PLOS, in partnership with The Water Institute at the University of North Carolina (UNC), has announced the upcoming publication of a special collection of articles in PLOS Water and PLOS Sustainability and Transformation. This initiative will showcase research presented at the 2024 UNC Water and Health Conference, scheduled for October 14-18, and aims to address critical challenges while sharing insights for achieving a more water-secure world.
The collection will feature contributions from a diverse range of WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) research, highlighting the innovative solutions developed by researchers in the field. Those participating in the conference as verbal or poster presenters, as well as researchers involved in related side events, are encouraged to submit their articles for inclusion in this special issue.
This year’s Water and Health Conference has garnered an impressive number of submissions, with nearly 700 abstracts received for only 100 available presentation slots. Recognizing the exceptional quality of science emerging from the WaSH sector, PLOS invites additional thematically relevant research submissions, even from those not presenting at the conference.
New features for this year's special issue include the introduction of Essays, a unique article format designed to engage a broader audience. Unlike traditional review articles, Essays take an imaginative approach to provocative questions, offering a rigorous yet accessible investigation of pressing topics. Interested authors must submit an Essay proposal to the special collection organizers prior to submitting their full articles.
Moreover, opinion articles for the collection will be accepted exclusively by invitation, ensuring a curated selection of thought leadership on relevant issues.
Publishing in this special collection comes with numerous benefits, including special announcements of new publications through Water and Health Conference newsletters, which reach thousands of stakeholders in the field. Additionally, published authors will have the opportunity to feature a "Behind the Paper" interview on the PLOS Latitude Blog. For authors from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), article processing charges (APCs) may be waived.
All articles published in the collection will be openly accessible immediately upon passing peer review, rather than being held until the entire collection is complete. This timely availability aims to maximize the impact of the research shared.
PLOS Water focuses on vital research relevant to water issues for both people and the planet, promoting Open Science principles to foster knowledge-sharing and evidence-based action. Similarly, PLOS Sustainability and Transformation emphasizes multidisciplinary research that drives progress toward a more sustainable future.
The annual UNC Water and Health Conference serves as a pivotal platform for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to come together to advance safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) services. It fosters collaboration and innovation to expand access and improve public health outcomes.
Researchers interested in submitting their work for the special collection should follow the general submission guidelines for PLOS Sustainability and Transformation and PLOS Water. Articles must be submitted by March 31, 2025, with the collection referencing “UNC Water & Health 2024” in the submissions.
This collaboration between PLOS and the UNC Water Institute promises to amplify critical research and insights that can significantly contribute to the ongoing dialogue around water security and health on a global scale.
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