Sobre la revista

The University of Makeni Interdisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences (UMIJSS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing scholarly research that addresses the pressing social, economic, political, and environmental challenges of our time. Rooted in the mission of the University of Makeni (UniMak)—which prioritizes academic excellence, ethical leadership, and sustainable development—the journal serves as a platform for interdisciplinary discourse that informs policy and practice at local, regional, and global levels.

Scope and Focus

UMIJSS welcomes contributions that engage critically with contemporary social issues, drawing from a broad range of disciplines, including:

  • Governance, Democracy, and Human Rights – Examining political structures, justice systems, and civil society engagement.
  • Social and Economic Development – Addressing poverty, inequality, public health, and economic resilience.
  • Education and Innovation – Investigating learning systems, pedagogy, and digital transformation in education.
  • Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change – Exploring policies, adaptation strategies, and ecological conservation.
  • Peace and Conflict Studies – Analyzing conflict resolution mechanisms and peacebuilding efforts, particularly in post-war societies.
  • Cultural and Religious Studies – Understanding the Role of Cultural Identity, Interfaith Dialogue, and Social Cohesion.

Special consideration is given to research that provides practical solutions to real-world problems, particularly within Sierra Leone and Africa, while contributing to broader global discussions on social progress and sustainable development.

Institutional Alignment

As part of UniMak’s vision to be a center of excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement, UMIJSS actively supports:
✅ Bridging Academia and Practice – Encouraging research that has tangible societal impact.
✅ Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility – Promoting studies that advance justice, human dignity, and equitable development.
✅ Community-Based Research – Prioritizing studies that engage with and benefit local communities.
✅ Collaborative Scholarship – Partnering with researchers from other institutions to facilitate and encourage global academic exchange.

Publication Frequency

UMIJSS is published biannually (twice a year) to ensure a balance between quality and timely dissemination of knowledge. Special issues may be released to address emerging topics of critical importance.

Editorial Standards and Peer Review Process

To maintain academic integrity, UMIJSS follows a double-blind peer review process. Submissions undergo rigorous evaluation by at least two independent experts in the relevant field to ensure:

  • Originality and contribution to knowledge.
  • Methodological soundness and clarity.
  • Relevance to the journal’s scope and institutional mission.

The editorial team, composed of leading scholars, ensures that all published research adheres to international academic and ethical standards.

Indexing and Abstracting

UMIJSS is working towards inclusion in recognized academic databases such as:

  • Google Scholar
  • Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
  • African Journals Online (AJOL)
  • Scopus (future indexing goals)

This enhances the journal’s visibility, making research accessible to a broader audience of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.

Ethical Guidelines

UMIJSS upholds strict ethical standards in line with Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. The journal maintains zero tolerance for plagiarism, data manipulation, or unethical research practices. All submissions are subject to plagiarism detection software before review.

Open Access and Copyright Policy

The journal follows an open-access model, ensuring that all published content is freely available. Articles are licensed under a Creative Commons (CC BY) license, allowing for wide dissemination while maintaining author rights.

Author Guidelines and Submission Process

UMIJSS encourages submissions from both emerging and established scholars. Detailed author guidelines, formatting instructions, and the online submission system can be accessed through the journal’s official website.

Audience and Readership

UMIJSS is designed for:

  • Academics and researchers exploring interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Policymakers and institutions seeking research-driven policy recommendations.
  • Development practitioners and NGOs working on community-based solutions.
  • University students and educators engaged in social sciences research.

By integrating academic rigor with practical application, the University of Makeni Interdisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences stands as a vital resource for shaping informed policies, advancing social justice, and contributing to sustainable development. The journal embodies UniMak’s commitment to transformative education, ethical leadership, and knowledge creation for societal progress.