ICB invites articles on science as a social endeavor. These articles should address practices, policies, and perspectives within biology that affect research quality, scientific community health, and public understanding of science. Topics that fall within this scope are, for example, the evaluation and discussion of how research is conducted, evaluated, and disseminated; equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; science education, communication, and outreach; public policies, careers; research ethics and science philosophy.

2. Science communication & outreach

Science Practice articles may address topics such as science communication and outreach.

Example articles

• Schulz, A. K., Shriver, C., Aubuchon, C., Weigel, E. G., Kolar, M., Mendelson III, J. R., & Hu, D. L. (2022). A guide for successful research collaborations between zoos and universities. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 62(5), 1174-1185. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icac096

• Watkins, T., Miller-Rushing, A. J., & Nelson, S. J. (2018). Science in places of grandeur: Communication and engagement in national parks. Integrative and comparative biology, 58(1), 67-76. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icy025

• 11 Articles resulting from a symposium in 2018 “Science Through Narrative: Engaging Broad Audiences”, ICB volume 58, issue 6, such as:

  • ElShafie, S. J. (2018). Making science meaningful for broad audiences through stories. Integrative and comparative biology, 58(6), 1213-1223. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icy103

4. Science policy papers

Science Practice articles may take the form of a policy paper. Policy papers analyze an issue and offer recommendations to inform and guide decision-makers. Articles may center sharing evidence, developing guidelines, and/or making recommendations. Below are example articles that represent these different article styles, plus a template for a policy article that focuses on developing recommendations.

Example articles

• Wilga, C. A., Nishiguchi, M., & Tsukimura, B. (2017). Broadening participation in the society for integrative and comparative biology. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 57(1), 7-17. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icx004

• Brainerd, E. L., Blob, R. W., Hedrick, T. L., Creamer, A. T., & Müller, U. K. (2017). Data management rubric for video data in organismal biology. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 57(1), 33-47. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icx060

• Verble, R. M., Richards-Zawacki, C. L., & Young, V. K. (2023). Beyond A Vision for The Future: Tangible Steps To Engage Diverse Participants in Inclusive Field Experiences. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 63(1), 59-65. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icad063

Policy paper format

Background

• Statement of issue

• Context and current policies

Recommendations and evidence

• List of policy options, including pros and cons, limitations and barriers

  • Show how you arrived at a finding or recommendations through analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data.

  • Summarize your findings or state recommendations. Provide specific recommendations or findings in response to specific problems and avoid generalizations.

  • Generate criteria for evaluating options. Explain key assumptions underlying your analysis and prioritize the criteria that you rely on to assess evidence.

  • Analyze each option according to those criteria. What are pros and cons? What is feasible? What are expected outcomes? Support assertions with relevant data.

  • Address—and when appropriate rebut—counterarguments, caveats, and reservations to your findings or recommendations, especially likely counterarguments that a policymaker faces in implementing or acting on your recommendations or findings.

Recommendations and evidence

• List of policy options, including pros and cons, limitations and barriers

  • Show how you arrived at a finding or recommendations through analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data.

  • Summarize your findings or state recommendations. Provide specific recommendations or findings in response to specific problems and avoid generalizations.

  • Generate criteria for evaluating options. Explain key assumptions underlying your analysis and prioritize the criteria that you rely on to assess evidence.

  • Analyze each option according to those criteria. What are pros and cons? What is feasible? What are expected outcomes? Support assertions with relevant data.

  • Address—and when appropriate rebut—counterarguments, caveats, and reservations to your findings or recommendations, especially likely counterarguments that a policymaker faces in implementing or acting on your recommendations or findings.

Conclusion

• Implementation and recommendations

  • Suggest next steps and/or implementation of the findings or recommendations.