Special Issues Policy

Document version 1.0. Last review: 31/01/2025.

1. General Policy

The Southern Journal of Sciences maintains a selective approach to Special Issues. As a principle, we prioritize regular issues to maintain our consistent publishing schedule and quality standards. In our 30-year history, only two Special Issues have been published, demonstrating our highly selective criteria for such publications.

2. Historical Special Issues

Previously published Special Issues were dedicated to:

  • Editorial Board transition
  • Journal name change commemoration
These instances reflect the exceptional nature of Special Issue publications in our journal.

3. Criteria for Special Issues

Special Issues may be considered for:

  • Significant institutional milestones
  • Major developments in the journal's history
  • Exceptional scientific achievements or breakthroughs
  • Selected high-quality conference proceedings
  • Emerging research fields within the journal's scope

4. Conference-Based Special Issues

For conference-based Special Issues, the following requirements must be met:

4.1. Collaboration Requirements
  • Formal partnership agreement with the conference organizing institution
  • Clear alignment between conference themes and journal scope
  • Demonstration of conference's academic reputation and quality standards
4.2. Peer Review Process
  • At least one referee must be from the conference's scientific committee
  • Standard journal peer review procedures apply
  • Additional review may be required to ensure consistency with journal standards
4.3. Manuscript Requirements
  • All submissions must align with the journal's scope
  • Papers must follow the journal's formatting guidelines
  • Original research content beyond conference presentation is required
  • Extended versions of conference papers must contain at least 30% new material

5. Proposal Submission Process

Proposals for Special Issues should include:

  1. Detailed rationale for the Special Issue
  2. Expected impact on the field
  3. Proposed timeline for publication
  4. Guest editors' credentials (if applicable)
  5. Potential contributors and topics

6. Quality Control

Special Issues are subject to:

  • Regular quality control measures of the journal
  • Additional oversight by the Editorial Board
  • Strict adherence to publication ethics
  • Regular progress monitoring and timeline compliance

7. Editorial Responsibilities

For Special Issues, the following responsibilities apply:

  • The Editor-in-Chief maintains final decision authority
  • Guest editors (if appointed) must follow journal policies
  • Regular editorial board members provide oversight
  • Clear communication channels must be established between all parties

8. Timeline and Planning

Special Issue publication requires:

  • Minimum of 6 month to 1 year of advance planning
  • Clear submission deadlines
  • Structured review schedule
  • Defined publication timeline

9. Marketing and Promotion

Special Issues will receive:

  • Dedicated promotional campaign
  • Announcement in regular journal issues
  • Special visibility on the journal website
  • Targeted outreach to relevant research communities

10. Contact Information

For Special Issue proposals or inquiries, please contact the Editor-in-Chief through the journal's official communication channels.