Open Call for Nominations and Applications - Editor or Co-Editors of Connections

The International Network for Social Network Analysis (INSNA) invites nominations and applications for the position of Editor, or Co-Editors, of Connections. The new editorial team will be appointed for an initial three-year term beginning 1 January, 2027.

Connections is INSNA’s open-access journal and bulletin. Since its founding in 1977, it has served the broad and continually expanding international community of scholars who develop and use social network theory, methods, and applications.

Connections publishes empirical, theoretical, and methodological research from across the disciplines, as well as critical reviews and work concerning the application of social network analysis. It also welcomes shorter and less conventional forms of scholarly communication, including essays, conceptual interventions, methodological explorations, pedagogical articles, exploratory or inductive studies, commentaries, data and software contributions, research instruments, course materials, interviews, memorial pieces, and other contributions of value to the network community.

Connections occupies a distinctive position among journals in the field. Its purpose is not simply to duplicate the kinds of conventional research articles published by disciplinary journals. Rather, it can provide a home for rigorous and original contributions that are important to network scholars but do not fit comfortably within standard disciplinary formats. The incoming editor or editorial team will have considerable scope to refine and develop this identity while maintaining high standards of scholarship and review.

Additional information about Connections is available on the INSNA website.

Responsibilities

The Editor or Co-Editors will:

• provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the journal;
• solicit high-quality submissions from a geographically, intellectually, disciplinarily, and demographically diverse community of authors;
• oversee a timely, fair, constructive, and transparent review process;
• make editorial decisions and maintain coherence in the journal’s content and direction;
• recruit and work with Associate Editors, guest editors, editorial-board members, and reviewers as appropriate;
• work with INSNA and the publisher to ensure the timely and orderly handling and publication of manuscripts;
• review and update the journal’s aims, scope, submission categories, and editorial guidelines in coordination with INSNA;
• provide an annual report to the INSNA Board concerning submissions, decisions, review times, publications, and the general condition of the journal;
• meet periodically with the INSNA Board and the journal’s editorial team; and
• participate in a “Meet the Editor” session at the annual Sunbelt conference.

The journal currently publishes approximately 20–25 articles per year. The outgoing editorial team will assist with the transition and help the incoming editor or editors become familiar with the journal’s procedures and relationship with the publisher.

Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• substantial knowledge of social network analysis and the broader network-science community;
• a record of scholarly accomplishment;
• sound editorial judgment and a commitment to rigorous but constructive review;
• an appreciation of the interdisciplinary and international character of INSNA;
• the organizational ability to manage manuscripts, reviewers, editorial colleagues, and publisher relations; and
• a clear vision for the future of Connections.

Prior editorial experience is desirable but not required. Applications from individual candidates and proposed Co-Editor teams are both welcome. INSNA particularly encourages applications that broaden the geographical, disciplinary, intellectual, and demographic representation of the journal’s leadership. We recognize that editorial decision-making is strengthened by a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and expertise. We welcome applications from scholars at all career stages and from all backgrounds.

Candidates must be INSNA members when they apply and must maintain their membership throughout the editorial term.

Nominations

INSNA members are invited to nominate qualified candidates. To save time, self-nominations should be accompanied by an application (see below).

A nomination should include:

• the nominee’s name, institutional affiliation, and contact information; and
• a brief explanation of why the nominee would be well suited to lead Connections.

The selection committee will contact nominated individuals and invite them to submit an application. Nomination does not obligate an individual to apply.

Applications

Applications should include:

1. a letter describing the candidate’s interest in the position and relevant experience;
2. a current curriculum vitae for each proposed Editor or Co-Editor;
3. a statement of editorial vision, normally one to two pages, addressing:

• the distinctive role that Connections should play within the network field;

• priorities for the journal’s content and development;

• approaches to maintaining quality, timeliness, and editorial coherence;

• plans for attracting diverse authors, topics, and forms of contribution; and

• the proposed organization of the editorial team, including the possible use of Associate Editors or guest editors.

4. the names and proposed roles of any Co-Editors included in the application.

Submission Information

The INSNA Board of Directors will review applications and appoint the new Editor or editorial team.