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:
Highlight new, innovative, or impactful research related to the substance use continuum (prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery).
Expand knowledge-sharing among ICUDDR members and the broader professional community.
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:
EXTENDED: February 6, 2026 (for Mar 2026 newsletter issue)
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
Relevance: Articles must address a topic pertinent to Drug Demand Reduction and align with ICUDDR’s mission and objectives.
Originality: Must be original work by the contributor(s), with appropriate citations.
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
Evidence-Based: Claims should be supported by credible sources such as peer reviewed studies and systematic reviews.
Engagement Use:
narrative elements
case/setting examples
practical application insights
workforce implications
regional relevance
key takeaways
Length: 500–1000 words, inclusive of references or supplemental notes.
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
