Contributor Guidelines
Read about how to write an article for Skopiem! We’ll guide you every step of the way.
The text below outlines what we at Skopiem would like you to include in your article. You’ll read about how to write for us, what makes a good article, how to submit your work to us, and our rules on the use of AI.
✱ The Submission process ✱
Step 1 – Idea Pitch
The first step is to submit your idea for your article via the form on the Skopiem website, under the section ‘Get Involved’. There, we’ll ask you for the basic information we need to process your application and the topic you wish to write about.
After we have received your pitch and teacher confirmation, if necessary, we will be in touch with you to let you know that you can start writing your article.
Skopiem runs three submission rounds a year, roughly matching school terms. Each round has a submission deadline, a first-draft deadline, and a final revision deadline. Look at the table to the right to see the exact dates for the the coming submission deadlines:
| Submission Deadline | First-draft Deadline | Final Revision Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-October | Mid-November | Early December |
| Mid-January | Mid-February | Early March |
| Mid-April | Mid-May | Late June |
Step 2 – Writing
Now, you can write your article. For more specific guidance on how to go about writing your piece, see below at the sections marked ‘What makes a good Skopiem article’ and ‘Length and format’.
You must submit your article by the deadline of the round, but don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll finish in time, just let us know rather than going quiet.
Step 3 – Editorial Review
Once you’ve written your article, you will send it back to us via the email we confirm your idea pitch with – submissions@skopiem.org. From there one of our experienced editors will read over your submission and annotate it with suggestions and correct any grammar or spelling mistakes. Don’t worry, this isn’t to change your article or make it ours, we’re here to help improve the flow of your writing and check that all the science is perfect. We don’t directly change anything about your article, only add comments and a summary of suggestions at the bottom. You also don’t have to take our suggestions, however we do expect all the science in your article to be correct, and if it is not and you do not correct it, the article cannot be posted. Getting the science right matters more to us than getting it published fast.
Step 4 – Improvements
Once you have received your article with our editor’s comments, you will work to improve your article and resubmit it by the second deadline of the round. Don’t worry, it’ll only be a couple of tweaks here and there – then onto publication.
Step 5 – Publication
Now is the time for your article to be posted on the Skopiem website! You will be credited for your work in the following format: first name, first letter of surname, year group. For example, ‘Lola G. Year 9’.
While our editors are reviewing your article and while you review it yourself, one of our outstanding illustrators will be working on a piece of art specifically for your article. This will be posted alongside your article on the top of the page as a banner, and the preview card on the articles page.
Step 6 – Changed your mind? No worries!
Your article will stay on the Skopiem website indefinitely. If you do want your article removed, then send an email to hello@skopiem.org or submissions@skopiem.org stating your name, article title and the rough date of when it was written/posted and we’ll immediately remove it for you.
Length and Structure
There's no fixed template, but we suggest you write your article with a structure like this:
A hook — open with the surprising, strange, or human angle, something gripping to ‘leave the reader waiting for more’.
The explanation — break the core science down into clear, digestible chunks. One idea at a time. Don’t forget to explain any jargon.
Why it matters — current research, real-world relevance, or a question that leaves the reader wanting to find out more.
Your article should be between 600 and 900 words, but don’t worry if your article is a little under or over.
Want to read some example articles?
Prions: The Protein Pandemonium
Prions aren’t alive, yet they spread and destroy the brain using nothing but their shape. These strange proteins defy the rules of biology, and their mysteries are reshaping how scientists think about disease.
Peptides: tiny molecules making a big difference in medicine
When we learn biology at school, we are taught about the ”big three” biological molecules - carbohydrates, proteins and fats. But when I started looking closer at proteins, especially peptides, I realised something surprising. Some of the smallest molecules in this group are actually doing some of the biggest jobs in medicine.
The Fourth State of Matter
Everyone has heard about the 3 states of matter. It’s a principle that is ingrained into us from our first ever chemistry classes. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, liquids flow and fit the container they are in, whilst gases can expand and compress, and have no fixed shape or volume. But have you ever looked at everyday objects and thought ‘but that doesn’t fit into any of those categories?’
What makes a good Skopiem article
Skopiem is a science communication platform. This means that the pieces we post explain a scientific concept in a way that someone with no prior knowledge of the topic can understand. Our platform specifically focuses on teaching 11-15 year olds, so you don’t need to go looking for university or even A level style content to write about – anything and everything STEM related is welcome.
When choosing an article topic, we want you to use your imagination. Whether you want to write about whacky animals, mathematical paradoxes, planets and galaxies, theoretical physics or something completely different, all science article subjects that YOU are interested in are perfect.
A good article is written like a curious person sharing something they find genuinely fascinating. First person is welcome (“When I first read about this, I couldn't believe...”). This makes your writing gripping, rather than like a scientific paper or essay. The science still must be accurate and well-sourced, but the voice should feel human, not like a textbook or a press release.
Specialised terminology isn't banned, but every technical term should be explained the first time it's used. If you can't explain a term simply, that's usually a sign you are trying to use a concept which is too complex.
Don’t worry if you think your article may be too complex, we have a ‘Deep Dive’ section for more advanced articles.
Referencing and Citing Sources
Okay, deep breath. Referencing sounds boring, but it’s a part of what makes your writing credible, and it's an extremely important skill for your future studies that most people aren't taught until university.
Here at Skopiem, we use what’s called the Vancouver referencing system. Here’s how you do it:
Find the reference you’re using – you can use a website, a book or an article. Make sure it’s from a reputable source, like, but not limited to, BBC bitesize, academic journals or a textbook.
If your source is a website, find the following information:
Author Name
Date published
Title of the website page
Title of the website
Web link
Date you accessed the website
Then, write that information in the following format:
Author Surname, Initial. Title of page. Title of website [Internet]. Publisher; Date published [cited Date you accessed]. Available from: URL
For example:
Attenborough, D. Why coral reefs matter. BBC Earth [Internet]. BBC; 2023 [cited 2025 Sept 3]. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/coral-reefs
Don't worry if you can't find every piece of information (some websites don't list an author, for example), just include what's available.
If your source is a book, find the following information:
Author Name
Book Title
Edition (if not the first)
Place of Publication
Publisher
Year Published
Then, write that information in the following format:
Author Surname, Initial. Book Title. Edition. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year.
For example:
Attenborough, D. Life on Earth. 2nd ed. London: Collins; 1979.
In your article, whenever you use information from a source, add a small number in square brackets straight after it, like this: "Coral reefs support around a quarter of all marine species [1]." Then list your sources in order at the end of your article, numbered to match. So [1] in your text corresponds to reference [1] in your list.
If you use the same source more than once, just reuse the same number, you don't need a new one each time.
If you’re unsure how to reference something, just ask us. More details on how to contact us can be found at the end of this document.
Originality and AI use
AI is increasingly becoming more common in schools and general life. It can, however, pose a real problem in the academic world. The increased use of AI has also increased the risk of plagiarism and originality conflicts.
It is common practice in academic settings to limit the use of AI, and so Skopiem has taken this approach too. AI tools can't be used to write any part of your article, find sources, or check facts. AI often invents references or gets details wrong, and we can't publish something we can't trust to be accurate. We'd also rather you develop your own way of structuring and pitching an idea, that's a skill worth building, and it's part of what Skopiem is here to help you learn. If we suspect AI has been used to write, source, or substantially structure your article, we won't be able to publish it.
Contact and Support
Constructing a piece of scientific writing for the first time can be daunting and tricky, so please feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Skopiem is a collaborative space designed for learning and to help students create work they are proud of. Send a message (using your school email) to hello@skopiem.org or submissions@skopiem.org and we’ll get back to you with help as soon as possible. You can also email us with any questions you may have about the writing or submission process as we’ll help you out.
Thank you for showing an interest in writing for Skopiem. We can’t wait to hear what you have in store for us!