Introduction

Welcome to the first issue of CSS OPEN, the fifth and completely open access (OA) issue of Contemporary Social Science. This is an exciting new development for the journal – not just in terms of OA publishing but also due to the fact that the issue is ‘non-themed’ and made up of original research from disciplines across the social sciences.

These OA online only issues, published from 2020 onwards, are in recognition of the fact that publishing is moving in a direction where all work is open, accessible, impactful and inclusive.

Contributors may wish to focus on current matters of concern such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the understanding of medical guidance and information, as addressed by Breakwell’s article. They may wish to submit new research that reflects on the content of previous themed issues, such as the contribution by van der Zwet about Brexit. Relatedly, Connolly and colleagues present findings from across studies regarding interagency working in the context of European public service reform. There are also papers which address pedagogy (by Eric Baumgartner) and advances in research in post-conflict settings (Eric Hoddy & Paul Greedy). And finally, something that should engage academics at any stage in their career, as Crow presents a fascinating theoretical framework for us to understand our lives and journeys as academics (with some attractive illustrations too!).

We hope that you enjoy this first issue of CSS Open. This is certainly a high quality inaugural issue and, as Editors, we would be grateful if you would promote this new development for the journal.