Field
STEM
Publishing in the Stanford Intersect Journal is a strong opportunity for students interested in science, technology, and society (STS) who want to share thoughtful, research-driven work through a well-regarded undergraduate-run journal at Stanford University.
Because Intersect accepts a wide range of interdisciplinary submissions and maintains a rigorous editorial process, navigating the requirements can feel a little unclear at first. This guide breaks down how the journal works and what to expect when preparing a submission.
What Kind of Work Can You Submit?
Intersect accepts several different types of manuscripts. Research articles are the most substantial and typically run 4,000–6,000 words. These include original research papers or review-style articles that synthesise existing scholarship. The journal also publishes comments—shorter, opinion-driven pieces that make an argument or offer a perspective. Multimedia artifacts such as videos, websites, interfaces, and design projects are also accepted, with length determined by format. Book reviews of important or relevant works are usually around 1,000 words. Although the journal occasionally publishes interviews or excerpts from honors theses, these are more commonly submitted by undergraduate or graduate students rather than high school authors.
Eligibility
Submissions are open to all, including high school students. Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere. Authors may choose any topic within the broad umbrella of science, technology, and society, as long as the work is grounded in research, analysis, or critical engagement with the field.
Publication Fee
Intersect does not charge any fee for submission, review, or publication.
Submission Process
Submissions are made through the Intersect OJS submission portal after creating an account. The journal ordinarily accepts work on a rolling basis across the year, though it is not currently accepting submissions. Authors upload their manuscript and provide required information through the portal. Because the journal handles multiple issue cycles, authors should expect to work closely with editors throughout the review and revision stages.
Review Timeline
Intersect follows a quarterly to biannual publication schedule. Once a manuscript enters review, authors are expected to respond promptly to editor comments and revision requests. Extended unresponsiveness—typically more than one week—may result in the paper being rejected, even if it had previously been progressing through the process. Similarly, withdrawing an article after acceptance is strongly discouraged and may affect future submissions. Authors who complete all required revisions within the issue’s editorial timeline move forward to publication in that cycle.
RISE Tips for Getting Accepted
Based on strong STS-focused submissions reviewed at RISE, the most successful papers tend to show clear interdisciplinary thinking, linking scientific or technological topics with social, ethical, or policy dimensions. Strong submissions present well-defined research questions or arguments supported by credible evidence. They show engagement with existing scholarship and demonstrate awareness of the broader implications of the work. The writing is organised, coherent, and academically grounded while remaining accessible. Many strong papers incorporate multiple perspectives or methodologies and use visuals or design elements effectively when relevant. Above all, successful submissions offer original insight or contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations in STS.
Application Deadline
Intersect ordinarily accepts submissions on a rolling basis, but the journal is not accepting manuscripts at the moment. Students interested in submitting should check the website periodically for updates on when the portal reopens. Planning ahead is helpful, especially for longer analytical papers or projects involving multimedia components.
Sample Papers
You can view the latest issue of Stanford Intersect here.
RISE Research Program
If you’re a high school student aiming for competitive journals, RISE Research gives you the chance to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities worldwide. With individualised guidance and support in building independent research projects, students often produce high-quality work suitable for top publications, while also developing a strong academic profile. The program is flexible, accessible globally, and open for applications throughout the year. To explore eligibility, pricing, and how to begin, visit the RISE Research website and take the next step in your academic journey!
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