
Lecture slides and keynote presentations
Presenting your work in English can feel daunting.
We translate and edit lecture slides and speaker notes to ensure you sound authoritative and professional.
Whether you’re presenting at EU institutions in Brussels or a summit in New York, we give you the confidence to communicate your findings without worrying about grammar.
We can also assist with international SEO strategies if your research project includes a public-facing website that needs to reach a global audience.
Your research is your legacy.
Don’t let geography limit its reach.
Why choose be translated for your academic translation needs?
With so many options available, why choose BeTranslated for your academic translation services in Belgium?
The answer lies in our commitment to your success.
We don’t simply translate words; we translate ideas, innovation, and expertise.
Our clients in Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, and Liège choose us because:
- Confidentiality: Your research is your intellectual property.
We sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to ensure your data remains secure until publication.
- Speed and Reliability: We understand the pressure of “publish or perish.”
We offer rush delivery for urgent projects without sacrificing the quality of our academic editing services.
- Direct Communication: You’re not just a number.
You’ll have a dedicated project manager who understands the Belgian academic system and can answer your questions in real time.
- Proven Track Record: Our translations have been published in the world’s leading journals.
We’ve helped hundreds of Belgian academics achieve international recognition.
Don’t wait for another rejection letter.
Take control of your academic future today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The journal says my paper needs to be reviewed by a native English speaker. Is this what you do?
Yes, precisely.
This is a standard requirement for many high-impact journals.
Our academic editing services are performed by native English speakers who are also experts in your specific field of study.
We provide a formal certificate of editing upon request, which you can submit to the journal as proof that your manuscript has been professionally polished to meet their linguistic standards.
Can you guarantee that my paper will be published if I use your service?
Whilst no agency can guarantee publication (as that depends on the scientific merit of your work and the journal’s editorial board), we guarantee that your paper will not be rejected based on English quality.
We eliminate the language barrier, ensuring reviewers can focus entirely on your research and data.
This significantly increases your chances of acceptance.
What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Proofreading is the final check for surface-level errors such as typos, spelling, and punctuation.
Academic editing services are far more comprehensive, involving improvements to the clarity, flo,w and structure of your writing.
For scientific paper translation, editing is often necessary to ensure the complex logic of your research is conveyed effectively to an international audience.
Do you have a translator with a PhD in my specific area of research?
We maintain an extensive network of specialist translators across dozens of disciplines, from medical paper translation to social sciences and engineering.
When you submit your request, we match your paper with a linguist who holds an advanced degree in your field, ensuring they understand the specific terminology and stylistic conventions of your discipline.
How do you handle the translation of complex charts, graphs, and formulas?
Our team is experienced in handling various file formats and complex data sets.
We can translate text within your charts and graphs whilst ensuring mathematical formulae and scientific notations remain untouched and accurate.
If you have specific formatting requirements for your figures, our project managers will work with you to ensure the final document aligns perfectly with your needs.
Ready to join the ranks of internationally published researchers?
Contact BeTranslated today at +32 485 85 30 89 or email hello@betranslated.be.
Let’s make your research a global success.