The HSRC Press invites submissions of original scholarly manuscripts that advance the strategic priorities of the Human Sciences Research Council and contribute to the transformation of knowledge production in South Africa, Africa, and the Global South. We welcome complete manuscripts in the form of monographs or edited volumes that speak to both scholarly communities and policy actors. This call seeks work that deepens engaged research, strengthens evidence for policy, and positions African scholarship at the forefront of global conversations. We encourage manuscripts that are rigorous, interdisciplinary, solutions-oriented and aligned to the HSRC’s focus areas.

Strategic focus areas
We especially invite manuscripts in these disciplinary areas:

• Climate change, environmental justice and sustainability
• Democracy, peace, security and governance
• Future of work, education and skills
• Geopolitics, global partnerships and international relations
• Health and well-being
• Inequality, unemployment and inclusive economies
• Land reform, food security and sustainable development
• Science, technology and innovation

We welcome manuscripts that:

• Bridge scholarship, data, practice, and evidence for decision-making
• Draw from African contexts, histories, and voices
• Offer new conceptual, methodological, critical, analytical policy insights
• Are written by early career scholars and first time book authors

HSRC Press offers:

• Full publishing support (no book processing or publication fees)
• Rigorous blind peer review
• Editorial, design, and production support
• Global dissemination through HSRC Press and recognised distribution networks
  
• Submission guidelines
• Manuscripts should not exceed 100,000 words
• Submit a brief proposal. Download the guideline documents here and here.
• Submit the proposal and manuscript in MS Word. PDFs will not be accepted
• Include:
• A brief author biography (100–150 words per contributor)
• ORCID number
• Affiliation and full contact details

Publication is dependent on favourable peer review and editorial approval. Authors are responsible for permissions for third-party copyrighted material upon acceptance.

Submissions open: 1 February 2026
Applications close: 31 March 2026

Send to:
Commissioning editor: Mr Mthunzi Nxawe | mnxawe@hsrc.ac.za
Managing editor: Ms Mmakwena Chipu | mchipu@hsrc.ac.za