Write for The Abstract

The Abstract is MSURJ’s popular science blog where we publish informal articles on anything science related, including personal McGill science experiences. Those interested in sharing their passion for science are encouraged to submit! 

How to submit

To submit, please send a pitch to msurj.media@gmail.com. In the email, please include the following information:

1. What would you like to write about?
2. Why does this story matter?
3. How will you write it (i.e. interviews, online research, etc.)? If you do not plan on submitting a written piece, which medium will you use?
   1. All mediums (e.g. videos) are accepted and encouraged. 

If our team finds that your pitch would be a good fit for the Abstract, we will ask you to draft something and then our editorial board will guide you towards a polished product. Unlike the journal, we accept articles on a rolling basis, so submissions are always welcome. 

If you are submitting an article that was already written (i.e. for an assignment), please send the same pitching email outlined above and attach your pre-written submission. 

Submission Requirements

All submissions should meet these criteria for publication:

1. Submissions must be related to science. 
2. The submission must be written as a popular science or science journalism article (i.e interviews with prominent scientists, editorials, feature articles, opinion pieces, etc.). Research or review articles should be submitted to the main journal, the McGill Science Undergraduate Research Journal.
3. Avoid technical jargon. We aim for our blog to be accessible to any undergraduate.
4. Article word count should be between 500-1000 words. We may be flexible with this but keep in mind that the Abstract is for shorter interest pieces. 
5. Citations should be as follows:
   1. Numbered reference list with links to sources
   2. In text: (# of reference)
6. Please submit an image(s) or provide ideas for a visual to accompany your piece. Images should be sent as separate files.
7. Must adhere to basic grammar rules and use active voice.

Note that some of the requirements may not apply to submissions in other media. If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact msurj.media@gmail.com.

Authorship, Rights, and Consent

The Abstract reserves the right to refuse any submission. Furthermore, submission postings may be delayed to accommodate our publishing schedule, unlike the Journal. 

Note: interviewees must consent to any interviews conducted for your piece. 

Don’t know what to submit? Here are some prompts to get you started!

General science:

• Have you read any fascinating research recently?
• Have you read any interesting science fiction and want to relate that to the real world?
• Do you want to share your opinion or viewpoint on a scientific debate?
• Is there a researcher at McGill that interests you?

Student experience:

• What surprised you about being a science student at McGill?
• What do you like/dislike about the science student experience at McGill?
• What do you wish non-science students knew about studying science?
• Do you want to share your experience of a cool McGill science class?
• Were you inspired by a science seminar/workshop/event at McGill and want to share your experience?

These are just ideas, and submissions do not need to conform to any of these prompts!

(Alternatively, you can let us know about something (eg. event, researcher profile, etc.) you want covered by contacting us at msurj.media@gmail.com.)