The International Review of Administrative Sciences (IRAS) is preparing to mark its 100th anniversary in 2027 with a Centennial Special Issue, reflecting on a century of research, practice, and global developments in public administration. This milestone edition will examine both historical insights and emerging trends shaping the future of the field.

IRAS, founded in 1927, is the oldest scholarly journal dedicated specifically to comparative and international public administration. Throughout its history, it has contributed to advancing the global dialogue on public governance, encouraging reflection on international comparisons, innovative approaches, and the exchange between academics and practitioners.

The Centennial Special Issue welcomes original research and review articles on all aspects of public administration with an international and comparative perspective. Contributions highlighting historical developments, state-of-the-art trends, and future scenarios are particularly encouraged. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Comparative perspectives on public sector administration over the last century

• Historical trends in public sector governance models and mechanisms

• Evolving contributions of the public, private, and third sectors to public management

• Performance measurement and management in the public sector

• Human resource management developments

• Digitalisation of public services

• Public administration in the Global South from a comparative and international perspective

• Future directions for research and practice in public administration

Abstracts of up to 800 words should be submitted by 31 October 2025 to guest editors Sara Melo (s.melo@qub.ac.uk) and Tobias Polzer (tobias.polzer@wu.ac.at), with Frederico Ganz (frederico.ganz@iias-iisa.org) and Sabine Kuhlmann (sabine.kuhlmann@uni-potsdam.de) in cc.

This Centennial Special Issue offers an unparalleled opportunity to reflect on 100 years of public administration research and practice, to explore lessons from the past, and to shape the future agenda for scholars and practitioners worldwide.