Fungal Diversity
Propose focused collections that shape the future of mycology
Proposed Special Issue
JFD welcomes proposals for special issues that highlight emerging topics, new methods, or pressing challenges in fungal diversity research. Well scoped special issues attract high quality submissions and provide concentrated visibility for fast moving areas.
What Makes a Strong Proposal
A strong special issue proposal focuses on a clear and timely research theme, demonstrates the ability to attract quality submissions, and aligns with the core scope of JFD. Topics should address fungal taxonomy, biodiversity, ecology, genomics, pathology, or applied mycology.
We encourage proposals led by experienced researchers with a record of publication and peer review. Guest editors should represent diverse institutions and geographic regions to ensure balanced coverage and a broad, diverse submission base. Include outreach plans and target author lists when possible.
Suggested Themes
Examples of high interest themes include global fungal biodiversity hotspots, climate driven range shifts, fungal pathogen emergence, mycorrhizal networks, metabolomics of fungal natural products, and integrative taxonomy using genomics and morphology.
The best proposals connect fundamental research with practical implications for conservation, agriculture, or health. If your theme bridges ecology, systematics, and application impact, it is likely to attract a wide range of authors and readers. Cross disciplinary themes linking fungi to soil health, climate resilience, or public health are also encouraged.
Proposal Components
Theme and Rationale
Define the scientific significance and explain how the collection will advance fungal diversity research and practice.
Guest Editor Team
Provide names, affiliations, and a brief summary of expertise. Include a primary contact to coordinate with the editorial office.
Scope and Topics
List representative topics, methods, and application areas to guide potential authors and ensure a cohesive collection.
Proposed Timeline
Outline key milestones, including call for papers release, submission deadline, review period, and expected publication window.
Review and Approval Process
Initial Review
- Scope alignment and novelty check
- Assessment of guest editor experience
- Feasibility of proposed timeline
- Expected submission volume review
- Approval or revision request
Launch Planning
- Finalize special issue title
- Confirm editorial responsibilities
- Publish call for papers online
- Coordinate outreach and promotion
- Open submissions on schedule
Delivery
- Manage peer review workflow
- Ensure quality and consistency
- Provide editorial summaries
- Publish accepted articles OA
- Post issue promotion and visibility
Benefits for Guest Editors
Leadership visibility: Guest editors receive recognition on the issue landing page and across JFD communications, highlighting their expertise in the field.
Research network growth: Special issues attract collaborators and promote cross institutional engagement around a shared scientific theme.
Impact acceleration: Concentrated collections increase citations and position editors as leaders in high priority mycology domains.
Editorial experience: Guest editors gain structured editorial experience and contribute to shaping the research agenda for fungal diversity.
Propose a Special Issue
Send your proposal summary to the editorial office and we will guide you through the next steps.
