AI and Ethics Call for Papers (Open) – What you need to know
In March 2026 we opened a Call for Papers – asking for academic research articles – to be published in a new Topical Collection in the AI and Ethics Journal titled AI Resistance, Refusal, Reclamation and Reimagining: Ethical Imperatives and Emerging Practice.
It followed a year at We and I of exploring challenges to narratives that insist that extractive AI systems are inevitable. We have been investigating how individuals and communities are countering this narrative, through mapping actions, and have since collaborated to launch The AI Resist List. However, we saw that as it is an emerging field, there were some gaps in the academic literature, especially when it comes to exploring the ethical grounds that support this resistance.
We were therefore pleased to have the support of Editor-in-Chief Larry Medsker to edit a Topical Collection in the AI and Ethics Journal, and to gather an amazing group of Guest Editors.
Against a background of increasing backlash against the disruptive impacts of AI, we invited researchers to examine the context of empowering resistance, refusal, reclaiming and reimaging AI as a fundamental ethical imperative.
In publishing the call, we welcomed interdisciplinary contributions that explore the ethical foundations, sociopolitical contexts, practical strategies, and cultural implications of resisting, refusing or reclaiming AI systems.
The idea was to see what research we could surface beyond rationales for resistance, looking instead at the strategies and actions of individuals, communities, organisations and collectives, and how their actions relate to AI and Ethics.
We also decided to try and run the editing process as a thoughtful and careful process, as academic publishing is often gruelling and demanding of authors, reviewers and editors. As such we have had several conversations with potential authors, and are sharing some frequently asked questions. This is an attempt to try and see if we can make the process more worthwhile and respectful of time. Now we are sharing answers to the questions which have been asked most often, so that potential contributors can consider whether it is right for them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I find more information on the Topical Collection?
Authors can find further guidance on the call, including suggested topics and our position on the use of generative AI at the dedicated website for the Call For Papers via the link: https://link.springer.com/journal/43681/updates/27848400
What is the deadline for submitting a paper to the Collection?
The deadline is 31st July for submissions. However, papers will start the review process as soon as they are submitted, and the publication process when and if accepted, rather than waiting for the deadline.
Will you be extending the deadline?
If authors are working on something but need more time beyond this deadline, they can contact the Lead Editor prior to the deadline (via the email on the Call page), who will assess this on a case-by-case basis.
When will papers be published?
Papers will begin the publishing process as they are accepted due to the online nature of the Journal.
Do you accept abstracts?
Although this is a Call for Papers, we seek to minimise the extractive nature of academic publishing by providing guidance and support to potential authors, and as such are happy to look at abstract before people commit to drafting a submission. Please email the Lead Editor (via the email on the Call page) with your abstract.
Are there word requirements for manuscripts?
There is no word count requirement, but manuscripts are expected to have the rigour and research required to add to the discourse. Editors will check aspects such as whether authors have sufficiently engaged with existing research, theory, and literature, particularly in the topics of Ethics and Resistance, and whether authors have answered the questions raised by the call (particularly with a focus on either ethical imperatives or evidenced examples). Authors are advised to read similar articles in the AI and Ethics Journal for reference.
Is the Topical Collection Open Access?
The AI and Ethics journal is not Open Access. It is a so-called hybrid journal. Authors may either publish at no costs for the author under the subscription model or select the Open Access publication model.
Waivers are not applied for hybrid journals.
For further guidance, please visit this link.
As we recognise that publishing feeds can exclude valuable research, we encourage the publishing of preprints so that work can still be accessed, and can give guidance on making these available.
Can I publish a preprint?
The following information can be found in the AI and Ethics journal website, under Archived/Preprint Versions of Papers in Topical Collections – Guidelines for Guest Editors | AI and Ethics | Springer Nature Link
“Springer journals encourage posting of preprints of primary research manuscripts on preprint servers, authors’ or institutional websites, and open communications between researchers whether on community preprint servers or preprint commenting platforms. Preprints are defined as an author’s version of a research manuscript prior to formal peer review at a journal, which is deposited on a public server (as described in Preprints for the life sciences. Science 352, 899–901; 2016); preprints may be posted at any time during the peer review process. Posting of preprints is not considered prior publication and will not jeopardize consideration at Springer journals. More information can be found here: https://www.springer.com/gp/open-access/preprint-sharing/16718886.”
Despite the fact that the Collection is not Open Access, Guest Editors can provide support for publishing and sharing preprints, recognising the value of open publishing.
Can I use Generative AI?
Our position on the use of Generative AI can be read in the call for papers:
“In keeping with the themes and values of this collection, the editors strongly discourage the use of generative AI products to write or edit any part of submitted manuscripts. As well as resisting AI use in the creation of this collection, we are committed to prioritising authentic voices and messages over smoothness or conformity of syntax.
You may have a valuable contribution to make to the collection, but are concerned about the editorial polish of your writing, for example, due to English being an additional language. If this is the case, the guest editors may be able to provide editorial support to finalise your manuscript once accepted.”
Note that if the author decides to use generative AI during their research or during the writing of the manuscript, they must explain in detail how and why they used it, either in the manuscript or in an accompanying letter. For cases where generative AI is used as an assistive technology, please see the following question for further guidance.
I would like to use generative AI as an assistive writing technology. How can I ensure I do it while abiding with the ethos of the collection?
Although the use of generative AI is discouraged (see FAQ Can I use Generative AI?), the author may wish to use generative AI as an assistive technology. A decision to use generative AI (as opposed to other assistive technologies) should be discussed within the manuscript or accompanying letter. As well as details on how and what specifically has been used, the explanation could include:
- Why assistance is needed – practically and from a social model of disability, if relevant.
- An exploration of what generative AI brings to authentic voice that cannot be accessed via other technologies or solutions, e.g. human support.
- Any implications that the use does or doesn’t have on ethical considerations.
- Any implications this has on themes of resistance, refusal, reclaiming or reimagination.
- Any relationship between usage and the topic the author focuses on in the manuscript.
We are looking at each manuscript individually and judging on what it adds to the discourse, so this element would be no different. The editors would be happy to discuss this with authors in a call before committing their time, and may also be able to offer support. To do this, contact the Lead Guest Editor via the email on the call page.
What counts as a creative examination?
We would like to push the boundaries of what is normally found in academic publishing with the consideration of creative examination pieces. Due to pushing boundaries, it is difficult to provide general guidelines on how the creative examination should look. One crucial point is that arguments will still need to have clear academic rigour. We encourage authors to contact the editors to discuss creative examinations on a case by case basis via the email on the call page.
How critical can I be about extractive AI technologies?
Authors need to make their argument based on research and evidence. Editors are looking for research that is well-referenced, engaged with existing literature on the topic, and evidence-based. The author is free to be as critical as they wish provided they fulfill these criteria.
Am I expected to be critical of extractive AI technologies?
The editors don’t expect authors to take a particular stance on generative AI systems. Authors need to make their argument based on research and evidence.
We are looking for research that is well-referenced, engaged with existing literature on topic, and evidence-based, we are not looking for a specific narrative.
I have a question that is not answered in these FAQs, what can I do?
We seek to minimise the extractive nature of academic publishing by providing guidance and support to potential authors and reviewers.
To get in touch to discuss submissions or reviewing, contact the Lead Guest Editor via the email on the call page.
Will the Collection be launched in an edition?
Articles are published as they go through the review process, so there is no single print edition. However, We and AI will be hosting an online seminar when the collection is completed where the articles are presented and discussed. You can see an example of a previous event here. Authors are not required to, but are welcome to, participate.
Guest Editors
Many thanks to our Guest Editors for their time and thoughtfulness with this process: Tania Duarte, Kathryn (Katie) Conrad, Miriam Reynoldson, Adi Kuntsman, Dylan Orchard, Elisa Bone, Janos Mark Szakolczai, Jessica Elias, Laura Hernández, P.J. Annand, Favour Bọ̀rọ̀kìní, Ramla Anshur and Sanjay Sharma.