Guest Editor Guidelines
Journal Information
Guest Editor Guidelines
Frontiers in Environmental Biology To enhance the scientific impact and global visibility of Frontiers in Environmental Biology, the journal regularly publishes Special Issues addressing emerging and high-impact topics in environmental and biological sciences. Special Issues provide focused platforms for advancing discussions on critical environmental challenges and innovative biological solutions.
The journal welcomes proposals from qualified researchers to serve as Guest Editors for Special Issues. These guidelines outline procedures for proposing, organizing, and managing Special Issues, as well as the responsibilities of Guest Editors in ensuring scientific quality and editorial integrity.
Responsibilities of Guest Editors in Managing a Special Issue
Preparation and Submission of a Proposal
Qualified researchers, including Editorial Board Members, experienced reviewers, and recognized experts in environmental and biological sciences, are invited to propose Special Issues. Topics may be suggested by the Editor-in-Chief or Editorial Board Members based on emerging research areas, or proposed independently by potential Guest Editors.
A Special Issue topic should address a timely and relevant research area within the journal’s scope. It should be broad enough to attract sufficient high-quality submissions while maintaining a coherent thematic focus.
Researchers interested in serving as Guest Editors should submit proposals to the Editorial Office. Proposals are evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with Editorial Board Members, typically within two weeks of submission.
A complete proposal should include:
★ Current curriculum vitae and a brief bibliography demonstrating expertise and visibility in the proposed topic;
★ Names and contact information of up to two potential co-Guest Editors, if applicable;
★ Proposed Special Issue title and estimated number of expected submissions;
★ Scientific background and significance of the proposed theme;
★ Scope description and six concise keywords representing the Special Issue;
★ Potential contributors or research groups likely to submit manuscripts;
★ Tentative timeline for manuscript solicitation and peer review completion;
★ Disclosure of any real or potential conflicts of interest related to the proposed topic or invited contributors.
Promotion of the Special Issue and Solicitation of Manuscripts
Once approved, Guest Editors prepare a Call for Papers describing the Special Issue theme, submission guidelines, and deadlines. Guest Editors are encouraged to disseminate the Call for Papers through professional networks, conferences, workshops, and academic platforms to attract high-quality submissions.
Simultaneously, the Editorial Office promotes the Special Issue through journal communication channels, Editorial Board networks, and digital outreach platforms.
In addition to invited submissions, unsolicited manuscripts relevant to the Special Issue theme are also welcomed and evaluated through the standard editorial process.
Oversight of Peer Review and Quality Assurance
Manuscripts submitted to Special Issues must meet the same quality standards as regular journal submissions. All manuscripts undergo rigorous peer review except certain invited Editorials.
Submissions first undergo an initial editorial screening by the Editor-in-Chief. Suitable manuscripts are then assigned to the Guest Editor, who generally acts as Academic Editor for the peer review process.
Guest Editors must declare potential conflicts of interest before handling any manuscript. If conflicts exist, the Editor-in-Chief assigns an alternative Academic Editor to ensure impartiality.
Guest Editors overseeing reviews must:
★ Ensure reviews are scientifically rigorous and constructive;
★ Monitor potential conflicts of interest between authors and reviewers;
★ Identify and report possible ethical or publication misconduct;
★ Evaluate reviewer reports and recommend editorial decisions (acceptance, revision, or rejection).
Final publication decisions remain the responsibility of the Editor-in-Chief, who may accept or override Guest Editor recommendations if necessary to maintain publication standards.
Manuscripts authored or recommended by Guest Editors are handled by independent editors to avoid conflicts of interest. Additionally, manuscripts authored by Guest Editors should not exceed 25% of the total articles within the Special Issue to preserve editorial independence.
If a manuscript falls outside the Special Issue theme but aligns with journal scope, it may be considered for publication as a regular article.
For additional information, Guest Editors should consult the journal’s Peer Review Policy and Editorial Process guidelines.
Benefits of Serving as Guest Editor
Guest Editors gain professional and academic benefits, including:
★ Valuable editorial and leadership experience for professional profiles;
★ Increased scientific visibility through profiles featured on the Special Issue webpage;
★ Opportunities for invitation to join the journal’s Editorial Board.
Editorial Office Support for Guest Editors
The Editorial Office provides support to ensure successful Special Issue publication, including:
★ Promotion of Special Issue announcements via journal communication channels;
★ Dissemination of Calls for Papers to global research communities;
★ Promotion of the published Special Issue through mailing lists and social media outreach;
★ Complimentary digital copies of the Special Issue;
★ Official certificates recognizing Guest Editor contributions.
Researchers interested in proposing or managing a Special Issue are encouraged to contact the Editorial Office with proposals or inquiries.