Imagine a journal that carries pointers to research that could be undertaken for the benefit of society. Next Society: An International Journal, which will soon be launched, promises to be such a journal. It describes itself as both a self-definition of the present computer society and an icon far transcending it.
Published by the Foreschungskollg ‘Gesellschaft und Kontingenz’, a Berlin based society of young scholars active in promoting Niklas Luhmann’s Social Systems Theory and by Department of Sociology, Yerevan State University, the journal’s inaugural issue will soon be available online.
Dr. Hardik Vachhrajani of the Amrita School of Business is a member of the journal’s International Advisory Panel and Editorial Board.
Currently serving as Erasmus Post Doc Fellow at the Department of Management, Alma Mater Studiorum Universita di Bologna, Italy, Dr. Hardik is based at the Amritapuri campus.
An empanelled reviewer for IBSU Scientific Journal published by International Black Sea University, Tbilisi, Georgia, Dr. Hardik is also the recipient of research grants from Swiss National Science Foundation (2008) and European Commission (2010).
“It is a matter of great honor and privilege to be on the international advisory board of the journal,” he said. “I look forward to all possible contributions I can make.”
“The journal will focus on structures and semantics of past and future forms of society, and the tension zones between these. We intend to cover a number of possible dimensions. We will begin with social systems research and then take it forward to diverse aspects.”
“As we are in the constitutional phase of the journal, we are very conscious about the quality of the papers we publish. All papers will be double blind reviewed by international reviewers. To reach a wider audience, the journal will be open access.”
“As a group of young scholars of sociology, we are very keen to publish work by younger researchers.”
Talking about the review criteria for papers, he mentioned, “We would want papers to be based on original research. These should add to the body of knowledge in the areas mentioned in the journal’s scope. Most research featured in the journal will be empirical.”
Elaborating on his specific role, Dr. Hardik added, “I will work to expand the scope of the journal both geographically and conceptually. My efforts will be focused on bringing diverse contributions to the journal from the South East Asian sub-continent. I also plan to lead a special issue for the journal in the coming months.”
March 14, 2011
School of Business, Amritapuri
