By Mourine Chepkemoi, AfricaLics Visiting Fellowship Programme Manager
As an enthusiastic learner and supporter of academic publishing, the AfricaLics network recently hosted an enthralling seminar on “Publishing Special Journal Issues.” Prof. Geci Karuri-Sabina and Prof. Oluseye Jegede, who are both experts in the field, gave presentations at the seminar, which was facilitated by the AfricaLics Alumni coordinator Oluyemi Adeosun and the AfricaLics Secretariat. The seminar provided numerous insights, tips, and inspiring experiences for both seasoned and budding researchers. This blog discusses some of the most important takeaways from this enlightening seminar.
Diving into the world of Special Journal Issues
The seminar commenced with an engaging exploration of what exactly special journal issues are and why they hold such significance in the realm of academic publishing. These issues are, essentially, curated collections of research articles centered around a particular theme, concept, or discipline. The beauty lies in their ability to delve deep into a specific subject matter, often uncovering novel perspectives and offering a comprehensive view of a niche field.
Screenshot taken during the seminar.
The composition of a successful Special Journal Issue
The experts emphasized that creating a compelling special issue is an art form that requires precision and strategy. It is important to have the ability to make a good call for papers, a realistic publication schedule and to have a solid background within the field to which the special issue will add value. The experts emphasized the significance of choosing a topic that is both relevant and timely, reflecting the needs of the academic community. They also emphasized the importance of rigorous peer review processes, thorough editing, and clear guidelines for contributors. The goal is to produce a body of work that not only adds value to scientific debate but also appeals to a wider audience, including for instance policy makers. The speakers emphasized that journals exhibit a discerning approach in the acceptance of special issues to safeguard the journal’s overarching quality and integrity. Several reasons underpin this selectivity, including the substantial allocation of editorial resources, the need to maintain rigorous peer-review standards, the role of guest editors in curating and overseeing the content, the potential deviation of special issues from the journal’s customary scope, the possible disruption of the regular publication schedule, and the transient relevance associated with special issues.
Networking, Collaboration, and innovation
A resounding theme throughout the seminar was the power of collaboration. Special journal issues provide a unique platform for researchers to come together, exchange ideas, and push the boundaries of their disciplines. The experts highlighted the magic that unfolds when scholars from diverse backgrounds unite under a common theme, sparking innovation and cross-pollination of ideas. Additionally, they underscored the importance of open communication between guest editors, authors, and journal publishers to ensure a seamless and effective publication process.
They emphasized the importance of utilizing the opportunities they have had to participate in various AfricaLics events (notably academies and conferences), which brought many experts in the field of Innovation and Development together. Such occasions are great opportunities for being proactive and, for instance, approach journal editors that participate in the events. You therefore need to make use of such opportunities and confidently engage during the events. Often these events serve as a fertile ground for discussing new and up-coming themes, which may be taken up in special issues.
Challenges and triumphs from the real-world experiences
The seminar included anecdotes and experiences from two guests who had successfully navigated the treacherous terrain of special journal issues. The presenters acknowledged that the challenges of publishing special journal issues are significant, but that engaging in such an undertaking is also accompanied by equally rewarding victories. Guest editors’ experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in their respective fields. Fostering innovative networking by bringing diverse perspectives together enriches academic discourse and increases the visibility and impact of research in a specific field. And bringing experts in a particular field together to collaborate on article development is a great way of working. The two guest editors (presenters in the webinar) explained some of the difficulties they had faced and, more importantly, how they overcame them when doing special issues. The challenges included choosing a theme that is aligned with the academic community and the journal’s focus; timelines and meeting deadlines; ensuring article quality to the journal’s standards; and handling rejections, which can be quite a tricky part of the process. These provided valuable lessons, and their experiences on the various stages of the process of doing a special issue left participants with the feeling of what to expect, should the get the opportunity to be guest-editors of a special issue themselves.
Conclusion: the journey of continuous learning
The seminar on “Publishing Special Journal Issues” was an indication to the dynamism of academic publishing. It reminded us that this field is not just about data and papers but also about connecting, sharing, and contributing to the evolving community. It encouraged all of us, whether we are early career scholars or aspiring researchers, to embrace the adventure of creating special journal issues that contribute meaningfully to our academic landscape.
As the seminar drew to a close, I found myself immersed in a truly captivating atmosphere with excitement and curiosity. It was as if I were at the threshold of a thrilling space launch, strapping into a rocket ship poised to blast off into the boundless universe of special journal issues. The anticipation was profound, and the possibilities seemed limitless. The knowledge and inspiration I had acquired from this enlightening event had ignited a sense of purpose and a desire to delve deeper into the realm of academic publishing. I am now more confident than ever that the path ahead is not just a journey but an adventure, one where I will traverse with creativity as my compass, collaboration as my co-pilot, and the fuel of continuous learning propelling me forward. The prospect of this voyage is not only exciting but promises to be an ever-evolving, exhilarating journey.
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