Focus Collection FAQ

How do we decide on the topics we cover?
The journal Publisher selects the theme and appoints a Lead Guest Editor in consultation with the journal editorial team and research integrity team. Focus Collections may centre on well-established topics where a substantial body of high-quality research exists, serving to highlight the key work for an engaged audience. Or they may explore emerging areas of study, helping to raise awareness and stimulate interest in promising new sub-fields. When a topic is decided, a variety of article types published in the journal can be included in a focus collection. For each focus collection, the Publisher and Guest Editor discuss which article types can be considered in the focus collection. Typically, focus collections include original research papers and topical reviews.

Can a Focus Collection involve more than one IOP Publishing journal?
Yes, Focus Collections can include journals across the IOP Publishing portfolio as long as it is relevant to the collection theme.

Can the deadline be extended for the Focus Collection? 
We typically keep the collection open for submissions long enough to allow for one or two rounds of invitations, if required. If authors require additional time, deadline extensions may be possible. In such cases, authors should contact the Guest Editor or the journal’s mailbox to discuss their request.

Do all the articles need to be accepted for publication before the Focus Collection is published? 
No, we do not wait for all articles to be accepted before publishing the collection. Each collection has its own dedicated webpage, and articles are automatically added as soon as they have been accepted and published. This means the collection grows over time, giving readers access to new content as it becomes available while ensuring that earlier work remains visible and accessible.

How do Focus Collections differ from post-publication collections?

• Focus Collections are led by a team of expert Guest Editors who curate a set of articles centred around a specific theme. Guest Editors invite authors to specifically contribute to the Focus Collection.
• Post-publication collections are assembled after articles have already been published. They group together existing content around a common theme to increase visibility, but they do not involve Guest Editors or invited submissions. Additionally, papers included in post-publication collections will not be removed from Focus Collections.