Special Issues | Focus sections

Special Issues | Focus Sections

GAIA publishes up to one Special Issue (SI) per year. These stand-alone issues focus on a specific theme or topic and are produced separately from regular GAIA issues. Special Issues are a collaborative effort between GAIA editors and guest editors.

Focus sections are dedicated parts of a GAIA issue that concentrate on a specific theme or topic. Like Special Issues, they offer a collaborative publication opportunity, co-organized by GAIA editors and guest editors.

The decision to publish a Special Issue or a Focus Section lies solely with the GAIA Editorial Board. Proposals are carefully evaluated based on thematic relevance, academic quality, and the credentials of the guest editors. In general, GAIA considers proposals only from well-established researchers in their respective fields.

Following acceptance of the proposal, the editorial office oversees the submission and peer review process. In cases where guest editors are among the authors, their submissions are reviewed under conditions that safeguard the impartiality and integrity of the process. Decisions regarding the acceptance, rejection, or revision of articles are made by the responsible GAIA co-editor(s), based on the reviewers’ reports and with consideration of the guest editors’ recommendations.

Guest editors are expected to cover additional editorial and production costs. In return, they benefit from a comprehensive publication service package, including editorial coordination, copy-editing, layout and production, Gold Open Access, and marketing support.

If you are interested in publishing a special issue or a focus section, please contact the editorial office at editorsgaia@oekom.de.