Introduction

Researchers working in media studies, migration research, communication, digital culture, sociology, political science, journalism, and related disciplines now have an exciting opportunity to publish their work in a prestigious international journal. The Special Issue titled “Mediating Migration: Representation, Inequality, and the Politics of Difference in Contemporary Communication Environments” invites scholars from around the world to submit original research exploring how migration and mobility are represented and discussed across modern communication platforms.

The Special Issue will be published in the internationally recognized Media and Communication journal, a Q1-ranked, peer-reviewed, open-access journal indexed in both Web of Science and Scopus. The issue aims to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue by bringing together innovative research on migration, refugees, digital media, artificial intelligence, misinformation, media ethics, and public discourse.

If your research examines migration through the lens of communication or media, this publication opportunity offers excellent international visibility and academic recognition.

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Overview

The Special Issue focuses on understanding how migration, migrants, refugees, and human mobility are represented, negotiated, contested, and mediated within today’s rapidly evolving communication environments.

Editors are particularly interested in research that examines both traditional and emerging forms of communication, including:

• Legacy news media
• Social media platforms
• Digital communication
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-mediated communication
• Synthetic media and deepfakes
• Visual communication
• Hybrid media ecosystems
• Online public discourse
• Platform governance
• Counter-narratives to discrimination

The objective is to encourage evidence-based discussions on how communication shapes public understanding of migration while addressing inequality, inclusion, and social justice.

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Area of Study

Researchers from various academic disciplines are encouraged to contribute. Suitable research areas include:

• Media and Communication Studies
• Journalism
• Migration Studies
• Sociology
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Human Rights
• Digital Media
• Artificial Intelligence and Society
• Public Policy
• Cultural Studies
• Media Ethics
• Communication Technology
• Information Science
• Anthropology
• Refugee Studies
• Global Studies

Suggested research topics include:

• Media framing of migration
• Refugee representation
• Border narratives
• Racism and xenophobia
• Hate speech
• Misinformation and disinformation
• AI-generated content
• Deepfakes and synthetic media
• Migrant voices and self-representation
• Platform governance
• Algorithmic amplification
• Public opinion
• Politics of belonging
• Ethical journalism
• Media literacy
• Counter-narratives
• Policy interventions against exclusionary discourse

Interdisciplinary research combining multiple perspectives is especially encouraged.

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Eligibility

The call welcomes submissions from researchers worldwide.

Eligible applicants include:

• University faculty members
• Early-career researchers
• Postdoctoral researchers
• PhD scholars
• Independent researchers
• Research teams
• Interdisciplinary collaborators

Submissions should present original, unpublished research relevant to the Special Issue theme. Authors are expected to follow the journal’s submission guidelines and ethical publishing standards.

Since the journal is open access, accepted papers are subject to Article Processing Charges (APCs). However, corresponding authors affiliated with Cogitatio institutional members may receive APC waivers for manuscripts up to 8,500 words.

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Application Process

The submission process consists of two stages.

Step 1: Prepare an Abstract

Authors should prepare a concise abstract outlining:

• Research objectives
• Research questions
• Methodology
• Expected findings
• Contribution to existing literature

The abstract must align with the Special Issue theme.

Step 2: Submit Through the Online System

Submit the abstract during the official submission window using the journal’s online submission platform.

Step 3: Invitation for Full Paper

If the abstract is accepted, authors will be invited to submit the complete manuscript following the journal’s formatting and editorial guidelines.

Step 4: Peer Review

All submitted manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer-review process before publication.

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Important Dates

Applicants should carefully note the following timeline:

• Abstract Submission: 1–15 February 2027
• Full Paper Submission: 15–31 August 2027
• Publication Period: January–June 2028

Late submissions may not be considered, so early preparation is highly recommended.

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Why Apply?

Publishing in this Special Issue offers several significant benefits.

Publish in a Prestigious Journal

Media and Communication is ranked Q1 in both Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR), making it a highly respected publication venue.

Global Visibility

Because the journal is open access, published articles are freely accessible worldwide, increasing readership and citations.

International Audience

Your research will reach scholars, policymakers, journalists, NGOs, and practitioners working on migration and communication.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The Special Issue encourages collaboration across multiple disciplines, creating opportunities for networking and future research partnerships.

Timely Research Theme

Migration, misinformation, AI-generated media, digital communication, and public discourse remain among today’s most important global research topics.

Career Advancement

Publishing in a Q1 journal strengthens academic CVs, supports promotion applications, and enhances future research funding opportunities.

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How to Successfully Apply for Acceptance

Competition for publication in Q1 journals is often intense. The following strategies can significantly improve your chances.

Select a Strong Research Question

Focus on an original and clearly defined research problem that contributes something new to existing scholarship.

Align with the Special Issue

Ensure your manuscript directly addresses migration and communication rather than discussing migration only broadly.

Use Robust Methodology

Employ reliable qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, or computational approaches supported by sound theoretical frameworks.

Demonstrate Original Contribution

Editors value research that advances knowledge instead of merely summarizing previous work.

Engage with Current Literature

Review recent publications related to migration, AI, media representation, and digital communication.

Follow Journal Guidelines

Carefully follow formatting, referencing style, word limits, and submission instructions.

Write a Clear Abstract

The abstract is your first opportunity to convince editors that your research deserves consideration.

Edit Thoroughly

Proofread multiple times or seek feedback from colleagues before submission.

Highlight Practical Significance

Explain how your findings can inform journalism, policy, digital governance, media literacy, or public debate.

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Official Link

Researchers can find the complete Call for Papers, submission guidelines, journal policies, and online submission portal on the official Media and Communication journal website and the publisher’s Special Issues page.

OFFICIAL LINK

Guest Editors:

• Javier J. Amores
• Cecilia Estrada Villaseñor

For editorial queries, applicants may contact the guest editors using the email addresses provided in the official announcement.

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FAQs

Who can submit to this Special Issue?

Researchers, university faculty, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, independent scholars, and interdisciplinary research teams from around the world are welcome to submit.

Is the journal indexed?

Yes. Media and Communication is indexed in Web of Science and Scopus and holds a Q1 ranking.

What is the first submission deadline?

Abstracts must be submitted between 1 and 15 February 2027.

When is the full paper due?

Accepted authors will submit full manuscripts between 15 and 31 August 2027.

Does the journal charge publication fees?

Yes. As an open-access journal, Article Processing Charges (APCs) apply. Some authors affiliated with Cogitatio institutional members may qualify for APC waivers.

What types of research are encouraged?

The Special Issue welcomes qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, theoretical, comparative, computational, and interdisciplinary studies related to migration and communication.

Can AI-related research be submitted?

Yes. Research examining AI-mediated communication, synthetic content, algorithmic amplification, deepfakes, and digital platforms is particularly encouraged.

Is collaborative research accepted?

Absolutely. Joint submissions from researchers across institutions and disciplines are welcome.

Where can I access submission guidelines?

Submission guidelines and complete details are available through the official Media and Communication journal website and its online submission system.

Is this a good opportunity for early-career researchers?

Yes. Publishing in a Q1 journal provides valuable international exposure and can significantly strengthen an academic career.