The nexus between science and diplomacy has grown increasingly important as both the international relations between countries grow in complexity and the scientific endeavor expands globally.
Since 2012, Science & Diplomacy provides a forum for rigorous thought, analysis, and insight to serve stakeholders who develop, implement, or teach all aspects of science and diplomacy. The open access journal features original perspectives by science and diplomacy practitioners and thinkers from U.S. and international perspectives in areas of science for diplomacy; science in diplomacy; and diplomacy for science. The journal strives to be a resource for foreign policy makers and analysts, scientists and research administrators, and educators and students. Our readers consist of policymakers—including diplomats, government officials and elected representatives in the U.S. and abroad; decisionmakers working at international organizations; experts at national and international research facilities; scientists and technologists in academia, industry, and civil society; undergraduate and graduate students; and science diplomacy enthusiasts located around the world. We strive to build a broad and inclusive community of stakeholders who contribute to, benefit from, and direct science diplomacy.
Science & Diplomacy is published by the Center for Science Diplomacy of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a mission-driven, multi-disciplinary general scientific society with members around the globe. Founded in 2008, the Center has been one of the recognized global leaders in building bridges between science and diplomacy and elevating the role of science in foreign policy to address national and global challenges. All articles, perspectives, and In the Field pieces are signed and reflect the authors' opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS or of the institutions with which the authors or the editors are affiliated.
The Center is grateful for the financial support of the Golden Family Foundation in helping make Science & Diplomacy possible.
Information for Authors
Science & Diplomacy provides a forum for rigorous thought, analysis, and insight to serve stakeholders who develop, implement, and teach all aspects of science and diplomacy. For the purposes of this journal, “science” is treated in its broadest sense and includes higher education and other technical capacity building as well as research and innovation.
While we are no longer accepting unsolicited contributions, we welcome suggestions for original contributions related to policy-relevant issues surrounding 1) science for diplomacy, where science is employed as a tool for diplomacy (e.g., science as a “soft power” tool); 2) science in diplomacy, where diplomatic or foreign policy processes and apparatuses rely on scientific and technical capacity and understanding; and 3) diplomacy for science, where diplomacy is employed to support the scientific endeavor (e.g., in large-scale, multi-national scientific projects). Other aspects of the science and diplomacy nexus are also welcomed. Science & Diplomacy particularly seeks to highlight lessons learned and policy-relevant recommendations that can resonate with both science diplomacy practitioners and a general audience.
To Submit
Science & Diplomacy does not accept unsolicited contributions. Instead, those interested in publishing in the journal should fill out the Airtable form below, outlining their pieces key points in 200 words or less. If the editorial team finds the idea to be a good fit for the publication, a representative of the team will contact you via email with further steps. We encourage potential contributors to look at previously published content stored in our archive to guide the substance and style of their potential publications.
Form to submit publication ideas: https://airtable.com/shrzeNZ6fJ4k7Npae
If you have any questions, please contact editor@sciencediplomacy.org. Kindly note that all pitches should be submitted via the aforementioned form in order to receive proper follow-up by the editorial team. We strive to promptly review any submissions and will make publication decisions within four weeks of receipt.
Types of Contributions
We accept three types of contributions:
- Perspectives: Short essays no more than 1,500 words that present a provocative argument or unique idea about subjects related to the field of science diplomacy. Pieces will undergo review by the editorial team, an associate editor, and a copy editor before publication.
- Articles: Research-based pieces, with a maximum of 2,500 words, that provide an in-depth look at a topic in science diplomacy. Pieces would include reflections around institutions, systems, and policies beyond personal experiences. Manuscripts will undergo an external peer-review process spearheaded by an associate editor, in addition to reviews by the editorial team and a copy editor.
- In the Field: Personal essays written in first person, no longer than 1,000 words by science diplomacy practitioners who reflect on the lessons learned from their current or recent experiences in a science diplomacy initiative or project they were part of. Pieces will undergo review by the editorial team and a copy editor before publication.
In addition, we also publish:
- Conversations: Edited interviews with science diplomacy practitioners. For instance, since 2021, Science & Diplomacy interviews Ambassadors posted in Washington, DC on their experience with science diplomacy as well as their country’s approach to science, technology and innovation in foreign policy.
- Invited perspectives: Shorter perspectives solicited by the editorial team on timely topics.
- Editorials: Essays written by the editor-in-chief and/or the executive editor presenting their perspective on an issue. Occasionally, editorials serve as an introduction to special issues.
Preparing the Manuscript
Authors are encouraged to read this section after their submission idea has been reviewed by the editorial team. In all cases, contributions must be original works by the author(s) that have not been published or are not being considered for publication elsewhere. We rely on authors to ensure the veracity of their statements. Contributions should be written to be broadly accessible to the foreign policy and scientific communities, from university students to seasoned experts. As Science & Diplomacy is not an academic journal, authors should avoid extensive referencing, particularly for Perspectives and In the Field contributions. Important facts and references should be incorporated within the main text. Articles may contain selected endnotes. The journal adheres to the Chicago Manual of Style, with some variations. Please note that accepted pieces will be edited for style and clarity.
Upon submission, it is understood that the contribution is an original work that will be exclusively published by Science & Diplomacy should it be accepted. A signed License to Publish will need to be completed prior to publication.
Editor-in-Chief
E. William Colglazier, PhD
Executive Editor
Kimberly Montgomery, PhD
Editorial Manager
Estefania Ortiz Calva, MA
Editorial Coordinator
Katie Garner