Logo for Dr Anna Clemens PhD who teaches scientific writing courses for researchers
Logo of 'researchers' writing academy' featuring a stylized graphic of a pen merged with an erlenmeyer flask,
Logo for the Researchers' Writing Academy

I have a question regarding the course content or would like feedback on something.

We're happy to help you on our next Feedback call. If you would like to get support from the hive mind aka your fellow community members, just post in the Researchers’ Writing Community.  We do not answer questions on the course materials by email. 

Help! I can’t log in to the program platform (Circle)!

Oh no! Don’t worry - we haven’t locked you out of the program if you have an active membership.

Please check the Circle troubleshooting guide sort out any log in difficulties. 

Still stuck?

Shoot! These troubleshooting tips usually solve the issue, but if you still can’t log in, please follow these steps:

  1. Check the login page

    Are you using this login page -https://researcherswritingacademy.circle.so ? This url is the only one that will work for our program!

  2. Check if it’s the right email

    You guessed it, our next question is… are you sure you’re using the right email? These days, we all have a handful of emails for different purposes - we don’t blame you, it can be confusing.

    Also, sometimes if you chose to sign in using Twitter or Facebook, it might be connected with another email, so try everything or logging in via Twitter or Facebook!

  3. Reset your password

    Still not working? Try to reset your password by clicking on “Forgot Password?” and follow the steps. Be sure to follow their requirements for password strength!

  4. Is Circle’s platform down?

    Use this nifty page here to see if Circle is down. If yes, please try again later.

  5. Still stuck?

    Don’t fret! These troubleshooting tips usually solve the issue, but if you still can’t log in or see the community, email us and we’ll do our best to help and get you access to Circle ASAP! It would be super helpful to let us know what you have tried, so we can best know where to start assisting you.

Help! I can't join an event in a live room on the program platform (Circle)

When joining a live session from an internet browser, you must have certain browser settings enabled to use your microphone and camera.

You can try the following general troubleshooting steps to solve the problem:

  • Make sure that you've provided your browser with the necessary permissions to access your input devices. You can check out the relevant steps for your browser here: 

  • Make sure you've provided microphone and camera permissions to your browser in your OS. 

  • Test your microphone and camera in a different browser or tool to make sure that they are configured properly on your device.

  • If you are using an external mic, check to see if an external button on the device is muted.

I can’t see the course videos!

Often, this issue is caused by a browser problem your computer. If you're not sure what browser you're using you can check out here: https://www.whatsmybrowser.org/

 Start troubleshooting by doing these steps:

  1. Clear cache and restart the browser. Also make sure you’re using the newest version of the browser.

  2. Try a different browser (Google Chrome tends to work best!).

  3. Try an Incognito / Private Window (this will rule out an issue with browser extensions).

  4. Restart the device (it's a cliche but it works!).

  5. If possible, try a different device.

  6. If possible, try a different internet connection!  If you are trying to access the course from a university or other workplace, a university or corporate firewall may occasionally block our video provider. 

    For even MORE support with this issue - here’s a super helpful page from Circle - https://help.circle.so/p/live-and-events/live-management/troubleshooting-audio-and-video-issues 

Where can I view video recordings of past events held on the platform?

Video recordings of past events are kept and available for viewing for 12 months from when the original event was held. Note: Some events like Writing Retreats and Co-Writing Sessions are not recorded or uploaded for replay. 

To find event recordings, you want to locate the original event page on Circle, the video recording will be uploaded directly to the event details. (See image below)

 

Screenshot of an online workshop page titled 'Key Story Elements Workshop.' The page shows event details, a video of a woman speaking, and a sidebar with options like home, upcoming events, and a calendar. An arrow points to the video section.

Here are two options how to find the event page (and event recording) you want:

  1. If you know the date the event was held or just want to browse the events held over the last months, you can use the calendar view to see all events ever held in the program and select the event on the calendar you're interested in viewing by clicking on the name of the event in the calendar. You can also access this view by using the navigation at the top of Circle and selecting "Events".

  2. Alternatively, you can go to the event space for whichever event type you are looking for (ie. Community Events Space for Book Club events and Planning Workshops, Feedback Calls Space for past Feedback Calls and recordings).

    Once in this space, you will toggle the dropdown found under the banner image but towards the top of the space (above the list of events) from "Upcoming" and change it to "Past". This will allow you to see all past recordings related to this type of event.

    Once you can see these past events, you can then click into a specific past event and watch the recording, posted along with timestamps of the recording and links to important sections of the course content that are mentioned.

If you have any questions about this or need some help finding a specific video recording, please email us at [email protected].

When does my membership expire, and until when do I have access?

If this is your first year inside the Academy, please note that all subscriptions have initial 12 month commitment starting from the day you purchased. Afterwards your membership renews with the chosen billing cycle (yearly or monthly). Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period. We send you an email about one month before your renewal is coming up with instructions on how to keep your membership, cancel or change your billing cycle. 

You can view your expiration date in your Circle profile, however, Circle might not always reflect your true expiration date, especially if you have changed plans or renewed. To know the exact date, just email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to confirm it for you.

Can I pause my membership?

We can't pause your access once you join the program.

It’s completely normal for members to go through phases where they can’t engage with the program at full capacity every month. That’s why the initial commitment period is 12 months giving you time to complete the course material and integrate the other program components such as regular planning and co-writing into your workday at your own pace.

How Do I cancel my membership?

If you no longer need your membership, we're sorry to see you go. Please email us at [email protected] and we'll assist you right away.

A few important notes about terminating your membership: 

    • If you are within the initial 12-month commitment period, your cancellation will take effect at the end of your first year of membership and you will continue to have access until you reach your expiration date. 
    • Past the initial 12-month commitment, cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period.
    • We welcome you to rejoin anytime! Please just note that you will only be able to keep the rate you originally joined at for as long as you keep your membership active. If you want to rejoin the RWA after your membership has expired, you will have to rejoin at the current rate (see our website). 

 

When will I be billed next?

To check your next billing date, please follow these directions:

  • Log in to your Circle account.
  • Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Billing.
  • Under Subscriptions, click the three dots (⋯) next to your current subscription.
  • Select Details and a pop-up will appear showing your subscription information, including your next billing date and renewal details.

If anything is unclear or you can’t see your subscription, just email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

Please note that all memberships have an initial 12 month commitment. After your first year, you membership will renew (monthly or annually depending on your chosen billing cycle). We will notify you about one month before the renewal is due and you can decide whether to continue or whether the membership is no longer for you. After your first year, you can cancel your membership anytime. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period. 

 

I have a question about my payment.

Please email us at [email protected].

General payment information:

  • The charge on the bank statement is listed as “ RESEARCHERSWRITINGACAD ”

Your monthly subscription will bill on the same day of the month that you first purchased it in, e.g., if you purchased the course on January 20, 2026, your second payment will be on February 20, 2026, and the third will be on March 20, 2026, so on an so forth.

 

Can I switch between an annual and monthly subscription?

Yes, you can switch from an annual to a monthly subscription (or vice versa) after the initial 12-month membership.

About one month before your renewal is due (11 months into your membership), we will email you outlining your renewal options.  At that point, you can choose whether you would like to renew on a monthly basis or with an annual plan.

After the initial 12-month commitment,  if you continue on a renewal subscription (monthly or yearly), you can cancel anytime. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period.

If at any point after your initial 12-month membership you would like to switch from a monthly to a yearly plan (or vice versa), simply email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist you.

 

How do i change the email associated with my account (on Circle)?

Unfortunately, we cannot change your email on Circle for you and it must be done yourself in your settings. 

To update your account email, follow these steps:

    1. Log in to your Circle account on a desktop or mobile web browser.

    2. Click your profile photo on the top navigation bar and select Authentication.

    3. Erase the email currently listed there and type in your preferred email.

    4. Enter your current password.

    5. Click Save changes.

Here is a step-by-step instruction guide with images.

How do I change my credit card details connected to my account?

You can easily do this by going into your Circle account and follow these directions:

  1. At the top right corner, click on your profile photo in the community header - then select "Billing"
  2. Navigate to “Payment methods”
  3. Click “Edit” beside the payment mothod
  4. Add card details
  5. Click save

Here is a step-by-step instruction guide with images.

How to install the Circle app

Simply type "Circle" in the search in your Apple or Google Play store and log in to your account after installing. 

Do you provide a certificate of Completion after I finish the course?

Yes! We can issue certificates of completion. Please email us at [email protected] with your request, and let us know if you need any specific information included for university or institutional proof.

Could you remind me of the Terms of Use of the Researchers’ Writing Academy?

You can find the full, up to date Terms of Use here.

Could you remind me of your Privacy Policy?

You can find the full, up to date Privacy Policy here.

My question didn’t get answered. What now?

Please email us at [email protected].

  • If it is a technical issue for Circle (and you already went through the login or video troubleshoot instructions and they didn’t help), please try to fill in as much info as possible with the questions below and we will collaborate with Circle to help you!

  • Try to provide as much information as possible below-

    • Please provide a brief description of the issue.

    • In which lesson(s) were you experiencing this issue?

    • Which browser and which version did you experiencing this issue in?

    • Do you have any browser extensions/plug-ins installed and did you try disabling them?

    • What troubleshooting steps did you try? 

    • Were you able to replicate the problem? Can you provide a screenshot of the issue occurring?

    • Is there an error message? Can you send us a screenshot of the error message?

    • Can you screenshot any errors you see in your browser console?

© Copyright 2018-2026 by Anna Clemens. All Rights Reserved. 

 

Photography by Alice Dix