Engage with the IPCC

Hundreds of experts in different fields volunteer their time and expertise to produce IPCC reports. Thousands more contribute to the review process and to the literature and other knowledge that are assessed in IPCC reports. These scientists are not paid by the IPCC. Here are different ways to get involved.

Coordinating Lead Authors (CLAs), Lead Authors (LAs) and Review Editors (REs) for each report chapter are nominated by IPCC Focal Points, Observer Organizations and/or IPCC Bureau Members after the outline of a report has been agreed. Coordinating Lead Authors and Lead Authors have collective responsibility for the contents of a chapter.  CLAs are responsible for coordinating work on major sections of a report such as chapters. LAs are responsible for the production of designated sections of the report within a chapter on the basis of the best scientific, technical and socio-economic information available. Review Editors help identify expert reviewers, ensure that all substantive comments are afforded appropriate consideration, and advise Lead Authors on how to handle contentious or controversial issues If you are interested in becoming an IPCC author or review editor, look out for calls for nominations and contact the relevant IPCC government or Observer Organization focal points for more information. You can also reach out to Bureau members. If you are interested in becoming an IPCC Contributing Author, contact the relevant IPCC Technical Support Unit (TSU) for more information.

Coordinating Lead Authors and Lead Author may enlist other experts as Contributing Authors to assist with their work. Contributing Authors, who number many hundreds, provide specific knowledge or expertise in a given area, and help ensure that the full range of views held in the scientific community is reflected in the report. If you are interested in becoming an IPCC Contributing Author, contact the relevant IPCC Technical Support Unit (TSU) for more information.

Chapter Scientists provide technical and logistical support to author teams. This includes support with cross-checking between findings presented in different parts of the report, additional fact-checking, and reference management. Chapter Scientists are either recruited directly by Coordinating Lead Authors (CLAs) of a specific chapter, or through a call issued by the Technical Support Unit. Becoming a chapter scientist is an opportunity for Early Career Researchers to gain important insights into what it means to work at the science-policy interface, work first-hand with leading international experts and build a global network of research contacts.

The IPCC is committed to preparing reports assessing the current state of knowledge of the science related to climate change that aim for the highest standards of scientific excellence, balance, and clarity. To achieve this, each report undergoes two review periods: an Expert Review of the First Order Draft, and a Government and Expert Review of the Second Order Draft. This review process includes wide participation, with hundreds of reviewers commenting on the accuracy and completeness of the scientific assessment contained in the drafts. An Expert Reviewer may decide to comment on one section of the report, on a complete chapter, or on the report as a whole. At the beginning of each review period, the IPCC issues a press release with details of the duration of the review period and how to participate. Expert Reviewers must provide a self-declaration of expertise. If you are interested in reviewing IPCC reports, look out for these announcements on the IPCC website and on social media.