Projects
MaCTRI Academy Scholars’ Publishing Programme (MaSPP)
Overview of MaCTRI Academy Scholars’ Publishing Programme (MaSPP)
The MaCTRI Academy Scholars’ Publishing Programme (MaSPP) is an innovative initiative delivered by the Manchester Community Training & Research Institute (MaCTRI) in partnership with Palgrave Macmillan. The initiative was launched 24th March 2023.
- The programme supports emerging and established scholars in developing a strong book proposal with the aim of securing a publication commission from Palgrave Macmillan. Once commissioned, participants receive structured support to write, complete, and submit their manuscript in line with Palgrave Macmillan’s given publishing schedule and deadlines. Your published work will contribute to Palgrave Macmillan’s Studies in Decolonisation book series led by Dr Ornette Clennon.
- Scholars are also supported in collating and preparing a portfolio of materials during the programme, which they can independently use to apply for a PhD by publication route with a suitable university following their book’s publication.
- Participants come from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds and are typically engaged in community-based or practice-led research. Prior academic publishing experience is not required—what matters is a commitment to exploring decolonial practice and producing work with both academic rigour and community relevance.
Programme Structure including PhD by Publication Support
The MaSPP programme is designed to guide scholars through the full publishing cycle, with built-in support for those considering a PhD by publication following the release of their book.
Year 1
- Scholars receive dedicated support to develop and submit their book proposals, with the aim of securing a publishing contract with Palgrave Macmillan.
- A progress review takes place at the end of Year 1 to determine each participant’s readiness to continue into Years 2 and 3.
Years 2 & 3
- Scholars are guided through the writing, editing, and completion of their book manuscript, working closely with the Series Editor.
- As the book nears publication, scholars also receive structured support in compiling the necessary documentation for potential PhD by publication applications.
Following publication, the programme concludes. At this stage, scholars will have assembled the required materials and insights to independently apply to a suitable university offering the PhD by publication route.
- Please note: While many universities offer this pathway, not all accept external candidates or independently produced work. MaCTRI carefully signposts only those institutions that recognise and support this route.
o For example Portsmouth University: https://myport.port.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2023-11/PhD-by-Publication-Guidance-Notes.pdf
Fees & Duration
- The MaSPP programme spans three years, with a total fee of £3,600.
- This is payable in monthly instalments of £120 over 10 months per year.
- The end-of-year review in Year 1 is a key decision point for scholars to confirm their capacity to continue to Years 2 and 3.
Editorial Mentoring & Support
All enrolled scholars work under the direct mentorship of Dr. Ornette Clennon, Series Editor and Head of MaCTRI. Dr. Clennon offers one-to-one support throughout the programme, including:
• Monthly meetings (and other agreed check-ins) to discuss research progress and challenges.
• Guidance on writing, research design, and aligning work with the themes of the Community Decolonisation series.
• Ongoing availability via email for questions, feedback, and review of submitted work.
• Tailored advice to support the preparation of PhD by publication application materials if desired.
Where needed, Dr. Clennon will assess each scholar’s development needs and may draw in additional expertise to support specific areas of research or writing.
About the Series Editor
Dr. Ornette Clennon is a widely published author and an expert in decolonial theory, community research, and critical race studies. He is a visiting professor at UFAM and has extensive experience supporting scholars and practitioner-researchers at the intersection of academia and community. His published works include:
- Alternative Education and Community Engagement: Making Education a Priority (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014)
- Urban Dialectics, The Market and Youth Engagement: The Black Face of Eurocentrism? (Nova Science, 2015)
- International Perspectives of Multiculturalism: The Ethical Challenges (Nova Science, 2016)
- The Polemics of CLR James and Contemporary Black Activism (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017)
- Black Scholarly Activism between the Academy and Grassroots (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018)
- Decolonising Public Health through Praxis: The Impact on Black Health in the UK (2022)
- Decoloniality in the Grassroots and The Re-emergence of the Black Organic Intellectual (2023)
Dr. Clennon is deeply committed to mentoring scholars to produce work that is both academically rigorous and grounded in lived community realities.
E-Library & Research Resources
Once enrolled, scholars gain access to MaCTRI’s E-Library, an internal collection of over 1,000 curated resources, including books, book chapters, journal articles, and research reports. Areas covered include:
- African Philosophy
- Decolonial Theory
- Critical Theory
- Sociology
- Critical Race Studies
- Community Psychology, and more
In addition, scholars benefit from complimentary access to major academic platforms providing millions of articles and publications—including PubMed access for those working in complementary and alternative medicine fields.
Community Learning & Engagement Opportunities
As a MaSPP scholar, you’ll become part of an active and supportive community of fellow researchers, writers, and practitioner-scholars connected through MaCTRI. This network offers valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share learning, and build lasting professional relationships.
You’ll be invited to join online and in-person sessions throughout the year, including themed discussions, research development workshops, and periodic in-person meetings. These sessions offer space to share works-in-progress, receive peer feedback, and explore emerging questions in your research.
Events are scheduled in response to the evolving priorities and interests of our scholar community. Participation in these sessions is encouraged as part of the broader commitment to collaborative learning and mutual support.
Looking ahead, MaCTRI is developing a dedicated annual learning event — currently envisioned as a Summer Seminar Series — which will provide scholars with a platform for presenting their work, deepening their reflections, and engaging across disciplines.
This emphasis on community engagement complements the structured, one-to-one mentoring scholars receive throughout the programme and reflects MaCTRI’s wider commitment to bridging academic work with grounded community practice.
Programme focus
- Decoloniality: The programme centers on research into decolonisation in a grassroots context, aiming for community empowerment.
- Bridging the Gap: It bridges the gap between academic research and community practice, supporting scholars who may not have convinced traditional academia of their worth.
- Publishing: Participants develop a book proposal with the aim of securing a contract with Palgrave Macmillan and contributing to the Studies in Decolonisation book series.
2. Programme Structure
Duration: The programme spans three years.
Mentoring: Scholars work under the direct, one-to-one mentorship of Dr. Ornette Clennon (Head of MaCTRI).
Support: Includes monthly meetings, guidance on research design, and support for editing and writing the manuscript.
PhD by Publication: As the book nears completion, scholars receive support to collate a portfolio of materials to independently apply for a “PhD by publication” at a suitable university.
Resources: Participants gain access to MaCTRI’s e-Library, containing over 1,000 resources on African Philosophy, Decolonial Theory, Critical Race Studies, and more.
3. Eligibility and Costs
Background: Participants come from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, often engaged in practice-led or community-based research.
Experience: Prior academic publishing experience is not required.
Fees: The total fee is £3,600, payable in installments of £120 per month over 10 months per year.
4. Key Outcomes
Published Book: A published manuscript with Palgrave Macmillan.
Community Impact: Scholars participate in research seminars to share their work and its practical applications.
Academic Progression: Development of materials for a potential PhD by publication.
MaSPP is part of the wider MEaP (Make Education a Priority) organisation based in Greater Manchester, which focuses on community-led education and heritage-inspired learning.