We invite proposals for special issues that advance the science of disease causation and diagnostic accuracy. Topics may include emerging pathogens, diagnostic algorithms, biomarker validation, or cross disciplinary approaches to etiology. A strong proposal demonstrates clear scientific urgency and a defined audience.

Guest editors should have subject expertise, publication experience, and a network of potential contributors. Proposals are evaluated for scope, feasibility, and expected impact on the diagnostic community.

Proposals should include a draft schedule for the call for papers, submission deadline, review window, and expected publication date. Realistic timelines help attract submissions and maintain reviewer engagement.

Guest editors should confirm availability during the planned window and identify co editors if additional support is needed. The journal team will help refine the timeline to match editorial capacity.

Guest editors coordinate with the journal to identify reviewers, provide feedback to authors, and ensure that etiological relevance remains central to the collection. They should uphold confidentiality and declare any conflicts of interest.

Examples include emerging pathogen identification, diagnostic algorithms for complex syndromes, etiological insights from multi omics data, or novel point of care testing for resource limited settings. Themes should be specific enough to attract focused submissions while broad enough to build a full issue.

The journal provides timelines, reviewer recruitment support, and promotional guidance. This support helps guest editors focus on scientific leadership while maintaining consistent quality.

Provide a one to two page proposal with title, rationale, guest editor list, and proposed timeline.