APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday 23 June 2026, 23:59 CEST
Background
The International Panel on Earth System Governance is a newly established global initiative to assess the state of research on earth system governance. It brings together a large and diverse community of scholars for a systematic and policy-relevant synthesis of current knowledge in this field.
IPESG structures its work around a set of thematic assessment domains that address key research questions of high societal and policy relevance. Each domain is led by Coordinating Lead Authors, who provide intellectual leadership and oversee the assessment process, supported by Lead Authors and Contributing Authors.
The first IPESG assessment cycle is now underway, with the final report scheduled for presentation in September 2027 at the annual Earth System Governance conference in Uppsala, Sweden. Over the coming months, the assessment proceeds through structured work phases of literature screening, review, analysis, drafting and review.
Through this open call, IPESG seeks to engage a broad and globally diverse group of scholars as Contributing Authors, including early-career researchers. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a major international science assessment and to help advance research and policy discussions on earth system governance.
Why join as a Contributing Author?
Contribute to a landmark publication. The first IPESG assessment report is planned for publication as an open-access volume with Cambridge University Press. Contributing Authors will be fully credited in their respective chapters, and the report is expected to become a widely used reference in the field.
Join a global network of leading scholars. Contributing Authors become part of an international community working at the forefront of earth system governance research, creating opportunities for collaboration and long-term engagement.
Gain early insight into emerging research directions. Participation in the assessment process offers in-depth exposure to current debates, evidence, and knowledge gaps, helping to inform and shape your own research agenda.
Contribute to a process designed to inform policy and governance debates. The first IPESG assessment report will include a Summary for Policymakers to inform and contribute to political deliberations in key international policy fora.
Build experience in international assessment processes. Contributing Authors will gain hands-on experience with emerging approaches to large-scale, systematic and collaborative social science assessments of global sustainability challenges.
What are the roles and responsibilities of Contributing Authors?
Contributing Authors support the screening, assessment and synthesis of academic literature for the IPESG assessment, working closely with Lead Authors and other Contributing Authors. Specifically, Contributing Authors are expected to:
- Screen titles and abstracts of academic sources for relevance based on predefined inclusion criteria (typically 100–200 abstracts);
- Review and assess a set of full-text articles using predefined criteria (typically 10-20 articles);
- Support Lead Authors in drafting text for a section on a specific topic (approximately 1,000 words per section);
- Contribute to the internal review of draft sections; and
- Participate in online training, coordination meetings and working sessions, as needed.
The overall time commitment of approximately 40 to 80 hours is distributed over the course of the assessment, with periods of higher and lower intensity.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from researchers with a background in the social sciences or interdisciplinary research, particularly those with expertise in earth system governance. Applicants should have completed, or be currently pursuing, a doctoral degree. Exceptions may be considered in cases of equivalent research experience.
How to apply?
Applications should be submitted via this link by 23 June 2026, 23:59 CEST. In the application form, applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred assessment domain, share resume information and provide a short motivation statement. Applicants will also be asked to provide basic personal information (e.g. name, email address and institutional affiliation), which will be used for communication purposes and to support efforts to ensure diversity within author teams.
Selection process
Coordinating Lead Authors are responsible for the selection of Contributing Authors for their respective assessment domains, in consultation with Lead Authors and the Secretariat. Applications will be reviewed against the following criteria: (a) academic and/or professional experience; (b) expertise relevant to the assessment domain; and (c) considerations of gender and geographic diversity. Due to the expected number of applications, not all qualified applicants may be selected.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.
Applicants are kindly requested to save the date of 8 July 2026 for an online onboarding and training session.
Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 23 June 2026 | Application deadline |
| 8 July 2026 | Onboarding, training, and initial screening workshop, the IPESG ‘screenathon’ (online) |
| July 2026 – Early 2027 | Screening and assessment of literature |
| 7 September 2026 | IPESG Workshop in Bath, United Kingdom, back-to-back to the 2026 Earth System Governance Conference. |
| Early 2027 – September 2027 | Drafting and review |
| September 2027 | IPESG event in Uppsala, held alongside the 2027 Earth System Governance Conference |
| Post-September 2027 | Final editing and submission for publication |
Note: Successful applicants are expected, to the extent possible, to participate in the onboarding workshop on 8 July 2026. Participation in the meetings in Bath and Uppsala is not mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple assessment domains?
Contributing Authors are typically assigned to one assessment domain. Requests to contribute to more than one domain may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are asked to indicate in their application if they wish to be considered for multiple domains.
Are Contributing Authors remunerated?
Contributing Author positions are not remunerated. IPESG relies on voluntary contributions from the academic community to support the assessment. In return, Contributing Authors will be fully credited in the final report and become part of a global network of scholars working on earth system governance.
How does IPESG accommodate different time zones?
IPESG brings together a globally diverse group of Contributing Authors. Meeting times will rotate, as needed, to accommodate different time zones, and key meetings will be recorded to allow participants to engage with discussions at a time that suits them.
What is the expected time commitment?
Contributing Authors can expect to contribute approximately 40 to 80 hours in total over the course of sixteen months, depending on the assessment domain and level of engagement, with periods of higher and lower intensity. Work is distributed over the course of the assessment, with efforts typically concentrated during the initial screening and assessment phase and later during drafting and review stages.
Contact
For questions regarding the open call, please contact: Dr. Max van Deursen, IPESG Managing Director, at m.b.w.vandeursen[at]uu.nl