Boffin Access – Special Issue Guidelines

Special Issues at Boffin Access are designed to enrich our journals by focusing on emerging topics, cutting-edge developments, or underexplored areas of research. A successful Special Issue should present a coherent narrative while aligning with the journal’s aims and scope. These issues typically feature high-quality contributions authored by leading experts in the field. To ensure excellence, Special Issue editors are expected to uphold the highest editorial and ethical standards.

A Special Issue proposal may be initiated by a recognized subject expert (guest editor) or an existing editorial board member. Once approved, the guest/principal editor will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the issue in close collaboration with the journal’s Editor-in-Chief.

Editorial Structure

• Each Special Issue may be led by up to three editors:
  • Principal Editor – provides leadership, defines aims & scope, and oversees the issue.
  • Associate Editors – assist with manuscript handling and peer review.
• All editors must follow Boffin Access’s editorial and review policies as outlined for regular submissions.
• Editors may serve as reviewers, but independent peer review is encouraged to maintain objectivity.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Ensure the Special Issue topic falls within the scope of the journal and is of broad scientific interest.
2. Define the aims, scope, and thematic structure of the Special Issue.
3. Select qualified reviewers and oversee the peer review process.
4. Uphold Boffin Access’s ethical publishing standards and evaluate manuscripts solely on scientific merit.
5. Submit an editorial or opinion article to introduce the Special Issue.
6. Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the journal’s editorial board.
7. Determine the size of the issue; if submissions exceed expectations, multiple volumes may be considered.
8. Establish a timeline and adhere to deadlines. Standard timeline is 90 days, extendable to 120 days upon request.

Timeline & Publication

• The completion deadline for a Special Issue is 90 days from approval. Extensions up to 120 days may be granted upon justified request.
• Incomplete or delayed issues may be closed at the discretion of the Publisher.
• Each Special Issue will have an independent webpage containing details of editors, aims & scope, timelines, and published manuscripts.

Publisher’s Support

Boffin Access offers strategic and logistical support to guest editors to ensure the success of Special Issues. Additional benefits for guest editors may be offered on a case-by-case basis. These details remain confidential between Boffin Access and the guest editor(s).