Special Events

Pre-Conference Workshop

Prof Luke Rose pre conference workshop speaker ICOSS 2026

Prof. Luke Rose

Director of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (Africa),
College of Business & Economics, University of Johannesburg.

Workshop on "Selecting the right journals and structuring articles for publication"

Topic Overview:

Selecting the right journal and structuring your article effectively are crucial steps in the academic publication process. A well-chosen journal enhances the likelihood of acceptance and ensures your research reaches the right audience. Similarly, a well-structured article improves readability, clarity, and overall quality, helping it make a greater impact. This session will guide you through the process of identifying suitable journals and provide insights into organizing and writing your article to meet publication standards.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Choosing the Right Journal
  2. Structuring Your Article
  3. Tips for Increasing Acceptance Rates
  4. Engaging with the Peer-Review Process
Dr Ahmad Fahim Zulkifli pre conference workshop speaker ICOSS 2026

Dr. Ahmad Fahim Zulkifli

Department of Physical & Health Education / Centre of Risk Management
Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), MALAYSIA.

Workshop on "Tips to Avoid Desk Rejection"

Topic Overview:

“Tips to Avoid Desk Rejection” is a crucial session for researchers and academic writers looking to enhance their chances of having their manuscripts accepted for publication. Desk rejection occurs when a submitted manuscript is immediately rejected by a journal’s editorial team without undergoing peer review, usually because it doesn’t meet the journal’s basic requirements or quality standards. This topic provides valuable insights into how to avoid common mistakes that lead to desk rejection and increase the likelihood of successful manuscript submission. It covers key strategies for improving manuscript quality, aligning it with the journal’s scope, and preparing a submission that stands out to editors.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Align Your Manuscript with the Journal’s Scope and Audience
  2. Adhere to Submission Guidelines.
  3. Craft a Compelling Abstract and Introduction
  4. Ensure High-Quality Writing and Presentation
  5. Check for Ethical Compliance and Data Integrity
Prof Jonathan Matusitz pre conference workshop speaker ICOSS 2026

Prof. Jonathan Matusitz

Professor in the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) at the University of Central Florida.

Workshop on "The 10 Steps to Select the Best Journals in the Social Sciences"

Topic Overview:

Selecting the best journals for publishing social science research is crucial for enhancing the visibility and impact of your work. With numerous journals available, the process can be overwhelming. This topic focuses on the essential steps researchers should follow to identify and choose the right journals that align with their research goals, audience, and academic standards. The process not only involves evaluating journal relevance but also considering factors such as peer review quality, impact factor, accessibility, and submission guidelines.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Assess the Journal’s Scope and Relevance
  2. Evaluate the Journal’s Reputation and Impact
  3. Examine Peer Review Process
  4. Understand Submission Guidelines and Acceptance Rates

Human Library Session

Prof Steven Ratuva conference chair ICOSS 2026 Social Sciences Conference

Distinguished Prof. Steven Ratuva

Conference Chair

Pro-Vice Chancellor
Pacific Director
Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies
University of Canterbury

The Human Library Session is an interactive dialogue-based platform that brings lived experiences, indigenous knowledge, and leadership insights into meaningful conversation. This session will explore either Global Inclusion Through Indigenous Knowledge, highlighting how indigenous wisdom supports inclusive policies, sustainable development, and social empowerment, or Leadership and Youth Empowerment in a Globalized World, focusing on mentorship, capacity building, and inclusive leadership for social change. Chaired and guided for open discussion, the session encourages participants to learn directly from real-world experiences beyond traditional academic formats.