At the Institute for Science & Policy, we promote civil and productive dialogue around complex societal issues while seeking to better understand how and why people ultimately make decisions. We are a catalyzing force for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges by engaging scientists, policymakers, journalists, entrepreneurs and other thought leaders in productive discussion. We provide a forum that encourages people to not only talk to one other, but listen to each other as well.

We welcome contributor submissions that will advance these conversations. We’re looking for lucid perspectives and unexpected insights tailored for a general interest readership. How can we address a collective action challenge? What is new, exciting, or problematic that you can speak to directly? What are the costs, impacts, contradictions, and opportunities for progress? And most importantly, what broader significance does this story carry for your community, not to mention society?

• Agriculture or food security
• Behavioral economics
• Cognitive science related to human decision-making
• Climate change and related policy (state or federal)
• Energy and the grid
• Leadership
• Public health
• Stakeholder engagement and responsible business
• Technology 

We enjoy pieces that have, above all, a solution-oriented focus. Tell us about uncommon partnerships, innovative breakthroughs, uniquely effective policy, or any other developments that have the potential to move an issue forward.

• Submissions will generally be edited to between 750 and 1,200 words.
• Articles should be written for a general, non-technical audience with minimal jargon.
• Focus on exploring a single idea rather than trying to summarize an entire field. Tell a story in your own voice and use personal experiences and/or firsthand sources where appropriate.
• Make an argument without being argumentative. Opinions are welcome as long as they are respectful.
• News hooks are helpful and can lend timeliness to a subject. Ask yourself: Why is this important to discuss right now?
• Facts and figures cited from any external source must be hyperlinked, footnoted or otherwise credited wherever possible.
• Graphics, images, and other supplementary multimedia materials are welcome, with appropriate permission and/or credit to the rightsholder(s).
• Submissions are generally expected to be original, unpublished work. Excerpts or adaptations from previously published material will be considered on a case-by-case basis, conditional on written permission from the appropriate rightsholder(s).
• All materials from first-time contributors should be accompanied by an author headshot, a preferred affiliation (10 words or less), and a social media handle (optional).
• The Institute reserves the right to edit, abridge, and/or decline publication of any submission at any time for any reason, at the sole discretion of the Institute team.
• The Institute does not advocate or take policy positions. All published submissions will be accompanied by the following disclaimer: The Institute for Science & Policy is committed to publishing diverse perspectives in order to advance civil discourse and productive dialogue. Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, or its affiliates.

We can offer writers an honorarium of $300-500 for original work, depending on the scope and specific assignment. We do not offer payment for previously published work. Writers retain all copyright to their work and are free to republish their articles elsewhere beginning 45 days after the date of first publication. Articles republished in other outlets must include attribution to original publication by the Institute.

Ready to join the conversation? Send us a pitch.