Propose A Special Issue
JBI special issues spotlight high impact themes in biomaterials science, from smart polymers to translational device studies.
Purpose Of Special Issues
Special issues gather focused research on emerging topics and accelerate knowledge transfer across the biomaterials community. They bring together interdisciplinary teams, highlight new methods, and create a reference point for future clinical and industrial development.
We welcome proposals that are timely, research driven, and likely to attract high quality submissions. Topics should be specific enough to form a coherent collection while broad enough to engage multiple research groups.
Interdisciplinary proposals that connect materials science, biology, and clinical practice are strongly encouraged.
Examples include bioactive coatings for implants, smart polymers for drug delivery, antimicrobial surfaces, tissue engineered scaffolds, and manufacturing scale up. Proposals can also address regulatory readiness, validation standards, or data driven design in biomaterials.
Example Themes
Smart Polymers
Stimuli responsive materials and adaptive systems
Bioactive Coatings
Surface engineering for osseointegration
Antimicrobial Materials
Infection resistant device design
3D Biofabrication
Additive manufacturing and custom implants
What To Include In Your Proposal
A strong proposal outlines the scientific rationale, target audience, and potential contributors. Please include the following details when submitting your idea.
Theme And Scope
Define the topic, key subthemes, and the unique value for biomaterials research.
Rationale
Explain why the topic is urgent now and how it advances clinical or industrial translation.
Guest Editors
Provide names, affiliations, expertise areas, and brief bios for proposed guest editors.
Contributor List
Suggest potential authors or research groups likely to submit high quality manuscripts.
Timeline
Proposed submission window, review period, and target publication timeframe.
Promotion Plan
Ideas for outreach, webinars, or conference alignment to attract submissions.
Selection Criteria
JBI evaluates proposals based on scientific relevance, novelty, and the ability to attract strong submissions. We prioritize themes that support clinical translation, improved biomaterial safety, or emerging manufacturing approaches.
Proposals should outline expected submission volume and confirm that invited contributors understand JBI standards, including peer review, ethics compliance, and APC transparency.
Editorial Standards
All special issue submissions follow the same peer review and ethics standards as regular articles. Acceptance is based on scientific merit and scope alignment, not on invitation status.
Guest Editor Responsibilities
Guest editors help shape the issue, recommend reviewers, and provide high level guidance throughout the review process. They collaborate with the JBI editorial office to maintain consistent quality and timely decision making.
Guest editors are expected to declare conflicts of interest and adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards. Final acceptance decisions remain with the Editor in Chief or the assigned handling editor.
Guest editors receive visibility on the special issue landing page and may be invited to contribute an editorial overview that positions the collection within the broader biomaterials landscape.
How To Submit A Proposal
Send your proposal and supporting information to [email protected]. The editorial office will review the proposal and respond with next steps.
If approved, the editorial office will share a launch plan, submission window, and communication materials to help promote the call to the biomaterials community.
