Submit to Special Issue
Contribute to focused collections advancing marine science research themes.
Join Thematic Collections
IMSJ special issues bring together related research on emerging topics in marine science. Contributing to a special issue places your work alongside complementary studies, amplifying visibility and impact within the research community.
View our ongoing special issues page for currently active collections accepting submissions. Each special issue has specific scope and submission deadlines.
Important: When submitting, clearly identify the target special issue in your cover letter and submission form. Manuscripts not specifying special issue affiliation may be processed as regular submissions.
Scope Alignment
Ensure your manuscript falls within the specific theme of the target special issue. Review the call for papers carefully.
Deadline Adherence
Submit before the special issue deadline. Late submissions may be directed to regular issues if the special issue is closed.
Special issue submissions undergo the same rigorous peer review as regular manuscripts. Guest editors work with the IMSJ editorial team to coordinate reviews while maintaining quality standards. Acceptance is based on scientific merit, not special issue affiliation.
Accepted manuscripts are published online as soon as ready, with assignment to the special issue collection. Complete special issues are compiled after all accepted manuscripts are published, with an introductory editorial from guest editors.
Special issue submissions follow the same formatting requirements as regular articles. Check target word limits, reference styles, and supplementary material guidelines in our Instructions for Authors. Manuscripts not meeting formatting requirements may be returned for correction before review.
Authors submitting to special issues retain responsibility for originality, ethical compliance, and data integrity identical to regular submissions. Special issue affiliation does not modify peer review standards or editorial requirements. All co-authors must approve submission and meet authorship criteria.
Special issue submissions undergo rigorous peer review by experts in the thematic area. Guest editors coordinate reviewer selection in consultation with the IMSJ editorial office. The same quality standards and ethical requirements apply to special issue manuscripts as regular submissions. Acceptance rates for special issues are comparable to regular submissions, ensuring collection quality.
Accepted manuscripts proceed through standard production workflows including copyediting, typesetting, and author proofing. Authors should respond promptly to production queries to maintain special issue timelines. Published articles carry special issue branding and are grouped in the online collection.
