Call for Submissions: SustainE/Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Special Issue

SustainE, in collaboration with participants from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 2024 Humboldt Residency Programme, invites submissions for a special issue titled Bridging Power and Knowledge: Addressing Global Imbalances in Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Futures.

They encourage submissions from scholars, civil society organizations, and local collectives, that prioritize community-based participatory research and other collaborative models of knowledge production. Submissions that address sustainability in the context of environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and social equity are particularly welcome, with a special focus on contributions from LMICs in the Global South.

Theme and Scope of Humboldt Foundation

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.

Check : First Book Grant for Scholars of Color 2025 (up to $55,000)

Prize of Humboldt Foundation

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

Also Check : European Landowners Land and Soil Management Award 2024/2025 (€5,000 prize)

Eligibility

• Submissions are encouraged from researchers, civil society organizations, local collectives, and NGOs worldwide, particularly from LMICs in the Global South.
• 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.
• 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.
• Submissions must represent original, completed work, or research projects. Proposals for future projects will not be considered.
• 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.

Review Criteria

• Alignment with the theme of the special issue.
• Contribution to bridging Global North-South knowledge systems.
• Originality, rigor, and clarity of research or storytelling.
• Evidence of community or local engagement in the research process.
• Use of innovative or inclusive research methods, formats, or communication tools.

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