Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute

We welcome contributions that engage with, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Human evolution and palaeoanthropology – new insights from fossil evidence, morphology, and phylogenetic studies.
• Primatology and comparative biology – studies illuminating human evolution through non-human primates.
• Human variation and adaptation – investigations into genetic, physiological, and environmental interactions.
• Bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology – integrating skeletal, isotopic, and molecular evidence to understand past populations.
• Health, nutrition, and disease – evolutionary perspectives on human health and biomedical anthropology.
• Methodological innovation – applications of genomics, imaging, and other emerging technologies in biological anthropology.

We particularly encourage interdisciplinary work that bridges biological, archaeological, and socio-cultural approaches, as well as studies that reflect contemporary debates and ethical considerations.

We invite scholars at all career stages to contribute original research articles, review papers, and methodological discussions that push the boundaries of biological anthropology and stimulate critical dialogue within the field.

Proposals for the Special Issue should be sent to the RAI by email on publications@therai.org.uk, to arrive by 10 April 2026. They should follow the model below. Proposals should be as precise as possible, and should meet the following criteria:

1. They should contain clear evidence that the resulting volume, if selected, will be authoritative; will meet the highest academic standards; and will appeal to a broad academic readership.
2. They should be submitted in the confident expectation that, if selected, a first draft manuscript can be supplied by July 2027 (exact date tbc).
3. They should not be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.
4. The planned length of the published volume should be in the region of 80,000-100,000 words.
5. Assignment of copyright to the RAI is a condition of publication. Authors and editors will be responsible for ensuring that all secondary copyright permissions have been obtained.

Based on the proposals received, the Publications Committee will draw up a shortlist for further consideration. First draft manuscripts will be required by July 2027 and will be double-blind reviewed.

Model Proposal Form:

Please address all the following in your proposal. The Publications Committee may ask for further details or clarification of a proposal prior to shortlisting. Total length of proposals should not exceed 2000 words. 

• Name, position and contact details of the proposer (who will be the guest editors of the issue)
• Working title of the proposed Special Issue
• Name, position and contact details of the proposer(s)
• Names of (provisional) authors/contributors
• Description of content in as much detail as possible, giving the academic context of the proposal and demonstrating academic excellence, innovation, and appeal to a wide anthropological readership

Please send your proposal by email attachment to the RAI via publications@therai.org.uk, to arrive by 10 April 2026.