About .science domain
.science is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by dot Science Limited, a subsidiary of Famous Four Media. It was delegated to the root zone in November 2014 after a successful application in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry agreement was signed with ICANN in September 2014, formalizing its operation as an open, unrestricted domain extension.
Who can register .science domain
Registration for .science domains is open to anyone globally, with no eligibility restrictions based on location, industry, or professional credentials. Individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and organizations of any kind can register a .science domain name. No verification or special documentation is required to prove a connection to scientific fields.
How to register .science domain
- Search for your desired .science domain name using a domain registrar's availability checker to see if it's unregistered.
- Compare prices, registration term options (typically 1-10 years), and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from various accredited registrars.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your preferred registration period.
- After purchase, verify your contact email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .science domain
The .science extension is commonly used by individuals and organizations to create a distinct, topical web address related to scientific endeavors. Researchers, academic departments, science educators, bloggers, and technology companies often choose .science to immediately communicate their field of focus or content theme. It provides a memorable alternative to more generic extensions for projects, publications, or communities centered on scientific discussion, making it a popular choice for building niche authority online.
Tips for registering .science domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with maximum terms often extending up to ten years.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .science domains through most registrars, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public WHOIS database.
- Be aware of potential price differences between introductory promotional rates and standard renewal pricing for your domain.
- The registry may operate a sunrise period for trademark holders and offer premium domain names at higher, non-standard prices.
Frequently asked questions about .science domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .science domain?
As of today, .science domains start from $10.18/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $51.90/yr across 29 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .science domains?
NameBeta tracks 29 registrars that support .science domain registration, with the cheapest option at $10.18/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .science domain?
The registry for .science domains is dot Science, administered by dot Science Limited.
Who can register a .science domain?
Anyone can register a .science domain; there are no requirements to demonstrate affiliation with a scientific institution or field. The TLD is marketed as an open, generic extension, making it suitable for hobbyists, professionals, businesses, and organizations worldwide seeking a relevant web address.
Can I transfer a .science domain between registrars?
.science domains can be transferred between ICANN-accredited registrars following standard inter-registrar transfer procedures. To initiate a transfer, you will typically need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer.
Are there any content restrictions for .science websites?
The .science registry does not enforce specific content policies mandating that websites must be scientifically accurate or related to science. Like most open gTLDs, registrants must comply with ICANN's consensus policies and applicable law, but there is no proactive monitoring or verification of website content tied to the domain's theme.
How are trademark disputes handled for .science domains?
.science is subject to ICANN's standard Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), which provides a mechanism for trademark owners to challenge bad-faith registrations. Additionally, the registry likely participated in the Trademark Clearinghouse and offered a Sunrise Period for trademark holders to register their marks before general availability.
What happens if I forget to renew my .science domain?
After expiration, your domain typically enters a renewal grace period (often 30 days) where you can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it may then enter a redemption grace period where recovery is possible for an additional fee. Ultimately, unredeemed domains are deleted and returned to the pool of available names for registration.
