The ISC blogs serve as a platform for researchers and experts to share insights, contribute to discussions on key scientific issues, and engage with a broader audience. We welcome contributions that bring fresh insights into key scientific debates, science-policy issues, and the broader research landscape.
All blog content is available for republishing under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license – please keep this in mind when submitting a piece.
What makes for a suitable blog post?
The ISC blogs feature articles that are:
- Timely – addressing recent research, emerging scientific debates, or policy developments;
- Relevant to the global scientific community – engaging with science-policy discussions, major conferences, or international research agendas;
- Substantive and evidence-based – providing clear arguments, analysis, or insights linked to scientific research;
- Aligned with ISC priorities – connecting to ISC’s projects, programs, or strategic themes.
The ISC does not publish:
- Institutional announcements – including organizational updates, leadership changes, or internal milestones;
- Promotional content – articles intended to market products, services, or specific initiatives;
- Personal profiles – content focused on individuals rather than broader scientific or policy issues.
Editorial guidelines
Length: Submissions should be between 300 and 1,000 words.
Language and Style: To ensure clarity and accessibility for a global audience, contributors should:
- Use clear and precise language, minimizing technical jargon;
- Follow British English spelling and grammar (-ize endings preferred);
- Write in the active voice and avoid unnecessary complexity;
- Refrain from using clichés, wordplay, or idiomatic expressions.
A strong blog post should include:
- Introduction – Clearly states the topic and its relevance to the scientific community;
- Main body – Develops the argument or perspective with supporting evidence and analysis;
- Conclusion – Summarizes key insights and may pose questions for further reflection.
Title: Titles should accurately reflect the content and engage the reader. Final titles are determined in consultation with the ISC editorial team.
Acronyms: Must be spelled out on first reference.
References: Hyperlinked sources are preferred over in-text citations; alternatively, a ‘Further Reading’ section can be included.
Non-Sexist Language: Contributors are encouraged to use gender-inclusive terminology (e.g., “humanity” instead of “mankind”).
Submitting a blog post
To propose a blog post, please contact Léa Nacache, Communications Officer, at [email protected].
Submissions should include:
- A clear email subject, including “Submission to ISC blogs”;
- A brief summary (2–3 sentences) outlining the proposed blog post and its relevance to ISC’s audience, included in the email body;
- A full draft of the proposed blog post (300–1,000 words) attached as a Word document (shared with editing rights);
- A high-quality image to accompany the post (with appropriate credits and permissions);
- A brief author bio (1–2 sentences).
Review and editorial process
Submissions will be reviewed by the ISC editorial team.
The editorial team will evaluate the submission based on its relevance, clarity, and adherence to ISC’s guidelines. If necessary, contributors may be asked to revise their article based on editorial feedback. This may involve clarifying arguments, improving readability, or aligning content with ISC’s tone and style. The ISC team may make minor edits for grammar, style, and consistency while preserving the author’s voice and intent.
Once revisions are complete, the final version will be reviewed for publication. The author will be notified when their article is scheduled for release.
The ISC editorial team retains the right to decline submissions that do not meet content guidelines or editorial standards.
Contacts
For questions, please contact Léa Nacache, Communications Officer, at [email protected].
Image by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash