“Rethinking the Blue Economy: New Perspectives” – We sit down with the editorial team to learn more about their recent call for contributions to their exciting new book project
Starting into our second year of the RethinkBlue COST Action, numerous activities are now underway. In addition to the comprehensive work that is undertaken in each of the Action’s Working Groups, there are several exciting activities aimed at all Action members, including an open access book “Rethinking the Blue Economy: New Perspectives”. The editorial team – consisting of: Breffní Lennon / Ireland, Carla Goncalves / Portugal, İlkay Unay-Gailhard / Germany, and Birgit Pauksztat / Norway – are currently calling on young and early career researchers within our Action to submit their ideas for a book chapter to them for potential inclusion in this important volume.
We asked them to tell us more about this initiative, and how Action members can get involved.
1. What will this book be about?
The book draws together the many different aspects of the Blue Economy and reflects the diversity of research currently engaged on the topic. In this way, the book will bring together researchers from the different Working Groups of our Action. This diversity of topics, perspectives, and approaches will be one of the strengths of the book.
Breffní Lennon says, “We know that Action members are working on a range of topics at the cutting edge of their disciplines and we therefore welcome contributions from authors from across all of the Working Groups.” And Birgit Pauksztat adds, “As part of the writing process, we as editors are especially looking forward to working with the contributors to learn of the breadth and depth of research currently being carried out. In this way, the book offers a unique opportunity to learn from each other, to rethink the issues involved, and be at the forefront in setting the future research agenda.”
2. Who is encouraged to apply?
The book is part of the RethinkBlue Action’s Mentorship Programme (for more information, see https://rethinkblue.eu/about-the-action/rethinkblue-mentorship-programme). Therefore, it is specifically aimed at young and early career members of the RethinkBlue Action.
More specifically, all members of the RethinkBlue COST Action (CA22122) who are either Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs, i.e. under 40 years old) or early career researchers (ECRs, i.e. PhD students, or post docs, lecturers, or assistant professors with up to 7 years of experience post-PhD) are welcome to submit a chapter proposal. If you are not a member of the COST Action yet, you can join through the e-COST portal at: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22122/. It is free to become a member of the Action.
3. Can young and early career researchers collaborate with more experienced researchers in this initiative?
“Yes! Absolutely they can!” İlkay Unay-Gailhard says, “I think that this call serves as a valuable mentoring opportunity. Early career researchers who feel they would benefit from collaborating with more experienced researchers are encouraged to do so. Having said that, as lead author they are still very much in the driving seat and of course they are welcome to work on their own too.”
In addition, senior researchers are invited to collaborate with the lead authors to share their experiences with publishing, and to provide feedback and constructive reviews.
4. What are the benefits of having a chapter in this book?
Apart from the satisfaction of seeing your own work published, it is an opportunity to build your profile and collaborate with other researchers in your field. The writing retreat, planned for September 2025, will provide a forum for in-depth discussion, as well as an opportunity to establish connections with other young and early career researchers.
For young and early career researchers, it will also provide hands-on experience of the publishing process, from writing the paper, going through the review process, and publication. Also, the book will be open access (OA), so your work will be available to anyone who is interested in learning more about your research.
Carla Goncalves, one of the co-editors, says: “As an early career researcher, I see this book as a platform that not only amplifies our voices but also provides essential skills in the publishing process. Being first authors highlights our contributions and helps us build strong academic profiles. The writing retreat is especially exciting, offering a unique opportunity to connect deeply with peers and collaborate in a supportive and creative environment.”
5. How can one submit a chapter?
Abstracts, together with information about the authors and the current state of the chapter should be submitted by 17:00 CET, 5 January 2025 here.
What happens afterwards? After the deadline, the editorial team will review the submissions. The authors of those chapter that are selected to progress to the next stage of the publication process will be informed by early February. The authors will be supported throughout as they work on their chapters; through webinars, peer review, and a writing retreat, and it is expected that the book will be submitted to the publisher in late 2025 / early 2026.
More information?
See https://rethinkblue.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Call-for-Papers-RethinkBlue-Joint-Publication.pdf
