What is a Special Issue?

Special Issues (SIs) are thematic collections of papers organized and overseen by subject experts acting as Guest Editors. Unlike regular journal issues, SIs are focused on specific topics of interest. Papers submitted to SIs undergo the same peer review process as regular submissions but are distinguished by being labeled as part of a Special Issue and are discoverable within the collection.

Special Issues (SIs) serve as platforms for the dissemination of scientific topics, offering flexibility and adaptability to the evolving needs of the research community. Guest Editors play a pivotal role in shaping the scope of the SI as submissions are received, fostering an inclusive environment for researchers to share their findings.

Initially, publications submitted to a SI appear as regular submissions. Once the SI accumulates five papers, a dedicated website for the Special Issue is created. If the SI falls short of five papers by the submission deadline, the submissions are treated as regular papers and published accordingly, as well as the special issue will be canceled. New papers continue to be added until the Special Issue is closed.