Futhark is an independent periodical, but has as its base of operations the Runic Archives at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, and the Department of Scandinavian Languages, Uppsala University.
Futhark takes the word runic to refer to all scientific study dealing with phenomena related to objects bearing runes (within the Germanic tradition). Not only runologists in the stricter sense are thus welcome, but also archaeologists, historians in various disciplines, theologians, etc., who work with runes or runic inscriptions, as well as phenomena otherwise connected with runic objects.
The periodical encompasses some 200 pages per issue. Articles (made anonymous) will be peer-reviewed by at least two external referees of good academic standing. In addition, the editors and advisory board will ensure strict quality control of all the material. Futhark has these sections:
- Articles: Scholarly articles, mainly in English, German or Scandinavian languages. All articles have an English abstract, and those in other languages an English summary. Doctoral disputations (opposition and defense) will also be published here.
- Notices: Short notices with minor observations, usually in English. This section will also contain debate material.
- Reviews: Longer reviews of major runological publications.