The SWS Scholarly Society Vienna welcomes a wide range of manuscript types for submission to Societies & Sustainability (SAS). Our aim is to provide a comprehensive platform for diverse forms of scholarly work that contribute uniquely to the academic discourse on social sciences and sustainability. Below is a detailed overview of the types of manuscripts we accept:
1. Original Research Articles
Original research articles present new and significant findings in the field of social sciences and sustainability. These manuscripts should provide a comprehensive account of the research question, methodology, results, and interpretation. They must demonstrate originality, scientific rigor, and relevance to the journal’s scope, offering new insights that support evidence-based policy and practice.
Examples of Topics:
- New models for social equity and justice
- Policy interventions for sustainable development
- Empirical studies on community resilience and social change
2. Review Articles
Review articles offer a critical and comprehensive overview of a specific topic or field. These manuscripts synthesize existing research, identify trends, and highlight gaps in the literature. They provide valuable insights and future directions for research, making them an essential resource for both novice and experienced researchers. Review articles play a crucial role in shaping future research agendas and advancing interdisciplinary dialogue.
Examples of Topics:
- Advances in human adaptation to environmental change
- The role of education in promoting equity and social inclusion
- Trends in responsible business practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
3. Short Communications
Short communications are concise reports of preliminary findings or significant advancements that warrant rapid dissemination. These manuscripts are shorter than full research articles and focus on new ideas, innovative methods, or novel findings that are of immediate interest to the field. This format is ideal for reporting early-stage research or timely findings with broad relevance.
Examples of Topics:
- Emerging insights from social surveys or pilot studies
- New techniques for social impact assessment
- Short-term studies on the effects of digital transformation on work and society
4. Case Studies
Case studies provide in-depth examinations of specific instances, phenomena, or practices within a real-world context. These manuscripts highlight unique or exemplary cases that offer valuable lessons, insights, or implications for broader applications. Case studies are especially valuable for exploring best practices, societal innovations, or community interventions.
Examples of Topics:
- Case studies on smart cities and sustainable urban planning
- Analysis of governance models for crisis management and disaster recovery
- Success stories from community-based health or education initiatives
5. Methodological Articles
Methodological articles describe new methods, techniques, or protocols that advance research and practice in social sciences and sustainability. These manuscripts should provide a detailed explanation of the method, including its development, validation, and potential applications. Methodological articles play an essential role in advancing research design, data collection, and analytical frameworks in social sciences.
Examples of Topics:
- New methods for assessing social inclusion and equality
- Development of digital tools for analyzing human migration patterns
- Protocols for conducting ethical social research in vulnerable communities
6. Editorials
Editorials are written by the journal’s editors or invited experts and provide commentary on the journal’s content, emerging trends, or significant developments in the field. These manuscripts offer insights into the editorial perspective and highlight key issues of importance to the journal’s readership. Editorials often address emerging issues of societal concern, provide reflections on SDG-related topics, or offer guidance for future research.
Possible Topics:
- Reflections on the role of social sciences in achieving the SDGs
- Critical commentary on global issues, such as the impact of AI on social equity
- Updates on journal milestones, special issues, and community initiatives
7. Perspectives and Opinion Pieces
Perspectives and opinion pieces offer a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to share thought-provoking viewpoints on key issues related to social sciences and sustainability. These manuscripts promote critical debate, highlight new perspectives, and provoke reflection within the academic community. While not research-driven, perspectives are grounded in sound argumentation and evidence.
Examples of Topics:
- The ethical implications of AI in governance and society
- Challenges and opportunities for sustainability education
- The role of public trust in shaping responsible governance
8. Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor provide an opportunity for readers and researchers to engage in academic discourse with published articles. These letters offer feedback, clarifications, and critical reflections on previously published research, creating a space for scholarly dialogue and debate. Letters should be concise, clear, and relevant to the article under discussion.
Possible Topics:
- Responses to controversial viewpoints presented in previous issues
- Additional insights or critiques of published research articles
- Calls for clarity on theoretical or methodological questions raised in published papers
9. Book Reviews
Book reviews provide critical evaluations of recently published books, monographs, or major reports relevant to the scope of the journal. Reviews focus on the content, quality, and contribution of the book to the field of social sciences and sustainability. This manuscript type is ideal for fostering academic reflection on the latest publications and connecting readers with essential literature.
Possible Book Review Topics:
- Reviews of books on social inclusion, human rights, and social justice
- Critiques of handbooks or guides on sustainable development and social research
- Reviews of policy-focused publications on education, public health, and equity
Submission Guidelines
Authors are encouraged to refer to the specific submission guidelines provided on the Societies & Sustainability (SAS) website for detailed instructions on preparing and submitting manuscripts. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smooth and efficient review process, allowing for timely editorial decisions.
Manuscript preparation should follow the SAS Author Guidelines for formatting, citation style, and ethical considerations. For specific questions, authors are encouraged to contact the editorial office.