Special Events
Pre-Conference Workshop
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"
- Date: 25th March 2026
- Time: 13.30 – 14.30 p.m. IST
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:
- Choosing the Right Journal
- Structuring Your Article
- Tips for Increasing Acceptance Rates
- Engaging with the Peer-Review Process
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"
- Date: 22nd May 2026
- Time: 12.30 – 13.30 p.m. IST
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:
- Align Your Manuscript with the Journal’s Scope and Audience
- Adhere to Submission Guidelines.
- Craft a Compelling Abstract and Introduction
- Ensure High-Quality Writing and Presentation
- Check for Ethical Compliance and Data Integrity
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"
- Date: 24th June 2026
- Time: 15.00 – 16.00 p.m. IST
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:
- Assess the Journal’s Scope and Relevance
- Evaluate the Journal’s Reputation and Impact
- Examine Peer Review Process
- Understand Submission Guidelines and Acceptance Rates
Conference Day Special Features
Distinguished Prof. Steven Ratuva
Conference Chair
Pro-Vice Chancellor
Pacific Director
Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies
University of Canterbury
New Zealand
Human Library Session – Leadership & Youth Empowerment
The Human Library Session offers a dynamic, dialogue‑centered experience where participants learn about leadership through real stories, lived experiences, and diverse perspectives. While the theme focuses on youth empowerment, the session emphasizes that impactful leadership is inherently intergenerational, shaped by the collaboration of youth, adults, and elders. Through conversations on mentorship, inclusive leadership, cultural identity, and community‑rooted leadership models, participants explore how different generations view and practice leadership in today’s globalized world.
This session is not a lecture but a shared learning space where attendees reflect, exchange insights, and co-create strategies that strengthen youth leadership. Participants will identify meaningful ways to support youth, directly or indirectly while recognizing the value of indigenous and traditional leadership principles in shaping modern approaches. By the end, each person leaves with practical takeaways and at least one personal commitment to advancing youth empowerment within their own context.
Panel Discussion: Global Crises and Community Resilience
Emeritus Professor Carlyle A. Thayer
Moderator
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
The University of New South Wales
Canberra, Australia
Prof. M. Niaz Asadullah
Panelist
Senior Fellow (Visiting),
Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, Malaysia
Dr. Mercy Karuniah Jesuvadian
Panelist
Asst Head, Psychology, and Child and Human Development Department
National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Dexter R. Voisin, PhD, MSW, LCSW
Panelist
Dean
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Case Western Reserve University
USA
Assoc. Prof. Rosemary Nakijoba
Panelist
Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Muteesa I Royal University
Kampala, Uganda
Related Topics
- Discover the distinguished speakers who will present throughout ICOSS 2026.
- Check the call for papers and submit your research for consideration.
- Learn about registration fees, benefits, and how to secure your spot as Attendee at ICOSS 2026.
- Explore the ICOSS 2026 venue and travel details to plan your visit.
- See important dates and deadlines you should know.
- Find information about the scholarship program that may support you.