Speculations and Alternative Viewpoints | Small text, big returns
Our Oikos way to increase healthy debate and speculation in ecology
Speculation in scientific articles is frequently discouraged, even though it can lead to new hypotheses and debate. Too often, as well, co-authors seek a consensus or commonality regarding the interpretation and conclusions of their collaborative papers. By minimizing areas of conflict and uncertainty, the scientific publication process may actually inhibit the development of novel ideas and encourage conformity.
We at Oikos want to contribute to encourage debate. Back in 2019, we launched two sessions named Speculations and Alternative Viewpoints (among co-authors) that aim at increasing the visibility of your work published in Oikos and promote healthy ways for Oikos to further interact with its readership. Although non-compulsory, we keep encouraging authors to contribute with small text for both sessions that would appear after the discussion section.
To make these sessions as free in style as possible, they can be included after the manuscript undergoes peer review or just in the version before final acceptance for publication. For detailed information you can check our Speculations and Alternative Viewpoints section in our For Authors page.
We hope that our Oikos readership will continue to appreciate these initiatives!
Pedro Peres-Neto,
Editor-in-Chief Oikos
Oikos—who are we?
OIKOS: Advancing Ecology is a leading and longstanding journal in ecology, owned by the Nordic Society Oikos.
We publish innovative empirical and theoretical research that spans across diverse taxa, systems, and disciplines. With a focus on advancing our understanding of ecological mechanisms, processes, and patterns, Oikos fosters debate and speculation, encouraging innovative and provocative ideas that shape ecological thinking. Alongside standard Research papers and Meta-Analyses, we have unique categories of Forum, Ignite, and Dialogue papers.
Thinking about publishing with us?
Oikos offers optional sections for speculations and alternative viewpoints.
We value ethical standards in science (EDI, accessible data and code, CRediT)
Check out Oikos’s journal metrics and see our Author Guidelines
Our journals, our society—join us!
The Nordic Society Oikos engages the global scientific community through five international journals…
…and supports the national ecological societies of the five Nordic countries. Anyone worldwide can join the Nordic Society Oikos.
NSO is a home for ecologists, a nexus for knowledge, and a guiding light for ecology worldwide. We are an active network of ecologists in the Nordic region and around the globe.
Why join NSO? Membership benefits include:
Connections across a global community of ecologists and five national societies
NSO newsletters with member-only updates about Nordic ecology and society activities
Ongoing opportunities for promotion on NSO’s digital platforms and social media channels
Discounted registration for NSO’s biennial conference
Eligibility to apply for NSO Grants
Each member receives additional benefits from one of our five national societies:
Danish Oikos Society
Oikos Finland
Icelandic Ecological Society
Norwegian Ecological Society
Swedish Oikos Society
When you join NSO, you also become a member of one of our national societies. Which one? That’s up to you! Each national society provides its own benefits, including discounts to national conferences. Learn more about us at nordicsocietyoikos.org.