Call for abstracts - Postgraduate Network 'Meet the Editors' 2026

The Postgraduate Network (PGN) is excited to bring back this exciting initiative!

Are you looking towards your first publication in a peer-reviewed journal but don’t know where to start? Do you have a tricky draft article that you just can’t seem to get right? Are you feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by the publication and review process? One-to-One meet the editor sessions are back to provide PGRs and ECRs with the invaluable opportunity to receive tailored feedback on draft articles from the editorial teams of leading journals from across the discipline. We invite BISA PGN members to submit abstracts of works-in-progress for consideration for these one-to-one events.

Format

There will be two typologies of one-to-one events – one held virtually and one held in-person during the main conference in Brighton. The date and time for the meeting in both formats can be discussed amongst the respective editors and participants based on their convenience. Participants will benefit from a 30-minute one-to-one meeting with an editor of the journal, who will have read their draft paper in full prior to the event. The editors will provide detailed feedback on the work – covering the substance of the article itself, as well as advice on how to prepare the piece for publication.*

Some of the esteemed journals that will be participating are as follows: 

- Review of International Studies (BISA) 
- European Journal of International Security (BISA) 
- International Affairs 
- International Political Sociology 
- Global Policy: Next Generation 
- European Security 
- Journal of Global Security Studies 
- Critical Military Studies 
- British Journal of Politics and International Relations 
- Review of International Political Economy 
- Political Geography 
- International Studies Quarterly

How to apply

By Monday 6 April 2026, please fill out our designated form.

 Make sure to include: 

• An article abstract of no more than 250 words;
• A supporting statement of no more than 250 words, indicating how you would benefit from participating in the event whether this is your first publication, and confirming that you have a draft article for our editors to read;
• An indication of whether you would prefer to participate online or in-person;
• A letter of reference from your PhD supervisor (or other academic referee if you are a post-PhD ECR) confirming that you would benefit from one-to-one feedback on your article;
• Confirmation that you are a current BISA member.

Submissions will be judged by the BISA PGN Committee in consultation with our editorial team. Factors considered will include the quality of the work and its relative readiness for publication, whether or not this article will be your first published piece, the suitability of the article for your preferred journals, and the extent to which you are likely to benefit from the feedback on offer. You can still participate if you have prior publications. Each application will be assessed individually and, in the unlikely scenario in which two otherwise equal submissions are competing for one place on the programme, we may give priority to an unpublished applicant over a published one.

You do not need to be registered for BISA 2026 Conference to apply, but if you wish to meet your editor in person you will need to do so if your abstract is accepted for this typology. You can find out more about the conference on the conference website. The registration deadline for those who are only attending and not participating in any of the panels is Friday 15 May. Notices of acceptance will be sent out soon after the deadline for application. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the event and how to apply, please e-mail us at pgn.group@bisa.ac.uk. If you face any barriers to meeting the application requirements as outlined above, please get in touch with us and we will endeavour to accommodate your submission.

*Please note that participating in our Meet the Editors events does not constitute a guaranteed route to publication. The purpose of this event is to provide tailored feedback and advice in developing your work. Any offers of further collaboration or assistance after the event will be entirely at the discretion of the participating editors.

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