Read and publish creative physiology stories, poetry, and art. PhysiOdyssey is an open-access journal based at the University of Glasgow connecting science and creativity.

PhysiOdyssey is an open-access creative writing journal exploring physiology through imaginative and literary forms. Situated at the intersection of science and creativity, the journal provides a platform for writers, students, and scientists to engage with physiological concepts through original and thought-provoking work.

We welcome submissions in creative genres including short fiction, poetry, and graphic narratives, and particularly encourage contributions from students and early-career or novice writers, as well as interdisciplinary and science-adjacent creators. PhysiOdyssey aims to promote creativity in science and public engagement with physiology beyond traditional academic formats.

Submissions are currently open.

Please submit your work for consideration for our next issue before 31st January 2027.

All submissions should contain original work that has not been published previously and is not currently under consideration at any other journal.  We do allow simultaneous submissions, but please notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere so we can withdraw it from our review process. If your piece is accepted for publication in PhysiOdyssey, we ask that you withdraw it from consideration at any other publication.

For all submissions, please include a scientific statement to clarify the current understanding of the topic you have covered in your piece.  The scientific statement should include relevant references.

All submissions should be in English.

Who can submit

Submissions are accepted from students and novice writers.  Students may be under- or post-graduates, or anyone who is within one year of graduating.  Novice writers are considered to be those who have not traditionally published a novel-length fiction or non-fiction book, or a collection of short stories or poetry.  Authors of individual short works and self-published authors are eligible to submit.

We encourage submissions from anyone with a background in physiology or a related subject, as well as from creative writers and artists with an interest in physiology.

What to submit

PhysiOdyssey accepts a wide range of submissions, as long as the work has a physiology theme.  We are looking for educational, quirky, fun and thought-provoking pieces, and accept fictional insights, historical perspectives, contemporary advancements or even speculative futuristic ideas.  Send us your corporeal curiosities; your anatomical adventures; your visceral visions.

We encourage you to let your imagination take the lead and explore the boundaries of physiology in creative and unexpected ways. Whether your work inspires, informs, or simply entertains, we look forward to seeing where your ideas take you.

Submission Limits
We accept a maximum of 3 submissions per contributor per issue, in any combination of formats (writing, artwork, or both). These can be any combination of written work or visual art. If you are submitting a series of related images, this may be considered a single submission—please include a short note explaining the connection between pieces.

Please ensure you stay within this limit, as submissions that exceed it will be rejected for that issue.  This policy helps us ensure fairness for all contributors while keeping the workload manageable for our small volunteer team

Expression Guidelines: tone, language and sensitivity

At PhysiOdyssey, we encourage imaginative storytelling grounded in the world of physiology. With that freedom comes a responsibility to communicate with clarity, respect, and thoughtful intent.

We ask all contributors to keep the following in mind:

• Purposeful expression: Strong language or explicit content may be included if it is essential to the message or narrative. However, gratuitous swearing, graphic detail, or shock value for its own sake is discouraged.
• Respectful tone: Avoid language or themes that may be discriminatory, derogatory, or offensive. If sensitive material is integral to the work, it should be handled with care. The editorial team will review such cases thoughtfully, but inclusion must not compromise respect for individuals or communities.
• Sensitive topics: Physiology often intersects with intimate or challenging aspects of human experience. When addressing topics such as reproduction, illness, or trauma, please do so with care, accuracy, and empathy.

Poems

Please send poetry of up to 40 lines in Word, OpenOffice or RTF format.  If your poem has a particular format in which you’d like it to be presented, you may also wish to include a pdf copy to represent this.  Please only send one poem per submissions window.