Pop-up journals for policy research: can temporary titles deliver answers?

Nature

by Dalmeet Singh Chawla

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Pop-up journals focused on specific research questions aim to bridge the gap between science and policy by providing targeted, actionable insights directly to policymakers. Funded by $1 million from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Coefficient Giving, these temporary journals will publish articles addressing pressing policy issues for a few years before closing. The initiative seeks to make high-quality evidence accessible to decision-makers, addressing challenges like evaluating returns on R&D investments, a question often raised in government discussions but lacking clear answers. The first journal will tackle the impact of R&D investment, with plans to summarize findings and related research. Host organizations, selected through competitive bidding, will manage each pop-up journal, while steering committees ensure clarity and progress. The model emphasizes curation over publishing, aiming to provide policymakers with concise, relevant information by focusing on specific questions. This approach addresses the overwhelming volume of scientific papers, often making it difficult for policymakers to find actionable data. By concentrating on key issues and curating expert insights, pop-up journals could enhance the utility of research for real-world decision-making. The initiative's potential to create a replicable model highlights its significance in fostering collaboration between science and policy. Ultimately, these temporary journals offer a promising solution to translate complex research into accessible, actionable recommendations, enhancing the impact of scientific findings on public policy. This innovation aligns with growing efforts to connect research more effectively with societal needs, making it a significant development for those interested in bridging the gap between science and real-world applications.

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Originally published on Nature on 2/25/2026