Nexus Reports: Editorial Workflow

Introduction

1.1 Purpose of This Guide

Welcome to the Nexus Reports Editorial Workflow Guide, developed to support members of the Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) who are tasked with producing high-quality, actionable publications on the water-energy-food-health nexus (and beyond). This guide:

• Outlines editorial policies and best practices for multi-disciplinary collaborations.
• Clarifies roles and responsibilities within a decentralized yet unified editorial structure.
• Provides a step-by-step workflow to ensure consistency, rigor, and timely delivery of our quarterly Nexus Reports.
• Highlights how to incorporate guidelines from IPBES reports, the SDGs, and the Sendai Framework into our analysis and synthesis.

We aim to uphold academic excellence, transparency, and collaboration at every stage of the publication process. Whether you are an editor, author, researcher, or policy analyst, this guide will serve as your comprehensive reference for Nexus Reports production, ensuring each quarterly issue is executed with precision, integrity, and impact.

1.2 Vision and Mission of Nexus Reports

GCRI’s Nexus Reports seek to address interlinked global challenges—particularly across the water, energy, food, and health sectors. By publishing these quarterly:

1. Bridge Research and Policy: Translate new research findings into practical, policy-relevant recommendations.
2. Encourage Innovation: Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, methodologies, and practices.
3. Foster Interdisciplinary Insight: Promote cross-sectoral collaborations that acknowledge the complexity of today’s global problems.
4. Support Informed Decision-Making: Provide governments, industries, NGOs, and research communities with robust data, analyses, and action frameworks.

1.3 Nexus Reports as a Cornerstone of GCRI’s Work

The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation focuses on integrated risk management, innovation, and sustainable development. Nexus Reports are a cornerstone of this mandate, offering:

• Real-time Analysis of evolving global risks.
• Evidence-Based Recommendations aligned with international frameworks (SDGs, Sendai Framework).
• Collaborative Publications that bridge academic, government, business, and civil society perspectives.

This guide ensures every GCRI contributor can effectively play their role, thereby delivering high-impact, high-quality publications each quarter.

Foundations of Nexus Reports

2.1 IPBES Reports as a Template and Guiding Principle

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) offers one of the most comprehensive models for interdisciplinary research assessment and policy guidance. Key principles we adopt from IPBES include:

• Credibility: Rigorous peer review and methodological transparency.
• Relevance: Ensuring the work directly informs and supports decision-making processes.
• Legitimacy: Inclusivity in authorship and review, involving multiple stakeholder perspectives.
• Policy-Orientation: Active engagement with policymakers to ensure the final products meet policy needs.

By using IPBES methodologies, we ensure each Nexus Report maintains a high level of academic and procedural rigor, directly mirroring the success of these global environmental assessments.

2.2 Alignment with Global Frameworks: SDGs, Sendai Framework, and Beyond

In addressing the water-energy-food-health nexus, our editorial policies and report structures align with:

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Emphasize integrated solutions to foster ecological, social, and economic development.
2. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: Incorporate risk assessments, vulnerability mapping, and resilience-building.
3. Paris Agreement (as relevant to climate change and resilience): Explore mitigation and adaptation solutions in the context of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental sustainability.
4. Just Transition Principles: Ensure that the move toward sustainable practices does not marginalize vulnerable communities.

2.3 The Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus Focus

While GCRI addresses various interlinked challenges, the inaugural editions focus heavily on the water-energy-food-health nexus, recognizing that:

• Water scarcity affects energy production, food systems, and public health.
• Energy constraints shape water treatment, agricultural practices, and healthcare infrastructure.
• Food security hinges on reliable water supply, efficient energy use, and stable climatic conditions.
• Health outcomes are determined by the availability and quality of water, food, and energy services.

Establishing comprehensive editorial guidelines rooted in these interlinkages ensures that every chapter, article, and policy brief within Nexus Reports addresses the complexity and synergy of these four crucial sectors.

Editorial Teams and Roles

3.1 Decentralized Editorial Structure

A core tenet of GCRI is a decentralized, networked organizational approach, leveraging global expertise. Thus, Nexus Reports are produced through a distributed editorial process facilitated by digital tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc.). Each contributor—whether working solo or within a team—plays a distinct role, but all are united by shared editorial policies and deadlines.

3.2 Individual Capacities and Leadership Opportunities

We encourage each participant to:

• Contribute in their Field of Expertise: Whether you’re a hydrologist, data scientist, policymaker, or social media strategist, your unique perspective is valuable.
• Take on Leadership Roles: Opportunities exist to lead specialized teams (e.g., Data Submissions, Policy Summaries, Peer Review Coordination).
• Form or Join Ad Hoc Teams: GCRI fosters a culture of collaborative autonomy, where participants can form task forces for short-term projects or join standing committees for ongoing responsibilities.

3.3 Research Article Team (Editing)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee peer review and technical editing of research articles.
• Verify methodological soundness and data integrity.
• Ensure all submissions align with IPBES and FAIR data principles.
• Coordinate with authors to refine narratives and visual content (graphs, charts, tables).

Key Milestones:

• Week 1-4 (Month 1): Receive initial submissions via Microsoft Forms.
• Week 5-6 (Month 2): Perform detailed review, coordinate with authors on revisions.
• Week 7-8 (Month 2): Finalize manuscripts for the editorial board’s approval.

3.4 Policy Brief Team

Primary Responsibilities:

• Distill research findings into concise policy briefs for quick reference by policymakers and practitioners.
• Align briefs with SDGs, Sendai Framework targets, and other relevant global or regional policy frameworks.
• Collaborate with the Engagement Team to produce accessible versions for the public and media outlets.

Key Milestones:

• Week 1-4 (Month 1): Identify key policy-relevant insights from submissions.
• Week 5-6 (Month 2): Draft policy briefs and coordinate with research teams to ensure accuracy.
• Week 7-9 (Month 2): Finalize policy briefs, incorporate feedback from the editorial board and external reviewers.

3.5 Engagement (Social Media) Team

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with GCRI’s Media Committee to raise awareness and foster public dialogue.
• Curate social media campaigns, highlight calls for submissions, and share major findings.
• Experiment with innovative outreach methods (Twitter Q&A sessions, Reddit AMAs, LinkedIn live events) to broaden impact.

Key Milestones:

• Ongoing (Throughout the Quarter): Manage social media channels, respond to queries, gather community feedback.
• Week 1-4 (Month 1): Promote calls for submissions, highlight horizon scanning updates.
• Week 8-12 (Month 3): Coordinate final release campaigns, summarize major findings and direct audiences to Zenodo.

3.6 Collaboration with GCRI’s Media Committee

While the Engagement Team spearheads day-to-day social media strategy, the Media Committee at GCRI provides overarching guidance on brand coherence, media partnerships, and public relations. Regular check-ins ensure:

• Consistent Messaging: All external communications align with GCRI’s vision and editorial policies.
• Amplified Reach: Partnerships with international journals, think tanks, or media outlets can further disseminate Nexus Report findings.
• Crisis Communications: If controversies or urgent global events arise, the Media Committee advises on rapid-response publications or statements.

Quarterly Publication Cycle

4.1 Overview of the Publication Timeline

Each Nexus Report operates on a three-month cycle, ensuring that GCRI remains agile and responsive to global developments. While we maintain a flexible approach, the basic structure looks like this:

1. Month 1 (Weeks 1-4):
   • Horizon Scanning: Collect new studies, data sets, code repositories, policy developments.
   • Call for Submissions: Gather input via Microsoft Forms.
   • Team Formation & Weekly Check-Ins: Slack or MS Teams to coordinate.
2. Month 2 (Weeks 5-8):
   • Analysis & Drafting: Transform submissions into draft chapters, articles, or policy briefs.
   • Internal Review: Peer feedback and editorial revision.
   • Policy Alignment: Ensure each piece aligns with IPBES frameworks, SDGs, etc.
3. Month 3 (Weeks 9-12):
   • Peer Review & Final Edits: Rigorous scrutiny for accuracy, coherence, and clarity.
   • Formatting & Proofreading: Prepare final layout and design.
   • Publication & Dissemination: Launch on Zenodo, coordinate with GCRI’s Media Committee for broad outreach.

4.2 Month 1: Horizon Scanning and Data Collection

Key Activities:

• Weekly Submissions via Microsoft Forms: Researchers across GCRI (and beyond) submit references to primary research articles, data sets, code repositories, and policy documents.
• Slack/MS Teams Discussions: Prompt clarifications, share relevant documents, coordinate on potential overlaps between ongoing research projects.
• Early Screening: Preliminary check by the Research Article Team (Editing) to ensure completeness and relevance.

Best Practices:

• Maintain a Master Tracker (e.g., an Excel sheet or SharePoint list) for all submissions.
• Encourage cross-pollination: If a data set might be relevant to multiple chapters, alert the respective authors.
• Document key decisions and observations in Slack channels or Microsoft Teams “wiki” pages for easy reference.

4.3 Month 2: Analysis, Drafting, and Internal Review

Key Activities:

• Drafting Phase: Authors develop chapter sections, integrating data from Month 1.
• Review Meetings: The Research Article Team and Policy Brief Team hold synchronous or asynchronous reviews to refine content.
• Synthesis: Identify cross-cutting themes for better integration (e.g., climate-water-health synergies, technology-policy linkages).

Best Practices:

• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration. For instance, an innovation article discussing AI-driven water management should collaborate with the policy team to incorporate relevant legislation or public acceptance challenges.
• Use Version Control (e.g., SharePoint, GitHub, Overleaf) to keep track of manuscript changes.
• Continuously align content with IPBES guidelines and reference any relevant official documents.

4.4 Month 3: Finalization, Peer Review, and Publication

Key Activities:

• Peer Review: Each chapter/article undergoes a thorough review by experts within GCRI or external partners.
• Revisions and Proofreading: Address reviewer comments, finalize text, ensure formatting consistency.
• Publication on Zenodo: Upload the final PDF, relevant metadata, and supplementary materials (datasets, code, references).

Best Practices:

• Maintain transparent lines of communication among authors, editors, and reviewers to handle any final questions swiftly.
• Conduct a final editorial board meeting (Week 11 or 12) to approve the final content.
• Collaborate closely with the Engagement Team to plan the launch campaign.

Submission and Communication

5.1 Microsoft Forms for Weekly Submissions

Given the decentralized nature of GCRI, a unified submission portal is essential. We use Microsoft Forms to collect:

• Abstracts, Papers, and Data relevant to the upcoming Nexus Report.
• Supplementary Materials like code repositories or high-resolution images.
• Policy Observations from field practitioners, NGO partners, or policymakers.

Form Structure typically includes:

1. Contact Info: Name, affiliation, email.
2. Submission Title: Short descriptive heading.
3. Brief Summary: 150–300 words describing the relevance to the Nexus theme.
4. Link or Upload: Direct upload of documents or a link to external resources (GitHub, institutional repositories, etc.).
5. Suggested Chapter Alignment: Risk Assessment, Innovation Analysis, Synthesis & Action, or other.

5.2 Slack and Microsoft Teams for Discussions

Both Slack and Microsoft Teams serve as collaborative communication platforms. They allow for:

• Real-Time Chat: Quick queries, immediate feedback, and announcements.
• Channel Organization: Dedicated channels for each section (e.g., #risk-assessment, #innovation-analysis), plus cross-cutting channels (e.g., #policy-briefs, #engagement).
• File Sharing: Quick linking of data sets, reports, or meeting minutes.
• Integration with other tools: Calendars, task boards, or wikis to streamline project management.

Etiquette and Guidelines:

• Use public channels unless confidentiality or privacy is required.
• Keep channel topics focused to avoid clutter.
• Summarize key decisions or action items in pinned messages for easy reference.

5.3 Open Calls for Contributions and Inquiries

Throughout the quarter, we encourage open participation from researchers worldwide:

• External Calls: GCRI’s website and social media pages announce calls for submission to Nexus Reports, highlighting themes and deadlines.
• Community Outreach: The Engagement Team and Policy Brief Team collaborate on short blog posts or social media blasts to invite sector-specific experts (e.g., water resource professionals, public health officials).
• Response to Inquiries: Staff monitor the official GCRI email and Slack invite requests, providing clarifications and channeling potential contributors to the right teams.

Editorial Policies and Best Practices

6.1 Adherence to IPBES Standards and Methodological Backbone

We adopt IPBES guidelines to ensure credibility and methodological rigor. Specifically:

• Comprehensive Review of Existing Literature: Ground primary arguments in peer-reviewed publications, reputable data sets, or established frameworks.
• Transparent Evidence Base: Cite data sources clearly, including the timeframe, geographic scope, and methods used.
• Balance and Objectivity: Present multiple perspectives, particularly in contested areas like advanced technology adoption or novel policy instruments.

6.2 Quality Assurance and Peer Review Processes

Each submission goes through a multi-layered review:

1. Initial Screening: Check for thematic fit and completeness.
2. Peer Review: At least two subject-matter experts evaluate the submission for accuracy, coherence, and relevance.
3. Editorial Review: The editorial board reviews the final draft to ensure compliance with Nexus Report guidelines and editorial standards.

6.3 Ethical Standards and Conflict of Interest Declarations

• Ethics Statement: Authors must confirm compliance with relevant ethics standards (e.g., for field research, data privacy regulations).
• Conflict of Interest: Authors, editors, and reviewers are required to disclose any financial or personal ties that could influence their judgment.
• Plagiarism and Misconduct: GCRI employs plagiarism checks (e.g., Turnitin or iThenticate) and has a zero-tolerance policy for data fabrication or misrepresentation.

6.4 Copyright and Open-Access Licensing

To align with GCRI’s open science mission:

• Open Access: Nexus Reports are published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license on Zenodo, allowing free distribution and reuse with proper attribution.
• Author Rights: Authors retain the right to reuse their text in future works, provided they reference the original publication.
• Third-Party Materials: Any usage of external figures, images, or data must comply with respective licenses, ensuring we have permissions for open distribution.

Structure of the Nexus Report

Although each Nexus Report can be adapted to address unique themes or emerging crises, a standard structure provides consistency and cohesion:

7.1 Front Matter

• Title Page: Issue name, date, and lead authors/editors.
• Executive Summary: High-level findings for quick reference by policymakers.
• Table of Contents: An overview of chapters and sections.
• Contributor List: Acknowledgment of authors, editors, reviewers, and special advisors.

7.2 Section I: Risk Assessment

1. Baseline Conditions and Indicators: Data-driven overview of current conditions.
2. Vulnerability and Exposure Mapping: Identification of at-risk populations, geographies, or systems.
3. Interlinkages and Cascading Effects: Exploration of how different risks converge or intensify each other.
4. Trend Analysis and Historical Context: Contextual backdrop to inform future scenarios.
5. Scenario-Based Modeling and Forecasting: Tools and results that predict short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes.
6. Monitoring, Anticipatory Action, and Early Warning Systems: Outlines existing or recommended monitoring frameworks, linking to actionable early warnings.

7.3 Section II: Innovation Analysis

1. Mapping the Innovation Landscape: Catalog of emerging technologies, practices, and frameworks.
2. Evaluating Impact and Cost-Effectiveness: Empirical or cost–benefit analyses supporting each innovative solution.
3. Scalability and Adaptation Strategies: Approaches for tailoring solutions to diverse contexts, from local communities to global coalitions.
4. Governance and Regulatory Enablers: Policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutional best practices that support innovation.
5. Institutional and Human Capacity Development: Strategies for upskilling the workforce and strengthening organizational resilience.
6. Collaborative Ecosystems and Partnerships: Emphasis on cross-sectoral partnerships (e.g., private-public, academic-industry-civic).

7.4 Section III: Synthesis & Action Frameworks

1. Integrated Policy Recommendations: Cross-cutting policy measures that address the entire nexus.
2. Standard-Setting and Harmonization: Proposed standards or guidelines for global or regional alignment.
3. Financial and Investment Pathways: Viable funding instruments, public–private partnerships, or philanthropic avenues.
4. Innovation Roadmaps and Pathways: Step-by-step outline for implementing recommended solutions, including timelines and resource needs.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaborative Platforms: Mechanisms to involve communities, NGOs, and private sectors in collaborative governance.
6. Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV): Tools and indicators for tracking progress, refining strategies, and ensuring accountability.

7.5 Back Matter

• References: Detailed citation list.
• Appendices: Additional data tables, methodological details, or extended case studies.
• Glossary: Definitions of specialized terms or abbreviations.
• Acknowledgments: Recognition of funding sources, partner institutions, or key contributors.

Data Management and Methodologies

8.1 FAIR Data Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)

GCRI is committed to open science. Each dataset referenced in Nexus Reports should comply with FAIR principles:

• Findable: Use persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs) for data sets.
• Accessible: Store data in open-access repositories or share upon request.
• Interoperable: Provide data in standardized formats (CSV, NetCDF, shapefiles for GIS) with consistent metadata.
• Reusable: Offer clear licenses and comprehensive documentation (methods, protocols).

8.2 Handling Code, Datasets, and Supplementary Materials

Where relevant, authors should provide:

1. Code Repositories (e.g., GitHub, GitLab) with clear instructions and licensing.
2. Data Dictionaries explaining each variable, unit of measurement, or methodology used in data collection.
3. Workflow Diagrams or Methodology Flowcharts that illustrate how data transforms into results or how models are built and validated.

8.3 Referencing and Citation Guidelines

• Use a standardized referencing style (e.g., APA, Harvard, or Chicago) consistently across the entire report.
• Cite primary sources when referencing data sets, peer-reviewed studies, or policy documents.
• Include DOIs or direct URLs whenever possible to strengthen data traceability.

Team Formation and Leadership

9.1 Creating Specialized Working Groups

Given the wide scope of each Nexus Report, specialized working groups can be formed to streamline efforts:

• Data Analysis Group: Curates and standardizes quantitative data across the Nexus.
• Technical Writing Group: Specializes in scientific writing, ensuring clarity and coherence.
• Graphics and Visualization Group: Produces infographics, data visualizations, and design layouts.
• Policy Integration Group: Ensures alignment with IPBES, SDGs, and other frameworks, providing quick reference guides.

9.2 Mentorship and Leadership Development

GCRI encourages emergent leadership:

• Mentorship Programs: Experienced editors mentor new contributors, offering guidance on editorial standards and best practices.
• Shadowing Opportunities: Aspiring team leads can shadow existing leads to learn about meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.
• Rotational Leadership: Leadership roles can rotate quarterly to diversify expertise and fresh perspectives in editorial decisions.

9.3 Conflict Resolution and Consensus-Building

With a diverse, global membership, conflict or differences in opinion may arise:

• Open Communication: Encourage public (channel-based) discussions so multiple voices can weigh in.
• Structured Debates: Use short briefs or memos detailing perspectives, enabling data-driven consensus.
• Escalation Path: If unresolved, consult the Editorial Board or GCRI’s core management team for final decisions, guided by the overarching editorial policies.

Engagement and Outreach

10.1 Coordination with GCRI’s Media Committee

From the initial call for submissions to the final launch, the Engagement Team works closely with GCRI’s Media Committee to:

• Create Social Media Toolkits: Provide authors and partners with ready-made graphics and sample posts.
• Facilitate Press Releases: Highlight key findings for mainstream media coverage.
• Plan Virtual Events: Webinars, panels, or Q&A sessions around major findings.

10.2 Social Media and Public Outreach Campaigns

Examples of platform-specific strategies:

• Twitter (X): Short, data-driven threads summarizing key findings, linking to the final report on Zenodo.
• LinkedIn: In-depth articles featuring case studies, calls for industry partnerships.
• YouTube/Webinars: Explainer videos or recorded panel discussions with authors.
• Reddit AMAs: Encourage transparent, public dialogues on specialized subreddits (e.g., r/science, r/environment).

10.3 Calls for Submissions and Cross-Sectoral Engagement

Beyond social media, we also encourage:

• Academic Network Outreach: Emails to university departments, research consortia, and professional societies.
• Industry Forums: Present interim findings to boards or trade associations for feedback and potential partnerships.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with NGOs and local groups to ensure that socio-economic perspectives are integrated, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Publication on Zenodo

11.1 Rationale for Zenodo as a Platform

Zenodo, developed by CERN, is an open-access repository that offers:

• Permanent DOIs for each published item (guaranteeing citability).
• Version Control (allowing updated or corrected versions post-publication).
• High Visibility (indexed by Google Scholar and other academic databases).

By publishing Nexus Reports on Zenodo, we align with open science principles and ensure broad discoverability.

11.2 Steps for Uploading, Archiving, and Version Control

1. Preparation of Final Files: PDF of the report, plus separate files for data sets, code, or extended appendices.
2. Metadata Entry: Title, authors, abstract, keywords, and relevant licensing (CC BY).
3. DOI Assignment: Upon successful upload, Zenodo provides a unique DOI for each version.
4. Share Links: Disseminate the DOI in all official communications, final PDFs, and references.

Note: In case of errors or updates, new versions can be uploaded, preserving the publication history.

11.3 Post-Publication Maintenance and Metrics

• Engagement Tracking: Monitor the number of downloads, citations, and social media shares.
• Community Interaction: Encourage academic and practitioner communities to comment, critique, or propose updates.
• Archival Policy: Zenodo automatically preserves data backups, but always maintain local backups within GCRI’s internal repository.

Continuous Improvement

12.1 Feedback Loops and Lessons Learned

After every quarterly publication, a structured post-mortem or retrospective meeting helps:

• Identify bottlenecks in the editorial process (e.g., delayed reviews, insufficient data coverage).
• Evaluate the effectiveness of new strategies (e.g., a novel Slack channel for synergy between risk assessment and policy briefs).
• Gather anecdotal feedback from authors, peer reviewers, and external stakeholders.

12.2 Expansion of Nexus Themes and Cross-Cutting Issues

While the water-energy-food-health nexus remains core, GCRI is prepared to:

• Incorporate Emerging Themes: Digital governance, AI ethics, climate-smart infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, etc.
• Engage New Partnerships: Governments, universities, or private firms with specialized expertise in these evolving domains.
• Host Special Issues: Devote entire quarterly releases to a single, urgent topic (e.g., pandemic resilience or extreme weather events).

12.3 Strengthening the Global Editorial Network

GCRI continuously seeks to expand and diversify its editorial pool:

• Regional Editors: Recruit editors from different continents to ensure geographical and cultural inclusivity.
• Language Editions: Explore translations or localized versions of Nexus Reports to better serve global audiences.
• Capacity-Building Programs: Offer training on IPBES methodology, open data practices, or advanced policy analysis for new team members.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Nexus Reports embody GCRI’s commitment to scientific rigor, open collaboration, and policy impact in addressing critical global challenges. By quarterly publishing:

• We offer current, actionable intelligence to policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers.
• We deepen cross-sectoral understanding of pressing water, energy, food, and health interdependencies.
• We uphold IPBES-inspired methodologies ensuring that our work remains credible, relevant, and inclusive.

For each team member—whether you are a researcher, editor, policy analyst, or social media strategist—this guide provides the operational clarity needed to excel in your role. The editorial policies herein set a high standard for quality and coordination, leveraging the best of decentralized teamwork to produce a unified, robust publication every quarter.