AI & Future Society (AFS)

AI & Future Society is introducing Mini Review as a permanent article type, beginning with its next issue. The introductory APC waiver opens on 20 November 2026 and closes on 20 November 2027, inclusive.

Mini Reviews critically synthesize a focused question concerning artificial intelligence and its societal implications. Contributions should integrate evidence, evaluate competing interpretations and methodological limitations, identify knowledge gaps, and develop substantiated directions for research. Unsolicited and invited manuscripts are welcome and undergo the same assessment.

Manuscript requirements

Main text: 2,500–3,500 English words, excluding the abstract, references, and table and figure captions. Include an unstructured abstract of 150–250 words and 5–7 keywords. Tables and figures: no more than two items combined. Typically 25–50 references are appropriate; this is guidance rather than a fixed limit.

Use Introduction, Review Approach, thematic analysis sections, Research Gaps and Future Directions, and Conclusion. Explain literature sources, the search or coverage period, and selection criteria. Systematic reviews must report their full methods. Include the journal’s required declarations and anonymise the review manuscript; supply author information on a separate title page.

Editorial assessment and peer review

Mini Reviews receive editorial screening and double-anonymous peer review, normally involving at least two independent reviewers. Selection is based on relevance, critical synthesis, analytical depth, transparent literature selection, and scholarly contribution; a descriptive list of publications is insufficient. The fee waiver does not alter assessment or acceptance decisions.

We welcome focused syntheses on AI ethics and governance, human–AI interaction, institutional change, critical AI studies, healthcare, and other questions within the journal’s scope. Publication is arranged according to editorial assessment and readiness; submission does not reserve a place in a particular issue.

Full APC waiver and eligibility

A full (100%) APC waiver applies automatically to manuscripts first formally submitted from 20 November 2026 through 20 November 2027, inclusive, and ultimately accepted as Mini Reviews. No separate application is required. Eligible manuscripts retain the waiver if revision, acceptance, or publication occurs after the closing date. For an editor-approved change of article type to Mini Review, eligibility is determined by the original formal submission date. The submission system’s recorded date governs eligibility. Fees for submissions after the closing date will be announced separately and will not affect eligible submissions retrospectively.

How to submit

Select Mini Review in the submission system. Upload an anonymised manuscript, a separate title page, a concise cover letter identifying the contribution and article type, and any relevant supporting files. Consult the Submission Guidelines, Submission Template, and APC & Waiver Policy.

Submit a manuscript · Contact the AFS Editorial Office