Guest Editor Guidelines

Zoological Reports – An International Journal welcomes experienced researchers and subject specialists to serve as Guest Editors for special issues or thematic sections of the journal. The role of the Guest Editor is to provide academic leadership, ensure scientific quality, and coordinate the peer review and editorial process for manuscripts submitted to the special issue. Guest Editors are expected to uphold the journal’s editorial policies, ethical standards, and commitment to scholarly excellence throughout the editorial process.

Guest Editors are responsible for proposing a clear and well-defined theme that aligns with the scope and aims of the journal and addresses current or emerging topics in zoological sciences. Upon approval of the proposal by the Editor-in-Chief, Guest Editors may invite contributions from qualified researchers, promote the special issue within the scientific community, and manage submissions in collaboration with the journal’s editorial office. All invited and submitted manuscripts must represent original work and meet the journal’s academic and ethical requirements.

The peer review process for manuscripts handled by Guest Editors must follow the journal’s double-blind review policy. Guest Editors are responsible for selecting qualified and independent reviewers, ensuring that reviews are objective, constructive, and completed in a timely manner. While Guest Editors may provide editorial recommendations based on reviewer feedback, final publication decisions rest with the Editor-in-Chief or the journal’s main editorial board to maintain consistency and editorial oversight.

Guest Editors must adhere strictly to ethical publishing practices. Any potential conflicts of interest involving the Guest Editor, reviewers, or authors must be disclosed to the editorial office. Guest Editors should not handle manuscripts in which they have a personal, professional, or financial interest. Confidentiality of manuscript content and reviewer identities must be maintained at all stages of the editorial process.

Timely communication and coordination with the editorial office are essential responsibilities of Guest Editors. They are expected to monitor the progress of submissions, ensure that revisions are addressed appropriately, and assist in meeting the agreed publication timelines for the special issue. Guest Editors may also be invited to write an editorial introduction summarizing the theme and key contributions of the special issue.

By accepting the role of Guest Editor, individuals agree to uphold the journal’s standards of academic integrity, fairness, and transparency. Zoological Reports values the expertise and leadership of its Guest Editors and recognizes their contribution to advancing zoological research through focused, high-quality thematic publications.