(Updated for 2026)

As part of ICUDDR’s mission to support global education, training, and research in  substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, In Focus provides a  platform to translate important findings into accessible summaries for our global  readership. The column helps make research more understandable and available to  educators, students, policymakers, practitioners, and community members who may not  have access to academic publications. 

Objectives of the Column 

In Focus is intended to: 

1. Highlight new, innovative, or impactful research related to the substance use  continuum (prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery).  
2. Expand knowledge-sharing among ICUDDR members and the broader professional  community. 
3. Make academic research accessible to non-academic audiences. 4. Encourage collaboration within the global SUD academic and workforce ecosystem. 5. Amplify emerging researchers and global voices, including those in LMICs. 6. Support application of research findings in real-world workforce contexts. 

Quarterly Call Process for 2026 

ICUDDR will issue quarterly calls for submissions, each aligned to three upcoming  newsletter editions. 

Submission deadlines: 

• January 10, 2026 (for Jan–Mar 2026 newsletter issues) 
• March 15, 2026 (for Apr-Jun 2026 newsletter issues) 
• June 15, 2026 (for Jul-Sep 2026 newsletter issues) 
• Sep 15, 2026 (for Oct-Dec 2026 newsletter issues) 

Deadlines will be announced quarterly through: 

• ICUDDR newsletter 
• ICUDDR website 
• ICUDDR social media channels 
• Direct member outreach

Accepted articles may be: 

• scheduled for the upcoming quarter, or 
• placed into the publication pipeline for a future month.

Author Benefits 

Authors whose articles are selected for publication will receive: 

✓ Certificate of Appreciation 

✓ Optional social media spotlight across ICUDDR platforms 

✓ Shareable recognition for their institution/department 

✓ Eligibility for the annual “Top In Focus Article Award” (selected by ICUDDR Board  committee, awarded in December 2026)

Prize: USD $250 to lead author 

Content Guidelines 

1. Relevance: Articles must address a topic pertinent to Drug Demand Reduction and  align with ICUDDR’s mission and objectives.  
2. Originality: Must be original work by the contributor(s), with appropriate citations.
3. Accessibility & Clarity: 
   • Write in plain language 
   • Avoid jargon and overly technical terminology; define only when needed
   • Explain findings in practical terms 
   • Assume a mixed audience: academics + practitioners 
4. Evidence-Based: Claims should be supported by credible sources such as peer reviewed studies and systematic reviews.  
5. Engagement Use: 
   • narrative elements 
   • case/setting examples 
   • practical application insights 
   • workforce implications 
   • regional relevance 
   • key takeaways 
6. Length: 500–1000 words, inclusive of references or supplemental notes. 
7. Required Elements: Each submission must include: 
   • Title 
   • Plain-language summary (80–120 words) 
   • Main article (500–1000 words) References 
   • Author name(s) 
   • Institutional affiliation(s) 
   • Short author bio(s) (40–80 words) 
   • Country
   • Email address for correspondence

Social Media Spotlight Requirements 

If you wish to be featured, please provide: 

• LinkedIn handle(s) 
• Facebook handle(s) 
• Instagram handle(s) 
• Photo (optional) 
• Permission for ICUDDR to share your article + affiliation • Optional short quote on the importance of the research 

Social media spotlighting is optional. 

Formatting Guidelines 

• Clear section headers 
• Concise paragraphs 
• Minimal academic formatting 
• APA citation style accepted 
• Submit in .docx  

Submission Process 

Please submit via submission link. Include: 

• manuscript 
• required elements 
• bios 
• conflict of interest statement 
• social media permissions (optional) 

Editorial Review Process 

All submissions undergo: 

1. Suitability & alignment screening 
2. Quality + clarity review 
3. Revision requests (if necessary) 
4. Acceptance decision 
5. Scheduling into an upcoming edition 
6. Light editorial refinement prior to publication ICUDDR strives to respond within 4–6 weeks.

Ethical Standards 

Authors must: 

• protect confidentiality and privacy 
• avoid stigmatizing language 
• disclose conflicts of interest or funding sources  • ensure accuracy of claims and data 

Copyright & Distribution 

Authors retain copyright. 

Authors grant ICUDDR permission to publish the article in:

• ICUDDR newsletter (email + web archive)
• ICUDDR website 
• ICUDDR social media 
• ICUDDR promotional materials for the column Proper attribution will be provided.  

Questions? 

Email: [email protected]