HSRC Press Call for Scholarly Manuscripts – 2026: Advancing Knowledge Transformation Scross South Africa, Africa, and the Global South

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), through HSRC Press, invites submissions of original scholarly manuscripts that advance knowledge transformation across South Africa, Africa, and the Global South.

This call seeks rigorous, interdisciplinary, and solutions-oriented works that strengthen engaged research and inform evidence-based policymaking.

HSRC Press welcomes complete manuscripts in the form of:

• Scholarly monographs
• Edited volumes

Submissions should contribute to shaping global conversations while centering African scholarship, contexts, and voices.

Submission Timeline

• Submissions Open: 1 February 2026
• Applications Close: 31 March 2026

Strategic Focus Areas

HSRC Press particularly encourages manuscripts aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities:

• Climate change, environmental justice, and sustainability
• Democracy, peace, security, and governance
• Future of work, education, and skills development
• Geopolitics and international relations
• Health and well-being
• Inequality, unemployment, and inclusive economies
• Land reform, food security, and sustainable development
• Science, technology, and innovation

Submissions that address these areas through innovative conceptual, methodological, and analytical approaches are strongly encouraged.

What HSRC Press Is Looking For

Successful manuscripts will:

• Bridge scholarship, policy, and practice
• Integrate strong data and evidence for decision-making
• Reflect African histories, perspectives, and intellectual traditions
• Provide critical and forward-looking policy insights
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary rigor

The Press particularly encourages submissions from:

• Early-career scholars
• First-time book authors
• Researchers working across African institutions and the Global South

What Authors Receive

HSRC Press offers comprehensive publishing support, including:

• No book processing or publication fees
• Rigorous blind peer review
• Professional editorial and design support
• Production and global dissemination through recognised distribution networks

This model ensures high academic standards while promoting accessibility and impact.

Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts must meet the following requirements:

• Maximum length: 100,000 words
• Submit a brief proposal (guideline documents available from HSRC Press)
• Submit both proposal and manuscript in MS Word format (PDFs will not be accepted)

Each submission must include:

• A 100–150 word author biography (per contributor)
• ORCID number(s)
• Institutional affiliation
• Full contact details

Publication is subject to favourable peer review and editorial approval. Authors are responsible for obtaining permissions for third-party copyrighted materials upon acceptance.

Why Publish with HSRC Press?

Publishing with HSRC Press provides scholars the opportunity to:

• Contribute to transformative knowledge production
• Shape policy and development discourse in Africa
• Engage academic and policy audiences simultaneously
• Benefit from global dissemination networks
• Position African scholarship at the forefront of international debates

HSRC remains committed to advancing cutting-edge research that supports development across South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African continent.

Submission Contacts

Manuscripts and proposals should be submitted to:

• Commissioning Editor: Mr Mthunzi Nxawe – mnxawe@hsrc.ac.za
• Managing Editor: Ms Mmakwena Chipu – mchipu@hsrc.ac.za

LEARN MORE HERE

Advance Transformative Scholarship

This call presents a valuable opportunity for scholars to publish impactful research that bridges academia and policy while centering African knowledge systems. Researchers whose work aligns with HSRC’s strategic focus areas are encouraged to submit their manuscripts before 31 March 2026.

For scholars committed to rigorous, engaged, and transformative research, HSRC Press offers a globally respected platform to amplify their work.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is accepting manuscript . For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.