Proposed Special Issue
JCSR welcomes proposals for special issues that define emerging scientific areas, synthesize advances, or highlight interdisciplinary collaboration. Well designed special issues increase visibility for contributors and create thematic collections that shape research agendas.
Create a strong thematic concept
Proposals should present a focused theme, a clear rationale, and a plan for attracting high quality submissions. Guest editors should demonstrate subject expertise and commit to timely peer review management in coordination with the JCSR editorial office.
Emerging Methods
New analytical or computational approaches
Climate Solutions
Science based mitigation and adaptation
Health Innovation
Translational and clinical breakthroughs
Materials Systems
Advanced materials and applications
Energy Research
Storage, efficiency, and new sources
Societal Impact
Science policy and public outcomes
Concept
Step 1- Define theme and scope
- Outline key research questions
- Identify potential contributors
Proposal
Step 2- Provide guest editor details
- Submit timeline and milestones
- Explain expected impact
Approval
Step 3- Editorial review and feedback
- Finalize scope and call for papers
- Launch with JCSR support
Guest Editor Responsibilities: Coordinate peer review, invite reviewers, and ensure decisions align with journal standards. JCSR provides workflow guidance and editorial oversight.
Evaluation Criteria: Proposals are assessed on scientific relevance, novelty, expected submission volume, and the ability of the guest editors to manage review timelines effectively.
Marketing Support: Approved special issues receive promotional support across JCSR channels to attract high quality submissions and increase visibility.
What to include
A strong proposal includes a clear theme, relevance to current scientific challenges, and evidence of a committed editorial team. Submit the following in your proposal package:
- Special issue title and scope statement.
- Rationale and expected scientific impact.
- List of potential contributors and target communities.
- Guest editor biographies and affiliations.
- Proposed submission and review timeline.
- Plan for outreach and promotion.
Increase approval likelihood
Successful proposals demonstrate a clear scientific need, a realistic submission pipeline, and guest editors with credible expertise. Proposals that outline potential contributors and outreach plans tend to progress quickly through evaluation.
Confirm availability and expertise
Guest editors should outline their editorial experience and confirm availability to manage reviewer invitations, decisions, and communication with contributors throughout the issue lifecycle.
Strengthen proposal impact
Include a brief promotion plan outlining how you will reach potential contributors, such as mailing lists, conference networks, and professional societies. Outreach improves submission quality and volume.
Plan for a balanced collection
Most successful special issues target six to twelve high quality submissions and balance invited and open calls to ensure diversity of perspectives.
Diversify article types
Consider including a brief list of anticipated article types to demonstrate scope balance and cohesion.
Prepare to manage reviews
Guest editors should plan reviewer pools in advance to keep timelines on track.
