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.
What steps are involved in creating a Focus Collection?
For more specific Focus Collection information, contact the journal to which you plan to submit your work.
1. Choosing the theme
The journal (or journals for collections spanning more than one title) Publisher selects the theme and appoints a Lead Guest Editor in consultation with the journal editorial team and research integrity team. Suggestions often come from:
- The journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Executive and Editorial Board
- Conferences and workshops
- Community feedback
- The journal’s in-house editorial team
2. Building the editorial team
The Lead Guest Editor may suggest co-Guest Editors in partnership with the Publisher, considering diversity in terms of geography and gender identity to fairly represent the community. Suggested Guest Editors will be reviewed by the Publisher, in consultation with our editorial and research integrity teams. This requires no additional action but ensures that all contributions meet the high standards expected by IOP Publishing.
We ask all Guest Editors to confirm they follow our data protection policy, only use the data for its intended purpose and keep it stored safely. We also need each Guest Editor to confirm they have no conflicts of interest.
3. Planning the collection
Guest Editors collaborate to define the scope including article types that can be considered and identify potential contributors, completing a proposal form provided by the Publisher.
4. Review and approval
The proposal is reviewed by the Publisher who performs editorial and integrity checks, and, in some cases, the Editor-in-Chief and/or Editorial Board.
5. Compiling the collection
Once approved, we will create a dedicated webpage to showcase the Focus Collection. The Guest Editors and Publisher collaborate to curate content for the Focus Collection. Guest Editors send invitations to selected authors and follow-up invitations are sent by the Publisher, with author guidelines.
6. Launching the collection
We work with Guest Editors to promote the Focus Collection to our networks. Most Focus Collections welcome contributed papers as well as invited papers.
7. Peer review process
All submissions undergo the same rigorous peer review as regular journal articles, managed by our in-house editorial team. In some cases, Guest Editors may be approached for advice; for example, when two reviewer reports provide conflicting information.
8. Final steps
Guest Editors may be invited to write a short Editorial to introduce the collection before it is closed. Once complete, the collection is published and actively promoted to the community to enhance visibility and readership.
9. Watch your collection grow!
Track new articles as they’re published and see how your Focus Collection builds a rich picture of research in your area.
Timeline
From initial planning to publication, the process typically takes 15–18 months.