Published: 17.10.2026
The .science extension is a generic top-level zone, so it is not tied to any country. The word science points to research, laboratories, scientific publishing and the explanation of knowledge, which makes the zone a natural choice for research groups, science writers and projects that explain how things work. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .science is still free.
Check if a .science domain is available .science Check
A short history
The .science zone was introduced with the group of new generic extensions added to the domain system in recent years. It has been taken up by university teams, independent researchers, museums and science communicators who wanted an address that describes their field. Because it is newer than the classic endings, it is still less familiar to the wider public, and visitors may need a moment to understand it.
Who runs it
The zone is managed by a registry operator that holds a contract with ICANN, the body that coordinates the global domain name system. Registrars sell the names, while the operator publishes the rules for holders and for acceptable use. Those rules should be read before you apply, because they can change over time.
Rules in practice
- Open use: the zone is generally open, but the operator's rules on acceptable use apply to what the site publishes.
- Accuracy of data: holder information must be correct, and the registrar may ask you to confirm it.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, within the length limits that the operator sets.
- Renewal: a name used for a project may outlast the project's budget, so put the renewal under the control of a named person.
Who uses .science
- Research groups, laboratories and university projects that present their work to the public.
- Science writers, podcasters and educators who explain research to general audiences.
- Museums, science centres and festivals that run exhibits or public events.
- Citizen science initiatives and volunteer projects that invite the public to take part.
Strengths
- The word describes the subject of the site at a glance, which helps readers and journalists find the right project.
- The address is short and easy to say at a talk, a lecture or a workshop.
- The zone is not tied to a country, so an international collaboration can use one address for all its partners.
Things to keep in mind
- A .science name says nothing about the quality of the content. Readers judge a site by its sources, its authors and its methods, so these must be clear on the site itself.
- A domain must not suggest endorsement by a scientific body, journal or institution unless that body has agreed to it in writing.
- Good short names are often taken, so a project or institute name may be easier to register.
- Operator policies can change, so review the current terms before you renew.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and in the academic or public networks you use.
- Name the project or organisation clearly, and keep the holder details matching the official records.
- Publish named authors, sources and a contact address, so that readers can check the claims you make.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before the domain is used for mailing lists or newsletters.
- Give the renewal to a responsible person and enable auto-renewal with a backup contact.
Frequently asked questions
Does a .science domain make a website scientifically reliable? No. The ending is only a name. Reliability comes from the content, the sources and the process behind it.
Can a research group use .science if it belongs to a university? Yes, a group can use the zone, but its name should not suggest an official endorsement unless the university has approved it.
Is .science suitable for a personal science blog? It can be, since the zone is generic. A personal name combined with the word science may read clearly, but keep the author and the purpose of the blog visible on the site.
