Propose a Special Issue

Partner with the Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedical Science (JBBS) to spotlight breakthrough themes, convene global experts, and accelerate translational discovery.

Launch a High-Impact Special Issue

Special issues advance the JBBS mission by curating frontier topics, uniting multidisciplinary teams, and delivering comprehensive coverage of biotechnology and biomedical innovation. We invite editors, principal investigators, consortium leads, and scientific societies to propose themes that address emerging challenges, novel methodologies, or translational opportunities. The JBBS editorial office collaborates with you from concept to publication to ensure your special issue achieves scientific and strategic goals.

45 daysAverage proposal review timeline

12Special issues planned for 2025

25%APC savings available for approved special issue cohorts

100%Guest editors supported by JBBS marketing & analytics teams

Why JBBS Special Issues Stand Out

Focused Scientific Impact

Curate cohesive collections that reveal the full arc of a rapidly evolving topic—method development, mechanistic insight, clinical translation, and policy implications. JBBS ensures rigorous peer review and cross-article cohesion.

Global Visibility & Promotion

Benefit from coordinated marketing across Open Access Pub channels, targeted outreach to relevant institutions, and data-driven promotion (press releases, webinars, podcast features).

Customized Author Incentives

Approved proposals may qualify for APC discounts (up to 25%), language editing support, and expedited production pipelines that publish cohorts within 3–4 weeks of final acceptance.

Ideal timing: Proposals submitted 6–9 months before desired publication allow ample time for call promotion, peer review, and coordinated launch events.

Special Issue Proposal Checklist

Prepare a structured proposal (2–4 pages) covering the following components. Use the checklist as a template to streamline approvals.

Required Elements

Working Title: Clear, concise, and SEO-friendly with keywords relevant to biotechnology and biomedical science.
Theme Summary (250–300 words): Describe the scientific challenge, recent advances, and why the topic needs a dedicated issue now.
Scope & Keywords: Bullet list of subtopics, methodologies, and application domains you plan to cover.
Guest Editor Team: Names, affiliations, ORCID IDs, and short bios (max 150 words each) highlighting leadership, diversity, and editorial experience.
Target Contributors: Potential authors, consortia, societies, or conference delegates you intend to approach.
Timeline: Proposed submission window, review period, and publication target (align with JBBS quarterly schedule).
Special Considerations: Funding opportunities, industry partnerships, or events tied to the issue (e.g., workshops, webinars).

How to Submit Your Proposal

Email Submission

Send your proposal to [email protected] with subject “JBBS Special Issue Proposal”. Attach the proposal PDF, CVs for guest editors, and any preliminary author commitments.

Online Intake Form

Use the ManuscriptZone intake form to upload proposal details, supporting documents, and desired publication window. Ideal for teams requesting coordinated APC discounts or institutional agreements.

Start Online Submission

Strategic Consultation

Need to workshop your concept? Request a 30-minute call with the JBBS editorial director. Share your draft outline, and we will offer feedback on scope, reviewer availability, and promotion strategy.

Book a Consultation

Proposal Evaluation Timeline

Week 0–1: Intake Confirmation

Editorial office acknowledges receipt, checks completeness, and may request additional details such as proposed article types or ethical considerations.

Week 1–3: Editorial Review

Editor-in-Chief and section editors assess relevance, novelty, and resource alignment. Input from the marketing and production teams ensures feasibility.

Week 3–5: Decision & Feedback

Approved proposals receive a formal invitation outlining APC incentives, promotional support, and dedicated editorial coordinator. If revisions are needed, feedback includes specific recommendations.

Fast-track opportunities: JBBS occasionally sponsors rapid special issues tied to urgent global topics (e.g., pandemic preparedness, biosecurity). Indicate “Fast-track request” in your submission if your theme is time-sensitive.

Guest Editor Expectations & Support

We partner closely with guest editors to balance scientific quality and operational efficiency.

Guest Editor Responsibilities

Champion the theme and recruit high-calibre submissions.
Provide initial triage, assign reviewers (with JBBS assistance), and recommend decisions.
Ensure conflict-of-interest transparency and uphold JBBS editorial policies.

JBBS Support

Dedicated coordinator for workflow, reviewer invitations, and author communication.
Marketing kit (email templates, social media assets, webinar scripts).
Optional language editing and formatting vouchers for invited papers.

Recognition & Incentives

Complimentary APC waiver for one manuscript led by the guest editor team.
Feature article on the JBBS homepage and newsletter spotlight upon launch.
Certificates and digital badges for CVs, websites, and institutional reports.

Best Practices for a Successful Special Issue

Align the theme with pressing questions or emerging technologies that demand multidisciplinary input.
Balance invited contributions with open calls to attract diverse perspectives and geographical representation.
Plan community engagement—webinars, conference sessions, or lab tours timed with the issue’s release.
Coordinate early with the JBBS marketing team for cross-channel promotion.
Maintain search engine visibility: provide keyword-rich article summaries, graphics, and accessible abstracts.

“Our recent special issue on bioengineered organoids drew submissions from eight countries and doubled readership within weeks. JBBS provided marketing, reviewer support, and analytics that showcased impact to our funders.” — Dr. Priya Nair, Guest Editor, Organoid Engineering Initiative

Cross-Check Before You Submit

✔ Theme aligns with JBBS Aims & Scope.
✔ Guest editor team reflects geographic, gender, and institutional diversity.
✔ You can identify at least 12–15 potential contributors or partner institutions.
✔ Timeline allows for minimum 8-week promotion and 12-week peer review.
✔ All communication will flow through [email protected] for transparency.

Resources & Inspiration

Call for Papers

Review active special issue themes, deadlines, and waiver programs for alignment.

View Active Calls

Submit to Special Issue

Share this link with prospective authors for submission instructions.

Author Guide

Editor Benefits

Discover incentives, recognition, and support for leading JBBS initiatives.

Explore Benefits

Editorial Policies

Ensure your proposal aligns with JBBS peer review, ethics, and open access standards.

Review Policies

Ready to Lead a JBBS Special Issue?

Submit your proposal or schedule a discovery call to explore how JBBS can amplify your thematic vision. We are committed to collaborative planning, ethical rigor, and rapid dissemination of transformational science.

Email Your Proposal Register as Guest Editor Review Editor Benefits

Questions? Contact [email protected] for proposal templates, APC sponsorship discussions, or to request example special issues that resonate with your topic.

Last updated: September 2025. JBBS reviews special issue policies semi-annually to align with community demand and publishing capacity.

Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedical Science

Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedical Science – Proposed Special Issue