By-Laws

V1.1

Governing the Relationship between the Senior Editorial Fellows and the Editorial College of Migration Politics 

These by-laws are to be read in conjunction with the Sci-Post by-laws. In case of conflict, Migration Politics by-laws take precedence over Sci-Post by-laws. 

Article 1. Purpose 

1.1. These by-laws define the respective roles, responsibilities, and interactions of the Senior Editorial Fellows (SEF) and the Editorial College (EC) of Migration Politics. 

1.2. The aim is to ensure transparent, accountable, and collegial governance that supports the intellectual mission, scholarly quality, and long-term sustainability of the journal. 

Article 2. The Editorial College 

2.1. The EC is the wider representative body of scholars associated with the journal. 

2.2. The EC holds ownership of the journal, including its brand, name, and all associated intellectual property. While management of intellectual property may be delegated (e.g., to a publisher or platform), ultimate ownership remains with the EC. 

2.3. The EC is responsible for ensuring that the journal remains true to its founding philosophy of slow scholarship (author-centred editing and support for innovative work), independence (non-profit, scholar-led publishing), and platinum open access (equal opportunity of publication and readership worldwide). 

2.4. Its primary functions include: 

  • Making editorial decisions on those manuscripts which the SEF members have mentored prior to submission. 
  • Advising the SEF on the overall mission, scope, and governance of the journal. 
  • Reviewing and approving proposals for institutional partnerships, sponsorships, or bids (e.g., hosting arrangements). 
  • Considering and ratifying the by-laws and any amendments. 
  • Providing feedback on the journal’s activities and long-term development. 
  • Overseeing membership processes. 
  • Voting on incoming Senior Editorial Fellows. 

2.5. Fellows of the Editorial College must be professionally active academics with a position at a recognized university or research institute. They must possess an extensive publication record in peer reviewed journals in at least one stated subject area covered by Migration Politics. There is no age limitation. 

2.6. Membership of the EC is renewable on the basis of five-year terms. 

2.7. New members will be sought through an open call overseen by the SEF. The SEF will present its proposal to include new EC members to the EC, which will approve or reject the SEF proposal through a majority vote (without quorum). Existing members will be invited to renew their membership on expiry, except in cases of inactivity. 

2.8. Appointment as Member of the Editorial College immediately ends upon: 

  • The Fellow informing the Foundation of their wish to cease their Fellowship. 
  • The Fellow ceasing to fulfil the eligibility criteria. 
  • The Sci-Post Foundation terminating the appointment due to conduct which it deems to be improper or in conflict with the general aims and guiding principles of the Foundation. 
  • Appointments can also be terminated if a Fellow has not contributed to the Editorial activities for an extended period of time. 

Article 3. The Senior Editorial Fellows 

3.1. The SEF are members of the EC who are responsible for the day-to-day academic leadership and strategic direction of the journal. 

3.2. Their primary functions include: 

  • Maintaining and developing the journal’s academic profile. 
  • Drafting editorial policy proposals 
  • Making editorial decisions on manuscripts which they have not mentored prior to submission. 
  • Overseeing peer review processes and appointing members of the EC to manage the peer review and decision drafting for individual articles. 
  • Coordinating with the publisher and host institution on production and dissemination. 
  • Preparing proposals and reports for consideration by the EC. 
  • Recruiting new EC members. 

3.3. SEF are appointed for a term of five years which may be extended for an additional term upon approval by the EC. At the conclusion of the last term, the an open call overseen by the SEF shall be held to appoint the new SEF. 

3.4. The selection of a team of Senior Editorial Fellows (SEF) (or renewal) shall be determined by a majority vote of the Editorial College (EC). Each member of the EC shall have one vote, and the team receiving the majority of votes shall be appointed as the SEF, with quorum defined as at least one-third of the membership. In the event of a tie, the sitting SEF shall remain in place. The decision of the EC shall be final and binding. 

3.5. If an individual Senior Editorial Fellow resigns from their post, the remaining Senior Editorial Fellows may decide whether or not to replace them. Any individual new appointment shall be approved by a majority vote of the Editorial College. 

3.6. The Senior Editorial Fellows as a team may decide to resign at any time, with a notice period of 12 months. During this 12 month period, the SEF shall oversee an open call to appoint a new SEF, as stipulated in article 3.3 and 3.4. 

Article 4. Relationship between the SEF and the EC 

4.1. The SEF shall be accountable to the EC for the strategic and institutional development of the journal. 

4.2. The EC is responsible for maintaining the journal’s commitment to its stated aims and scope; any proposed changes to the aims and scope must be prepared by the SEF and submitted to the EC for approval. 

4.3. Any decision by the SEF to move the journal to a new publisher shall be subject to the approval of the EC. 

4.4. Any licensing, delegation, or transfer of rights relating to the journal’s intellectual property requires the explicit approval of the EC. 

4.5. The EC shall meet at least once per year (virtually or in person) to receive reports, deliberate on major issues, and vote on matters requiring collective decision. 

Article 5. Decision-Making 

5.1. Decisions of the EC regarding manuscripts, editorial policy, and overall governance are final. 

5.2. Decisions of the EC regarding institutional partnerships and by-laws shall be taken by majority vote of those present, with quorum defined as at least one-third of the membership. 

5.3. In cases of dispute, a joint SEF–EC committee may be convened to mediate and recommend a resolution. This Committee will consist of an equal number of Senior Editorial Fellows and Editorial College members and strive for consensus. A joint Committee has no decision-making power, but can only make recommendations. 

Article 6. Amendments to the By-laws 

6.1. Proposed amendments to these by-laws may be submitted by the SEF or by at least five members of the EC. 

6.2. Amendments shall be adopted upon approval by a majority vote of the EC at a duly convened meeting, with quorum defined as at least one-third of the membership. 

Article 7. Values 

7.1. The EC shall hold the SEF accountable for upholding the principles of academic freedom, diversity, inclusivity, transparency, and collegiality in the operation and governance of the journal. 

7.2. All members are expected to act in the best interests of the journal and its scholarly community. 

Approved by the Editorial College in a Virtual meeting on October 21, 2025.