Sustainable Marine Structures

By focusing on the results of research on a particular topic, Special Issues contribute to the development of specialised subfields within the wider discipline. Special Issues provide readers with a comprehensive overview of recent advances, current debates and future directions in a particular field.

The publication of a special Issue encompasses the identification of Special Issue proposals, review of manuscripts, the publication process, promotion and maintenance. The Editor-in-Chief or the journal’s editorial office works with Guest Editors after a Special Issue proposal has been approved to ensure the successful publication and impact of the Special Issue.

Special Issues are published on the same schedule, typeset and distributed in the same way as regular articles and are subject to rigorous peer review. All editors and reviewers involved in a Special Issue are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest, which are handled by the journal’s policy. Considering the sustainability of the Special Issue, articles in the Special Issue will be published interspersed with regular articles, displayed in a Special Issue column, and will not delay the release of regular articles. The editorial board encourages researchers from diverse backgrounds to actively contribute to the Special Issue and bring a wealth of ideas, methods and results to advance the academic field.

When submitting a proposal for a Special Issue, it is necessary to follow the guidelines and requirements of the journal to ensure that the proposal is complete, and engaging and demonstrates the scholarly and practical value of the Special Issue. The quality and innovative nature of the proposal will have a direct impact on the journal’s selection and acceptance of the Special Issue.

Proposals for Special Issues

• Theme of the Special Issue: Define the theme and research scope of the Special Issue.
• Abstract of the proposal: Provide a summary of the Special Issue, 150-300 words. Relevant hot topics, 3-5 keywords.
• Special Issue editorial team: List the names and contact information of the members of the Special Issue editorial team to be invited.
• Planned timetable: Provide a projected timetable for the Special Issue.
• Call for papers: Describe how the Special Issue will proceed with the call for papers and provide a preliminary draft of the call for papers.
• Invited articles: Indicate which eminent scholars or experts will be invited to submit articles for the Special Issue.
• Potential contributors: List potential authors who may contribute to the Special Issue.
• Special Issue publicity strategy: Describe the plan and strategy for Special Issue publicity.

Please see the Special Issue Information Form for details. Download

Basic Requirements for Guest Editors

• Academic background and expertise: As a Guest editor, you will need to have a relevant academic background and expertise in order to be able to effectively manage and review articles for the Special Issue.
• Academic reputation and contribution: Applicants are required to demonstrate their academic reputation and contribution in their chosen field. This may include high-quality research publications, conference presentations or monographs.
• Editorial experience: Having editorial experience is one of the key requirements for becoming a Guest editor. Applicants should have the editorial skills required to organise and manage a Special Issue, such as the ability to review manuscripts, coordinate authors and evaluate articles.
• Originality and innovation of the proposal: Applicants are required to submit a proposal for a Special Issue that is unique, innovative and of scholarly merit. The proposal should clearly articulate the theme, importance and expected contribution of the Special Issue, as well as the specific target readership.
• Collaboration and communication skills: As Guest editors, applicants need to demonstrate good collaboration and communication skills.

Journal editorial office selects and appoints Guest editors according to these policy requirements to ensure the quality and scholarly reputation of Special Issues. Guest editors are key players in Special Issues and play an important role in the planning, organisation and publication of Special Issues, while Guest editors advance scholarship and knowledge.

If you are an expert in the field of the journal and you are interested in organising a special feature or serving as a Guest editor, please prepare a proposal and send it to us! (nass-sms@nassg.org)