Getting started
Accounts are not required to edit Wikipedia, but making an account will allow you to more easily track your history of contributions. Edits made by users with accounts, even if the account holder chooses to remain anonymous, tend to be viewed as more trustworthy and reputable by fellow Wikipedians. Creating multiple accounts is discouraged and can lead to being blocked from future editing (see WP:SOCK).
Many Wikipedians draft edits in their user sandbox (see WP:ABOUTSAND) before moving those changes to the main article. Sandboxes are particularly useful when making significant changes to the content or structure of an article, or when beginning an editing project that will take multiple days. Small changes, such as fixing typos or adding citations to existing content, can be quickly applied by editing the article directly. All edits, no matter how minor, should include a brief edit summary before being published.
Editorial Mindset
For a more philosophical perspective on editing, check out Wikipedia:Ten simple rules for editing Wikipedia. The entire essay is a good read, but we would like to highlight a few points that are particularly relevant when editing science policy articles:
Use secondary sources whenever possible. When editing scientific or academic information on Wikipedia, try to use sources that reflect a general consensus among experts. For example, instead of citing the results of a single research study, cite a review article or textbook chapter that summarizes the collective knowledge gained by multiple studies and researchers.
Write neutrally and provide appropriate context. Content should be presented from a neutral viewpoint and any “value” statements should be specific and always cited appropriately. For example, try to avoid using vague descriptions like “many,” “most,” “best” unless you are referencing a specific source.
Bad example: Most scientists prefer zebrafish over mice as a research model.
Better example: A 2020 survey by ABC journal found that 99% of geneticists preferred zebrafish over mice as a research model (citation).
Be mindful of potential conflict-of-interest issues. In general, do not edit or create articles about yourself, your family, colleagues, workplace, etc. However, you are encouraged to contribute information to articles relevant to your field of expertise (as long as all content is appropriately cited, as usual)!
Have fun and be bold!
