Propose Special Issue

Special Issues

Researchers are welcome to propose a Special Issue for publication in the Journal. Special issues focus on a topical research issue that is both current and appealing to many researchers in the field.

To propose a Special Issue, ensure that:

  1. The topic you choose is in the area of your research interest and you are well published therein;
  2. The topic is an area of current and growing interest in your field and many researcher would appreciate a special issue bringing the latest research together;
  3. The topic is within the scope of the Journal;
  4. The scope of your special issues in broad enough to attract a reasonable number of articles but narrow enough to preserve focus and provide a congruent/cohesive slate of articles.

Preparing your proposal

A typical proposal should be succinct yet brief: it should include enough material for our Editorial Team to evaluate and take an informed decision about your proposal. A good proposal also sets the foundation for the Call for Submissions. It should provide enough background information regarding the aims of the special issues and clarity as to the type of articles sought. Ideally, this should be done in no more than 450 words.

Your proposal should follow the structure below:

  1. A compact yet appealing title for the Special Issue, ideally not exceeding 10 words. Please, avoid titles phrased as questions;
  2. Provide a concise summary of the proposed title, where it sits within the broader research area and why it is important (Do this in 1 - 2 paragraphs);
  3. Explain the key challenges involving research in the chosen topic (Do this in 1 paragraph);
  4. Lastly, itemize the aims and scope of the Special Issue: include a statement about the sort of studies you wish to attract and those you may wish to exclude (Do this in 1 paragraph);
  5. List of 8 - 12 ‘topics’ reflecting the type of submissions you wish to attract. These topics serve as guides for the authors as to the direction of the Special Issue (Each topics should contain at least 3 words). Topics should have clear links to the focus of the Special issue.
  6. Suggest a team of 2-3 Lead Guest Editors for the Special Issue (You are a Lead Editor). Lead Guest Editors must have relevant publication history in the proposed area of the Special Issue and ideally, have a broad geographical spread (be active on different continents and institutional affiliations).

Assessment and Approval of Special Issues

Our Editorial team evaluate each proposed Special Issue to ensure they meet internal standards. You may be invited to revise your proposal should the Team find it necessary. Upon acceptance, the Editorial Board will work with you to see through the announcement, review and publishing process.

Proposals shall be assessed by the Editorial Team. It typically takes two to four weeks from submission of your proposal to a final decision.

Submit Your Proposal

  • Login to the SRA-Physical journal and navigate to the Submissions page.
  • Click on Start a New Submission.
  • Select the Special Issue Proposals section.
  • Complete the submission form, ensuring all required fields are filled.
  • Upload your proposal document and any supplementary files.
  • After submitting, you will receive an email confirmation. You can track the status of your submission via the SRA-Physical journal dashboard.