Special Issue Guidelines

Purpose of Special Issues

Special Issues are designed to focus on a specific, timely, or emerging topic in the Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Life sciences. They aim to bring together high-quality original research, reviews, and commentaries under a unified theme. Each Special Issue provides a platform to showcase cutting-edge studies and highlight trends or innovations in a particular field.


Benefits of Hosting a Special Issue

Increased Visibility and Recognition

  • Guest Editors gain recognition in their field by leading a themed collection of articles.
  • Special Issues are highlighted on the journal website, newsletters, and social media, increasing visibility for both editors and contributors.

Showcase Expertise

  • Hosting a Special Issue allows Guest Editors to curate content that reflects their expertise and research interests.
  • It positions them as leaders in a particular area of biological sciences.

Attractive Publication Incentives

  • Guest Editors can publish one article free of APC as a primary or corresponding author in their Special Issue.
  • They also have the opportunity to write one editorial free of APC to highlight the theme or scope of the issue.
  • Guest Editors receive an official certificate recognizing their contribution.

Attract High-Quality Submissions

  • Special Issues often attract top researchers and cutting-edge studies, enhancing the overall quality and impact of the collection.

Enhanced Citations and Impact

  • Thematic collections with focused topics are more likely to be cited, increasing visibility and impact for both the issue and individual contributions.

Networking Opportunities

  • Guest Editors collaborate with authors, reviewers, and the editorial team, building professional connections within the research community.

Support from Journal Editorial Team

  • The journal provides full support, including peer review coordination, promotion, and publication logistics.
  • Guest Editors can focus on scientific content without handling administrative burdens.

Contribution to the Research Community

  • Special Issues highlight emerging trends, innovations, and critical topics in the field, helping guide future research directions.
  • They serve as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and students.

Flexible Topic Selection

  • Guest Editors can define the theme, scope, and article types for their Special Issue, providing creative freedom to focus on areas of emerging importance.

Long-Term Visibility

  • Special Issues remain permanently accessible on the journal website, ensuring ongoing visibility and citation potential for contributors.

Proposing a Special Issue

Potential Guest Editors can propose a Special Issue to the journal by submitting Online Form. The proposal should include:

  • Proposed title of the Special Issue

  • A brief description highlighting the scope, significance, and target audience

  • List of potential topics to include in bullet points

  • Names, affiliations, and contact details of Guest Editors

Submission and Review:

  • Submit the proposal via the “Propose a Special Issue” page or directly to the editorial office.

  • The Editor-in-Chief and editorial board review proposals to ensure alignment with the journal’s scope, relevance, and quality standards.

  • Approved Special Issues will be notified to contributor via email and announced on the journal website and via communication channels.


Manuscript Submission to Special Issues

  • Check Active Calls: Contributors should review the current calls for Special Issues in the “Special Issues” listing.

  • Prepare Manuscripts: Follow standard Author Guidelines regarding manuscript structure, word limits, figures, tables, and references.

  • Submit Online: Submit manuscripts via the journal’s online submission system. During submission, please choose the appropriate Article Type and mention in the Cover Letter that your manuscript is for this Special Issue.

  • Peer Review: All manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer-review process coordinated by Guest Editors with the journal editorial team.

  • Revisions and Acceptance: Authors may be required to revise their manuscripts according to reviewer feedback. Accepted articles will be published online in the corresponding Special Issue.


Article Types Accepted

  • Original Research Articles and Short Communications

  • Full-length Reviews, Systematic Review, and Mini-Reviews

  • Opinion (if approved by Guest Editors)


Important Dates & Deadlines

Each Special Issue specifies a timeline for submission, review, revisions, and publication in the call for papers. Authors should adhere to these deadlines for timely processing and publication.


Roles and Responsibilities

  • Guest Editors: Manage peer review, recommend acceptance or rejection, communicate with authors, and ensure the overall quality of the issue.

  • Authors: Prepare manuscripts according to guidelines, submit to the correct Special Issue, and respond to reviewer comments.

  • Journal Editorial Team: Oversee the editorial process, ensure adherence to policy, support Guest Editors, and maintain overall quality standards.


Article Processing Charges (APC)

Standard journal APCs apply for articles published in Special Issues. Authors can consult the APC page for detailed information on fees and waivers if applicable.


Contact Information

For questions regarding Special Issue proposals or manuscript submissions, contributors can contact the editorial office at:
Email: info@irrespub.com


Additional Information

For current and upcoming Special Issues, visit the Special Issues listing page. Contributors can review active calls and select the relevant Special Issue during manuscript submission.