Is there a story about the Indian science ecosystem that you’ve always wanted to tell – but there was nobody to listen?
Labhopping is commissioning three deeply reported stories about the Indian science ecosystem, and we want to hear from you!
Last date for submission of pitches: 31 July 2026
These commissions are made possible by the community that supported our 2026 Labhopping calendar. In other words, this is, quite literally, reader-funded science journalism, and here’s your opportunity to contribute to it. ☺
What are we looking for?
The stories that keep you up at night. The ones you bring up at conferences and people lean in. The ones a few talk about, and nobody writes.
We want never-before-told stories from inside the Indian science ecosystem: its institutions, its people, less glitzy areas of research, failures, and its quiet revolutions. If you’ve been sitting on a story because you couldn’t find the right home for it, this is your call.
Who should pitch?
Science journalists, writers, and communicators — whether you’ve published widely or you’re still building your bylines.
Note: This call is open to only those who identify as science journalists, writers, or communicators. We especially encourage writers from marginalised groups to apply.
What you get?
We pay Rs 8,000 for stories not over 2,500 words. We are also open to working with writer-artists for a more visual storytelling experience. Writers of three selected pitches will work closely with Labhopping’s award-winning editorial team to develop the story.
How to pitch?
Send us 200–300 words telling us:
- what the story is,
- why it must be told,
- why you’re the right person to tell it, and
- how you’re going to tell it.
Please attach samples of previous work, if any.
Note that at Labhopping, we are suckers for details. Brownie points for having one clear sentence that captures the essence of the story (E.g., this is a story about _________) and clear mentions of who/what would be your primary and secondary sources.
Send in your pitches in the body of your email at labhopping@thelifeofscience.com, with sayantan@thelifeofscience.com, aashima@thelifeofscience.com, and nandita@thelifeofscience.com in CC. Make sure the word PITCH is in your subject line.
We will read and respond to all pitches we receive within 2 weeks of the deadline. All commissioned stories will go through at least two rounds of editing and a round of proofreading before being published.
This is the story you’ve been waiting to write. We’re the platform that’s been waiting for it.
Featured image sourced from Unsplash
