The International Review of Education – Journal of Lifelong Learning (IRE), one of the world’s most respected academic journals in comparative education, has officially opened a Call for Reviewers. Scholars with expertise in lifelong learning and related disciplines are invited to express their interest in joining the journal’s international reviewer community.

Published under the auspices of UNESCO since 1955 and managed by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in Hamburg, Germany, the journal is seeking both emerging and experienced researchers who are passionate about advancing global education research.

If you have academic expertise in lifelong learning, adult education, education policy, technology in education, or other related fields, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-quality international scholarship while expanding your professional network.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

 

About the International Review of Education (IRE)

Founded in 1931, the International Review of Education (IRE) is the longest-running international journal of comparative education in the world.

Since 1955, the journal has operated under the aegis of UNESCO, making it one of the leading international platforms for research and policy discussions related to education and lifelong learning.

The journal is managed by the editorial team at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in Hamburg, Germany, under the guidance of an international editorial board.

IRE publishes scholarly work that contributes to global understanding of lifelong learning through:

• Empirical research
• Theoretical and conceptual studies
• Policy analyses
• Comparative education research
• Interdisciplinary scholarship

The journal welcomes both:

• Qualitative research
• Quantitative research

Submissions are accepted in:

• English
• French

Importantly, the journal encourages scholarship from all regions of the world, ensuring that diverse educational perspectives are represented.

 

Why UNESCO Is Expanding Its Reviewer Pool

High-quality academic publishing depends on knowledgeable reviewers who evaluate submitted manuscripts and provide constructive feedback to authors and editors.

To strengthen this important process, UNESCO is expanding its international pool of reviewers.

The organization is inviting:

• Early-career scholars
• Emerging researchers
• Established academics
• Scholar-practitioners

who work within the broad field of lifelong learning and related disciplines.

Reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the journal’s academic excellence while helping shape research that informs education policy and practice worldwide.

 

Areas of Expertise Being Sought

UNESCO is particularly interested in reviewers with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Lifelong learning policy and practice
2. Adult education
3. Adult and family literacy
4. Post-literacy education
5. Learning in non-formal settings
6. Learning in informal settings
7. Open learning
8. Distance learning
9. Education for disadvantaged learners
10. Education for vulnerable learners
11. Vocational education and training (TVET)
12. Workplace learning
13. Human rights
14. Community education
15. Popular education
16. Indigenous education
17. Indigenous knowledge systems
18. Decolonisation of education
19. Citizenship education
20. Education in conflict settings
21. Education in post-conflict settings
22. Education and technology

Scholars with interdisciplinary expertise are especially encouraged to apply.

 

UNESCO Encourages Diverse Global Participation

One of the defining characteristics of the International Review of Education is its strong representation of researchers and scholar-practitioners from the Global South.

UNESCO therefore encourages applications from:

• Scholars from diverse geographic regions
• Underrepresented groups
• Researchers from developing countries
• Academics from both established and emerging institutions

The journal aims to build an inclusive reviewer community that reflects the diversity of educational experiences around the world.

 

Responsibilities of Reviewers

Selected reviewers will contribute to the journal by reviewing approximately:

• 2 to 4 manuscripts each year

Reviewers will:

• Evaluate submitted manuscripts
• Provide constructive feedback
• Support authors in improving their work
• Help editors make publication decisions
• Maintain high academic standards

Serving as a reviewer also provides opportunities to engage more closely with one of UNESCO’s flagship education journals.

 

Opportunities for Professional Growth

Joining the IRE reviewer community offers numerous professional benefits, including:

• Contributing to international education scholarship
• Expanding your academic network
• Staying current with cutting-edge research before publication
• Strengthening your peer-review experience
• Supporting evidence-based education policy
• Collaborating with an international community of researchers

UNESCO also notes that active reviewers may have the prospect of joining the journal’s pool of consulting editors and/or editorial board in the future.

 

How to Apply

Interested scholars should submit:

• A Statement of Interest
• A list of the main subject areas they wish to review
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applications should be sent via email to:

ire@unesco.org

 

Application Deadline

Deadline: 31 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials before the deadline to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s expanding reviewer community.

 

Why You Should Apply

Serving as an IRE reviewer allows scholars to contribute meaningfully to global education research while gaining valuable professional recognition.

Whether you are an emerging researcher seeking to build your academic profile or an experienced scholar wishing to contribute your expertise, becoming an IRE reviewer provides an excellent opportunity to support high-quality research on lifelong learning across the globe.

By participating in the peer-review process, you will help shape future discussions on education policy, lifelong learning, inclusion, technology, literacy, and educational innovation worldwide.

For scholars committed to advancing education research, this UNESCO opportunity represents an important avenue for international engagement and academic service.

If you are interested, please submit your statement of interest (including a list of the main areas in which you would be interested in reviewing) and your CV to the IRE Editorial Team at ire@unesco.org by 31 August 2026.

 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Job opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here