Special Issues: Focus and Tribute

Up to 4 times a year, ES&T publishes a special issue. Focus issues consist of a Feature article and a group of peer-reviewed research manuscripts in an area of current environmental importance. One of the special issues may be a Tribute issue that commemorates the career of a distinguished environmental researcher. The Tribute issue may contain a related Feature article and/or a staff-written “Perspective.” The research section contains a group of peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, usually in the research area(s) of the honoree.

There is a great demand for special issues. They are scheduled 1 or more years in advance of publication. If you wish to suggest a special issue to ES&T, please email the Editor-in-Chief’s office at and copy (cc) the Managing Editor at . Special issues will not be scheduled until the Editor-in-Chief’s office approves, in writing, a detailed proposal, that includes how manuscripts will be invited, a list of potential contributors, and a timeline.

Manuscripts submitted for special issues are usually invited submissions. If you would like to have a manuscript considered for a particular special issue, please email prior to submission.

Special Issue Template

1. What is the theme of the issue? Secondarily, what title do you propose for the issue?

2. Provide the names and affiliations of all proposed guest editors. Which guest editor will be the primary contact?

3. Please describe current research and qualifications of each guest editor, and explain why this group of editors is a good choice to edit this issue.

4. Please explain why this is an appropriate time for this specific issue, for example: conference or symposium, timeliness of topic.

5. Does ES&T currently cover this topic or topical area? If not, why should we?

6. What other journals have covered, or may in the future, cover this topic?

7. Each special issue is handled by one of ES&T’s Associate Editors, who works with the guest editors. This Associate Editor is responsible for all final decisions. Which ES&T Associate Editor do you suggest?

8. List mechanism(s) for recruiting authors that will result in appropriate depth and breadth. Specify mechanisms to reach out beyond a symposium or other nucleating event.