CAST depends on scientists, researchers, and professionals who contribute their expertise to publications, programs, and governance. This hub covers every volunteer role at CAST — what you do, what CAST does for you, the policies that apply, and who to contact.
Volunteer Hub
Task Force publications are CAST’s core scientific output — peer-reviewed papers that translate agricultural science into credible, accessible information for policymakers, media, and the public. Authors and reviewers drive this process.
Every CAST Task Force publication follows the same pipeline, from proposal to public rollout.
CAST's primary rollout format is a live webinar. Two to four authors present the publication for approximately 30–45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A session. The publication is then made available on the CAST website.
In-person rollout events are also possible when there is a conference, meeting, or event with a relevant audience. These can take place up to a year or two after the webinar release and follow the same format: panel discussion followed by Q&A.
When you're confirmed as a Task Force Author or Reviewer, CAST sends you an onboarding document covering who we are, how the publication process works, your role, and the key policies you need to know before writing begins.
Download the Author Onboarding Document (current version)Membership benefit: All Task Force participants — Chairs, Authors, and Reviewers — receive a complimentary CAST individual membership for one year after the publication releases, plus complimentary printed copies on request.
CAST operates on Microsoft 365. All Task Force members are expected to use Microsoft Teams for meetings and correspondence with CAST staff. If you don't currently have Teams access, it's free to download — your CAST staff contact can help you get set up.
CAST also uses Notion to track publication progress. You'll receive a link to the Publications Tracker when you join your Task Force — it shows current stage, notes from the last meeting, individuals involved, and key documents in one place. Each check-in is recorded by CAST and notes are uploaded to Notion so you can always review what was last discussed.
CAST produces four types of publications. The type you're contributing to affects scope, timeline, and how the Task Force is structured.
For the most common publication type, CAST targets a six-month timeline from Task Force assembly to launch:
A dedicated volunteer handbook for each role is in development. The Board of Directors handbook will be released once it has been aligned with the current Bylaws. Check back here or contact CAST staff for the latest version.
Reviewers provide external peer review of Task Force publications before release. Review requires expert evaluation, interpretation, and scientific judgment — none of which can be delegated to AI tools.
CAST recognizes the potential of generative AI tools but maintains strict standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. The rules differ slightly for authors and reviewers.
Applies to all Task Force members: Any use of AI tools must be disclosed. Failure to disclose is a violation of CAST's research integrity standards. The rules differ by role — see below.
Mandatory disclosure for authors: Any permitted AI use must be disclosed in the "Methods" or "Acknowledgements" section of the publication, including the tool name, specific model, and version. All AI-generated content must be independently fact-checked with sources cited.
Reviewers who use any permitted AI tool must disclose to CAST staff when submitting their review, including the tool name, specific model and version, and a brief description of how it was used.
Authors may develop new scholarly works based on a CAST Task Force publication after CAST's official rollout — provided the result is a new and substantively different publication.
Prohibited: Submitting the CAST publication itself, or a minimally altered version, to another outlet. Using CAST-funded editing, design, or layout work without Board approval. Submitting before the CAST rollout.
Every Task Force publication gets CAST's full promotion treatment:
CAST needs the following from every Task Force author and reviewer:
Submit to your CAST staff contact when you join the Task Force — not at rollout.
It depends on publication type. Issue Papers (the most common) target a six-month timeline. Commentaries and Policy Briefs typically take 1.5–5 months. Special Publications and Task Force Reports can take 7–24 months. CAST staff will provide a timeline when the Task Force is assembled and keep you informed throughout.
Task Force members are recruited by CAST staff and the Task Force Chair based on expertise. If you want to be considered for future Task Forces, contact CAST staff to express your interest and areas of expertise.
Yes. Task Force publications often have multiple authors each responsible for specific sections. CAST staff and the Chair will define your scope when you join the Task Force.
Reviewers are asked to return feedback within two weeks. CAST staff will specify the deadline when they send the manuscript. Contact your CAST staff contact as early as possible if you anticipate difficulty meeting the timeline.
Yes, but only in a limited capacity — organizing content, improving clarity or grammar, summarizing existing literature, or refining outlines. AI may not generate the substantive content of your work or produce figures and graphics. Any use must be disclosed in the "Methods" or "Acknowledgements" section, including the tool name, model, and version.
No. AI tools do not qualify for authorship. You are solely responsible for all content produced with AI assistance.
Only to improve the clarity, grammar, or readability of your own written feedback — not to analyze the manuscript, summarize it, or generate substantive comments. No manuscript content may be entered into the AI tool. Disclose any AI use to CAST staff when submitting your review.
Failure to disclose is a violation of CAST's research integrity standards. If you realize after submission that you forgot to disclose, contact CAST staff immediately.
Yes, but only after the official CAST rollout and only if the submission constitutes a new and substantively different publication. Notify all Task Force members and CAST staff before submitting, and cite the original CAST publication.
No. CAST owns the copyright for visuals, design, and layout produced by CAST staff or contractors. Submit a formal request to CAST staff if you want to use CAST-owned materials — requests are reviewed by the Board.
Yes — all Chairs, Authors, and Reviewers must be informed and given the chance to indicate whether they want to be listed as contributors. CAST staff can provide contact information for members you need to reach.
No. Any costs for external submissions are the responsibility of the submitting contributors or their institutions.
Yes, and CAST encourages it. The share kit is designed for this — forward it to your institution's communications team when CAST sends it.
CAST sends a reach report to all Task Force authors after rollout, covering website views, downloads, and social reach.
