Call for for Editor-in-Chief for Regional Studies, Regional Science

The Regional Studies Association seeks to appoint an Editor-in-Chief to the journal, Regional Studies, Regional Science (RSRS). The current Editor-in-Chief is Professor Stephen Hincks, who will step down at the end of his term on 1^st April 2025. The journal is published by Routledge, Taylor and Francis.

 Regional Studies, Regional Science

Regional Studies, Regional Science  is an interdisciplinary open access journal from the Regional Studies Association, first published in 2014. The journal’s focus is regional and urban issues in geography, economics, regional science, environmental studies, planning and governance. RSRS explores a wide range of topics from across the social sciences at a variety of spatial scales, which are generally subnational (such as metropolitan regions, planning regions, etc.) but can cross jurisdictional boundaries (such as cross-border regions and institutions). It does not typically publish contributions that focus exclusively on the global or national scales unless there are demonstrable implications for debates at sub-national regional scales.

 The journal publishes a range of paper types including full length research articles, short papers and ‘regional graphics’. RSRS also has an Early Career Papers section offering a mentored route for early career academics. Further details and requirements for article types can be found in the Instructions for Authors.

 All RSRS articles are made freely and permanently available online through gold open access publication following payment of an Article Publication Charge (APC).

 The journal is indexed in Clarivate Analytics’ Social Sciences Citation Index and Scopus. See the journal website here for more details. The journal metrics can be viewed here.

Editor-in-Chief

 The Editor-in-Chief of Regional Studies, Regional Science is expected to:

• continue the development of the journal, particularly by encouraging submissions and special issues from leading researchers in the field to reflect the full scope of the journal.
• manage the team of co-editors and chair editorial meetings.
• represent the journal on the Regional Studies Association’s Journals Committee and Board.
• write a preface for twice-yearly reports on the journal for the Journals Committee.
• write editorials for publication from time to time, seeking and responding to feedback on these from the co-editors.
• assess new submissions for scope and quality, and send constructive desk reject decisions for out of scope or below quality submissions.
• assign appropriate manuscripts to handling co-editors for peer review based on expertise. Make final decisions on submissions, based on peer review reports and co-editor recommendations.
• support the peer review process by selecting referees when acting as a handling editor directly.
• use ScholarOneManuscripts, the online submissions tracking system, to assist in the editorial process.
• contribute to the recruitment and selection of Editors, Associate Editors and members of the Editorial Advisory Board.
• liaise with the Editorial Advisory Board.
• organize public lectures (e.g. the RSRS Annual Lecture, RSA online webinars) with a view to publication in the journal.

The journal is supported by an editorial office, which oversees submissions and the peer-review process; the editorial office also manages the waiver process. Members of the RSA are eligible to receive a reduced Article Publishing Charge to publish in RSRS and a number of other discretionary discounts and waivers are offered. The RSA publishes five other journals: Regional Studies; Spatial Economic Analysis; Territory, Politics, Governance; Area Development and Policy; and Finance and Space.

Responding to the Call for Expressions of Interest

In making expressions of interest, candidates are invited to submit:

1. A brief editorial manifesto (not more than 500 words) outlining their intentions for the safeguarding and further development of the academic excellence, relevance and scope of Regional Studies, Regional Science;
2. An indication of host institution support; and
3. A full CV – this may be in summary form but should give enough information to demonstrate embeddedness in the field, e.g., information about networks, conferences attended, relevant publications, professional memberships, etc.

Candidates are asked to provide a list of any potential conflicts of interest. The list should include the candidate’s other commitments and roles involving journals, books, and societies that produce publications (e.g. membership of publication oversight committees).

The selection of the new Editor-in-Chief will be made by the Regional Studies Association. The post is for commencement in Spring 2024 to provide overlap with the current Editor-in-Chief.

The successful candidate will be expected to join the RSA as a member throughout their term. Current non-members may apply. Further details on membership are available from the Regional Studies Association Office or from the Association website at  https://www.regionalstudies.org/about/memberships/.

Interested applicants with questions about the journal are invited to contact: Regional Studies Association Chief Executive, Alan Kinder, by email (alan.kinder@regionalstudies.org) or by telephoning + 44 (0)1273 698017. For an informal conversation about the role, contact Professor Stephen Hincks by email (s.hincks@sheffield.ac.uk).

Manifesto and supporting documents should be sent to: journals@regionalstudies.org (subject line: Call for Editor-in-Chief, Regional Studies, Regional Science).

Closing Date: Friday 31st January 2025 at 17.00 (GMT)