Create a News Item

news → news → templates
YYYY-MM-DD-short-slug.qmd
2026-09-01-open-science-summer-school.qmd
---
title: "Create a News Item"

---

News items are published on the OSC website to communicate important information to the Open Science community and to document OSC activities.

You can view all OSC news items here:

- [OSC News Page](https://www.osc.lmu.de/news/)

## What Are News Items Used For?

News items are typically created to:

- Advertise upcoming events
- Share the latest Open Science-related developments and initiatives
- Highlight awards, recognition, or achievements of OSC members
- Announce new publications
- Introduce new OSC members
- Share job advertisements or funding opportunities
- Report on past events and OSC activities

::: {.callout-note}
## How Will You Know When to Create a News Item?

Malika will usually contact you when a new news item needs to be created. She will also provide all relevant information that should be included in the article.
:::

## Creating a New News Item

### Step 1: Create a GitHub Issue

Using the [GitHub workflow](../github/working-practices.qmd), create an **issue** in the `lmu-osc.github.io` repository (unless Malika has already created one).

Use the following naming convention:

> `Add News Item: <title of news item>`

Create a new branch from this issue.

### Step 2: Switch to the New Branch

In your local copy of the repository, switch to the newly created branch.

### Step 3: Locate the News Template

Navigate to:

```text
news → news → templates
```

> **Note:** The `_news_template.qmd` file may currently not be located in this folder. Ask Pat about this.

### Step 4: Create a New News File

Create a copy of the `_news_template.qmd` file.

Fill in the template using the information provided for the news item.

### Step 5: Rename the File

Rename the newly created `.qmd` file using the following format:

```text
YYYY-MM-DD-short-slug.qmd
```

For example:

```text
2026-09-01-open-science-summer-school.qmd
```

## Detailed Instructions

Detailed instructions for creating news items using the `_news_template.qmd` file can be found in the README located in the first `news` folder.

Alternatively, you can access the README directly here:

- [News README](https://github.com/lmu-osc/lmu-osc.github.io/tree/main/news)

## News Categories

Choose the category that best describes the news item.

| Category | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| **Announcement** | Important organizational updates, major changes, launches, partnerships, or general news that does not fit into a more specific category. |
| **Awards/Recognition** | Awards, honors, grants, nominations, or other forms of recognition received by OSC members or affiliated projects. |
| **Call for Application** | Opportunities requiring applications, such as training programs, workshops, summer schools, fellowships, or other initiatives with registration or application deadlines. |
| **Event Highlights** | Recap posts about past events hosted, attended, or supported by the OSC. These posts should focus on key takeaways, outcomes, and reflections rather than event promotion. |
| **Interviews** | Featured interviews, Q&A pieces, or spotlight conversations with OSC members, collaborators, or guests. |
| **Job Ads** | Job openings, internships, student assistant roles, fellowships, or other employment opportunities related to the OSC or partner organizations. |
| **New Members** | Announcements introducing new OSC members, including individual members, institutional members, or affiliated collaborators. |
| **Newsletters** | Newsletter releases, updates, or archived newsletter announcements. |
| **Publications** | Newly published papers, reports, preprints, books, or other scholarly outputs from OSC members. |
| **Reports** | Formal reports, annual summaries, project reports, evaluation reports, or documents summarizing findings, progress, or institutional activities. |

## Writing Recommendations

When drafting a news item:

- Use clear, concise, and accessible language.
- Ensure that all links and contact information are correct.
- Include relevant images where possible.
- Consider whether the content should also be promoted through the OSC newsletter or social media channels.
- Proofread the text before committing and publishing it.

::: {.callout-tip}
## Recommendation

News items often serve as long-term documentation of OSC activities. When appropriate, include links to event materials, publications, recordings, or external resources so that visitors can continue to benefit from the content after the original event or announcement.
:::