Scope and Aims

The Albanian Journal of Roma Studies (AJRS) welcomes original research, review articles, case studies, and other scholarly contributions that advance understanding of Romani culture, history, and contemporary issues. Our focus includes but is not limited to:

• Romani cultural traditions, language, and arts
• Historical perspectives on Romani communities
• Social, political, and economic issues affecting Roma populations
• Educational access and outcomes for Roma communities
• Health disparities and healthcare access
• Legal frameworks and rights protection
• Roma representation in media and literature

We particularly encourage submissions that focus on Roma communities in Albania and the broader Balkan region, as well as comparative studies that contextualize the Albanian Roma experience within regional and global frameworks.

Submission Process

All manuscripts must be submitted through our online submission system. Before submitting, please ensure that your manuscript adheres to the following requirements:

Submission Steps

1. Register for an account in our submission system
2. Log in and select "Submit New Manuscript"
3. Complete all required metadata fields
4. Upload your manuscript file and any supplementary materials
5. Confirm submission and await confirmation email

Submit Your Manuscript

Article Types

The Albanian Journal of Roma Studies accepts the following types of submissions:

Manuscript Preparation

All manuscripts should be prepared in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format. Manuscripts should be written in clear, concise English and follow the structure outlined below:

Manuscript Structure

1. Title Page: Include article title, author names and affiliations, corresponding author contact information, and acknowledgments (if any)
2. Abstract: A concise summary of 150-250 words
3. Keywords: 4-6 keywords that reflect the article's content
4. Main Text: Structured according to article type (e.g., Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion for research articles)
5. References: Complete reference list formatted according to APA 7th edition
6. Appendices: If applicable, include any supplementary materials
7. Tables and Figures: Place tables and figures at the end of the manuscript, with clear labels and captions

Language and Style

Manuscripts should be written in clear, academic English. Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to seek professional editing assistance before submission. Use inclusive and respectful language when referring to Roma communities and individuals.

Formatting Guidelines

Please adhere to the following formatting requirements for all submissions:

Element	Formatting Requirement
Font	Times New Roman, 12-point
Line Spacing	Double-spaced throughout
Margins	1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
Page Numbers	Bottom center of each page
Headings	Use a clear hierarchy (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3)
File Format	Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)
File Name	FirstAuthorLastName_ArticleTitle.docx

Tables and Figures

All tables and figures should be numbered consecutively and include descriptive captions. Place tables and figures at the end of the manuscript, with indications in the text of where they should be placed (e.g., [Insert Table 1 here]).

For images and photographs, ensure you have obtained necessary permissions for reproduction and include appropriate attribution.

References and Citations

The Albanian Journal of Roma Studies uses the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition style for references and citations.

In-text Citations

Use the author-date method for in-text citations. Examples:

• Single author: (Hancock, 2002)
• Two authors: (Marushiakova & Popov, 2021)
• Three or more authors: (Mustafa et al., 2020)

Reference List

Include all references cited in the text in alphabetical order by first author's last name. Examples:

For detailed guidance on APA 7th edition formatting, consult the APA Style website.

Ethical Guidelines

Authors must adhere to the highest ethical standards in research and publication. Key ethical considerations include:

Originality and Plagiarism

All submissions must be original work that has not been published previously. Proper attribution must be given to all sources. The journal uses plagiarism detection software to screen all submissions.

Authorship

All listed authors must have made significant contributions to the research and writing process. Corresponding authors must confirm that all co-authors have approved the final version of the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could be perceived as influencing the research. A conflict of interest statement should be included in the manuscript.

Research with Human Participants

For research involving human participants, authors must include a statement confirming that appropriate ethical approval was obtained and that informed consent was secured from all participants.

For complete details on our ethical policies, please see our Editorial Policy page.

Review Process

All submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process. The typical review timeline is as follows:

1. Initial Screening: 1-2 weeks - Editorial team assesses suitability and basic requirements
2. Peer Review: 4-8 weeks - Manuscript sent to at least two independent reviewers
3. Editor Decision: 1-2 weeks - Editor makes decision based on reviewer feedback
4. Revision (if required): Variable - Authors have opportunity to address reviewer comments
5. Final Decision: 1-2 weeks - Final editorial decision after reviewing revisions

Authors will be notified of the editorial decision via email. Possible decisions include:

• Accept: Manuscript accepted for publication with minor or no revisions
• Minor Revisions: Manuscript requires minor changes before acceptance
• Major Revisions: Substantial revisions required before reconsideration
• Reject: Manuscript not suitable for publication in AJRS

Publication Process

Once a manuscript is accepted for publication, it proceeds through the following steps:

Production Process

1. Copyediting: Professional copyediting for language, style, and formatting
2. Typesetting: Preparation of the final layout for publication
3. Author Proofs: Authors receive proofs for final review and approval
4. Publication: Article published online and in the next available issue

Copyright and Licensing

Upon acceptance, authors grant the Albanian Journal of Roma Studies the right to publish their work. Authors retain copyright of their work, and all articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Article Processing Charges

The Albanian Journal of Roma Studies does not charge any article processing fees or submission fees. Publication is free of charge for all authors.

Ready to Submit?