Call for Young Academic Reviewers
European Planning Studies – Early Career Reviewer Pool
European Planning Studies (EPS) is a leading international journal publishing theoretical, empirical, and policy-relevant research on spatial development processes, problems, and policies in Europe. The journal provides a forum for work on urban and regional development, planning and governance, spatial inequalities, and policy implementation and evaluation.
To support the journal’s mission and broaden its reviewer base, EPS is looking for young academic reviewers. AESOP Young Academics invites advanced PhD candidates and recent PhD graduates to express their interest in serving as reviewers.
Who can apply?
We particularly welcome applications from:
- PhD candidates (normally in the final years of their doctorate) who
- have at least one peer-reviewed publication (published, accepted, or in press) in planning, urban and regional studies, geography, public policy, or closely related fields; and
- work on topics within the scope of European Planning Studies (e.g. spatial development processes and policies in Europe; urban and regional governance; planning instruments and practices; spatial justice; housing; infrastructure; mobility; environment and climate; innovation and regional development; etc.).
- Recent PhD awardees (normally within 5 years of PhD completion) meeting the same criteria.
Prior peer-review experience is welcome but not required. Motivation, topic fit, and a clear expertise profile are most important.
We aim for diversity in terms of geography, gender, institutional background, and methodological orientation.
What does being a reviewer involve?
Selected young academic reviewers will be added to the EPS reviewer database and may be invited to review manuscripts that:
- Align with their topical expertise and methodological skills;
- Fall within the aims and scope of the journal; and
- Require independent, constructive, and timely evaluation in line with Taylor & Francis reviewer guidelines and good peer-review practice. (Editor Resources)
Typical expectations:
- 1–3 reviews per year (depending on availability and match of expertise);
- Detailed, constructive comments on:
- conceptual framing and contribution,
- empirical and methodological robustness,
- clarity of argument, structure, and writing,
- policy and/or practice relevance where appropriate;
- Adherence to core principles of peer review:
- confidentiality,
- impartiality and avoidance of conflicts of interest, and
- respectful, professional tone towards authors.
What are the benefits?
For young academics, serving as a reviewer offers:
- Insight into the state of the art in European planning and spatial development research;
- Experience with the publication and peer-review process;
- A way to strengthen academic CVs and demonstrate service to the scholarly community;
- The possibility of formal acknowledgment of reviewing activities (e.g. certificates or confirmation letters, and/or inclusion in annual reviewer acknowledgements, subject to journal and publisher practices).
- Where possible, EPS Editors will also provide general feedback and guidance for early-career reviewers (e.g. links to resources on good peer-review practice).
How to apply
Please complete the European Planning Studies – Young Academic Reviewer Application Form by 30.01.2026, 23.59 CET.
Application form: https://forms.gle/5hrjQK5xvrPkVTu76
Shortlisted applicants will receive a confirmation email when they are added to the EPS reviewer database. Please note that joining the pool does not guarantee an immediate review invitation, as matching depends on incoming manuscripts.
