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“Defunded” is a new section of Anthropology News dedicated to what can no longer be studied, written, or shared. Federal funding cuts, department closures or mergers, and political attacks are not only reshaping research priorities; they are erasing entire lines of inquiry, often before they can begin. We invite short contributions that document the research projects, publications, and questions that have been halted, defunded, or made impossible by the current political and institutional climate. Contributions include descriptions of fieldwork proposals that lost funding, collaborative projects shut down by institutional risk assessments, or manuscripts that will never be published for fear of political or professional repercussions. This section aims to create a living archive of the work that might otherwise vanish from the record: the anthropology that could have been. By sharing these stories, we hope to trace what has been lost—and to illuminate the social and political conditions shaping our collective intellectual endeavor. Accepted submissions may be published anonymously. Contributors are strongly encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their institutions from potential targeting. We understand that safety, privacy, and professional vulnerability are real concerns—and we take them seriously.
Anthropology News encourages submissions in a variety of formats to present compelling stories that make anthropological insights accessible to a wide audience. Think short-form magazine-style stories with scientific bite—low on jargon, high on storytelling—or compelling photo essays or multimedia pieces. Read more about us here and consider how you might tell anthropological stories for a general audience as you consider the direction of your pitch.
Please submit a pitch (50-100 words) describing the project or research that has been defunded or rendered impossible, along with a 50-word bio, through our submission form (link below). We will accept pitches on a rolling basis. Authors of accepted pitches will be asked to develop their pieces in collaboration with AN’s editorial team, and accepted pieces will be published on the AN website. Final articles should be around 100-800 words, photo essays should consist of six to eight high-resolution images with a short introductory essay, and audiovisual work can be developed in consultation with AN editors. Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Anthropology News – “Defunded” Call for Pitches – Fill out form