Propose A Special Issue
JNMB welcomes special issue proposals that spotlight emerging molecular biology themes and foster collaboration across genomics, RNA biology, and biotechnology.
What To Include
Theme title and rationale
Scientific urgency
Scope and boundaries
Guest editor team
Potential contributors
Proposed timeline
Guest Editor Expectations
Guest editors should have a strong publication record and the ability to manage peer review in coordination with the editorial office. Balanced geographic and disciplinary representation is encouraged.
We recommend a team with complementary expertise, such as genomics, structural biology, and translational applications.
Guest editors are expected to handle reviewer selection and maintain consistent decision standards.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are assessed for novelty, feasibility, and community interest. We prioritize topics with clear impact on molecular mechanisms or translational applications.
Strong proposals include a list of potential contributors and a realistic timeline.
JNMB values proposals with interdisciplinary relevance and clear scientific urgency.
Workflow
Approved proposals move to a formal call for papers, with JNMB support for promotion and reviewer recruitment. Submissions follow standard editorial policies and ethical checks.
Guest editors coordinate with the editorial office to maintain consistency of review and decision standards.
Production schedules are planned early to align with targeted publication windows.
Visibility
Special issues are highlighted on the journal site and promoted to relevant research communities to maximize submission quality and readership.
We encourage guest editors to engage networks and research societies to broaden participation.
Press coverage or institutional communications can be coordinated for high impact themes.
Theme Definition
Successful themes focus on a clear molecular question or emerging methodology. Avoid overly broad themes that dilute focus.
Provide a short narrative that explains the urgency and expected audience for the issue.
Include a rationale for why the topic is timely and how it advances the field.
Timeline Planning
Proposals should include milestones for call launch, submission deadline, review window, and publication. Realistic timelines improve author participation.
JNMB supports rolling publication to release articles as soon as they are ready.
Guest editors should confirm availability for the full review period.
Proposal Format
Provide a concise overview, list of potential topics, and target contributor list. Include short bios for guest editors and their relevant expertise.
Proposals may include a draft call for papers to accelerate approval.
Decision Process
Proposals are reviewed by the editorial office for scope fit and feasibility. Approved proposals receive a formal confirmation and launch plan.
JNMB communicates decisions quickly to allow timely promotion.
Submit A Special Issue Proposal
Send a brief proposal and guest editor list to [email protected]. We typically respond within two business days.
Community Engagement
Successful proposals identify a clear audience and outline how the special issue will engage that community through targeted outreach or partnerships.
Consider involving societies, consortia, or research networks to broaden participation.
Submission Planning
Define submission windows and review timelines early. A well structured schedule improves author participation and keeps the issue on track.
JNMB can assist with scheduling and promotional planning once the proposal is approved.
