Deadline: 20-Jan-2025

SustainE in collaboration with participants of the Alexander von Humboldt foundation´s Humboldt Residency Programme are inviting submissions for a special issue on Bridging Power and Knowledge: Addressing Global Imbalances in Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Futures.

This special issue seeks to amplify voices from the Global South and explore innovative pathways to integrate traditional, local, and indigenous knowledge systems with modern scientific research.

Theme and Scope

• This special issue will explore:
  • Bridging Knowledge Worlds: The integration of traditional, local, and indigenous knowledge systems with academic/scientific research in sustainability.
  • Case Studies: Case studies demonstrating how traditional and indigenous knowledge can contribute to climate action and global sustainability, highlight the importance and relevance of local solutions for the global scale.
  • Equitable Partnerships: Cross-cultural and cross-sectoral collaborations that address power imbalances in global knowledge systems, fostering inclusive and equitable approaches to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Prize Information

• The best submission will receive a prize of €1,000, awarded to the most impactful and innovative contribution.

Eligibility Criteria

• Global Representation: Submissions are encouraged from researchers, civil society organizations, local collectives, and NGOs worldwide, particularly from LMICs in the Global South.
• Collaborative Authorship: Each submission must include at least one co-author from the local community involved in the research or case study to ensure proper representation and acknowledgment of their contributions.
• Focus on Sustainability: Submissions must directly address issues related to sustainability, climate action, environmental justice, or knowledge equity, with a clear focus on bridging Global North-South knowledge systems.
• Original Work: Submissions must represent original, completed work, or research projects. Proposals for future projects will not be considered.
• Multimedia Formats: A brief descriptive text (500-1000 words) must accompany non-text submissions (video, photo essays, visualizations) explaining the context, research, and the role of local knowledge systems.

Submissions Format

• Research Articles (4,000–7,000 words)
• Commentaries and Perspectives (1,500–3,000 words)
• Audio/Video Documentaries (20 minutes max)
• Photo Essays/Virtual Exhibitions (up to 20 images)
• Data Visualizations (interactive or static)Submissions should involve collaborative authorship, including at least one co-author from the local community involved in the research or case study.

Review Criteria

• Alignment with the theme.
• Contribution to bridging Global North-South knowledge systems.
• Originality and rigor.
• Evidence of local community engagement.
• Use of innovative research methods and formats.
• Research Articles (Word Limit: 4,000–7,000 words)

For more information, visit SustainE.