Why Special Issues Matter
Focused issues accelerate progress by bringing together research on high-priority questions such as MDR pathogen surveillance, novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and stewardship interventions. Special Issues draw concentrated readership, build collaborations, and elevate the impact of participating authors.
What to Include in Your Proposal
Clear, structured proposals help us evaluate relevance and feasibility quickly.
Theme and Rationale
Define the topic and its significance to AMR research
- Proposed title and focus
- Scientific importance
- Alignment with journal scope
- Target community interest
Guest Editor Team
Qualified editors with subject-matter expertise
- Names and affiliations
- Editorial or review experience
- Defined responsibilities
- Conflict disclosures
Submission Pipeline
Planned contributors and timeline
- Potential author list
- Estimated article count
- Submission window
- Target publication date
Guest Editor Responsibilities
Guest editors shape the issue's scientific quality by inviting contributors, recommending reviewers, and monitoring timelines. The journal provides editorial oversight to ensure consistent standards and ethical compliance across all submissions.
Proposal Review Process
We evaluate proposals for topical relevance, editorial leadership, and feasibility. Approved proposals receive support with call-for-papers materials, timelines, and editorial coordination.
Submit Proposal
Email the editorial office with your concept and guest editor details
Editorial Review
Scope, feasibility, and impact assessed by the journal
Approval and Launch
Call for papers and submission timeline finalized
How Proposals Are Evaluated
We assess proposals based on scientific relevance, editorial leadership, and the likelihood of attracting high-quality submissions. Proposals should reflect a distinct, timely contribution to AMR research and demonstrate a realistic plan for delivery.
Ethics and Quality Standards
Special Issues follow the same ethical and methodological standards as regular issues. Guest editors work with the journal to ensure transparent peer review and consistent decision criteria across the collection.
Timeline Planning
Proposals should include realistic milestones for submission, peer review, and publication. Clear timelines help guest editors coordinate contributors and keep the Special Issue on schedule.
Expected Volume and Diversity
We encourage a balanced mix of original research, reviews, and methodological papers. A diverse author base and geographic representation strengthens the global relevance of the Special Issue.
Promotion and Outreach
We support approved Special Issues with promotional materials and announcements. Guest editors are encouraged to engage their networks to attract high-quality submissions and broaden the issue's impact across the AMR community.
Coordination with the Journal
Once approved, guest editors work closely with the editorial office to align reviewer assignments, manage timelines, and ensure consistent decision criteria across the issue.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
We evaluate proposals based on scientific urgency, breadth of interest, and the ability to attract high quality submissions. A clear rationale, draft topic list, and potential contributor names strengthen your proposal.
Lead a High-Impact Special Issue
Bring the AMR community together around a timely, focused research theme.
