Advancing Ergonomics in Evolving Work Systems for Transformative Futures: Nordic Perspectives and Global Implications
DETAILS
Call for Papers
Advancing Ergonomics in Evolving Work Systems for Transformative Futures: Nordic Perspectives and Global Implications
Journal: Ergonomics
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Special Issue
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 01 March 2027
Final Decision Notification: 31 August 2027
Ergonomics invites submissions for a Special Issue examining how human factors and ergonomics (HFE) can respond to evolving work systems and transformative technological, societal, economic, and organizational change.
About the Special Issue
Transformative futures involve fundamental changes in technologies, economies, institutions, workplaces, and human behaviour rather than incremental adjustments to existing systems. Developments in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, robotics, digital twins, and quantum technologies, together with economic restructuring and sustainability transitions, are reshaping the environments in which people work.
This Special Issue seeks research exploring the implications of these transformations for ergonomics at both microergonomic and macroergonomic levels. Particular attention is given to human-centred technological transformation, human–AI collaboration, resilient sociotechnical systems, sustainable and equitable work, and the changing role of HFE in supporting sustainable productivity.
Topics of Interest
Submissions may address, but are not limited to:
Ergonomics in Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0
Human-centred Industry 5.0
Human-centred AI and automation
Human–AI collaboration and teaming
AI trust and explainability
Cognitive demands of AI-enabled work
Cognitive ergonomics
Human performance in complex systems
Intelligent and data-driven work environments
Resilient sociotechnical systems
Adaptability in evolving work environments
Worker health and wellbeing
Safety in complex sociotechnical environments
Ergonomics in advanced manufacturing
Human factors in transportation
Ergonomics in healthcare systems
Human factors in changing educational environments
Sustainable work-system design
Social and organizational sustainability
Environmental sustainability and ergonomics
Equitable and meaningful work
Sustainable productivity
Human factors and adaptive capacity
Triple Bottom Line approaches
Technology-driven workplace transformation
Robotics and future work
Digital twins and ergonomics
Renewable-energy work systems
Emerging technologies and human factors
Key Research Themes
Ergonomics in Industry 4.0 and 5.0
Research examining the transition from automation-focused Industry 4.0 toward more human-centred, resilient, and sustainable Industry 5.0 work systems.
Human–AI Collaboration in Intelligent Work Systems
Studies addressing human–AI teaming, explainability, AI trust, cognitive task demands, and ergonomics approaches for evaluating complex data-driven environments.
Resilient Sociotechnical Systems
Research on resilience, adaptability, worker wellbeing, performance, and safety within interconnected social and technological systems, including transportation, education, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Sustainable and Equitable Work Futures
Studies exploring how ergonomics can contribute to socially, environmentally, and organizationally sustainable work while supporting equity and meaningful employment.
Sustainable Productivity and HFE
Research investigating how ergonomics and human factors can support productivity without undermining the economic, social, and environmental resources required for long-term sustainability.
Research Focus
The Special Issue particularly encourages research that considers how ergonomics can contribute to:
Human-centred technological transformation
Resilient and adaptable organizations
Safe and effective human–technology interaction
Sustainable productivity
Worker wellbeing
Social equity
Sustainable and inclusive development
New systemic roles for human factors and ergonomics
Important Dates
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 01 March 2027
Final Decision Notification: 31 August 2027
Submission Information
Authors should follow the journal's Instructions for Authors and submit manuscripts through the Ergonomics online submission system.
During submission, select:
“Advancing Ergonomics in Evolving Work Systems for Transformative Futures: Nordic Perspectives and Global Implications”
as the relevant Special Issue.
Ergonomics – Instructions for Authors
Special Issue Editors
Assoc. Prof. Arto Reiman
University of Oulu, Industrial Engineering and Management, Finland
Email: arto.reiman@oulu.fi
Res. Prof. Jari Kaivo-oja
University of Turku, Turku School of Economics, Finland Futures Research Centre, Finland
Email: jari.kaivo-oja@utu.fi
Assoc. Prof. Cecilia Berlin
Chalmers University of Technology, Division of Design & Human Factors, Sweden
Email: cecilia.berlin@chalmers.se
Assoc. Prof. Denis Coelho
Jönköping University, Department of Supply Chain and Operations Management, Sweden
Email: denis.coelho@ju.se
Posted on ServiceSetu Academics — Premier Platform for Academic Opportunities & Research Collaboration.
COMMENTS (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
SIGN IN TO COMMENT