Marine Biology Research publishes infrequently a “Thematic Issue” featuring a research topic that fits well into the scope of the journal and reflects a coordinated research effort, e.g. a project, a symposium, a long-term collaboration, or any other joint venture that allows a broad, innovative, and scientifically outstanding coverage. Thematic issues follow the same handling procedure as normal issues, the only difference being that submissions will be processed and refereed in bundles. The coordinated effort required needs to be demonstrated by a Thematic Issue Proposal to be evaluated by the editors.

The Thematic Issue Proposal should be sent to the Marine Biology Research Editorial Office (marinebiology@imr.no) and include a short outline consisting of a description and an explanation of why the respective theme has been chosen. It should further contain a list of contributions that are expected to fill a total number of ca. 100 printed journal pages at maximum, their titles and prospective authors as well as the estimated number of pages, tables, and figures for each contribution. In addition, the intended date of concerted submission should be given as well as the desired publishing date. One person should be selected as Thematic Issue Coordinator  and will assist in taking the responsibility of providing high-quality manuscripts that have been checked with regard to language quality and undergone a pre-review process before being submitted.

If the editors approve the proposal, they will provide a distinct deadline at which the submission should be accomplished, at best starting within a week before that date. All manuscripts have to be submitted electronically to MBR (www.informaworld.com/mbr). Then, after successfully passing our technical and language quality checks they will be entered into the reviewing process. Care will be taken that the reviewing process runs smoothly and a concerted acceptance of all positively reviewed contributions can be finally reached. During the reviewing period the Thematic Issue Coordinator should remain in close contact with the editors for assistance or advice on any questions coming up or if respective authors cannot be reached. The Thematic Issue Coordinator shall also be involved in the final check for production and proof reading, which naturally also needs to be accomplished in a well-coordinated way.

The Thematic Issue Coordinator will be invited by the editors to join them in writing the editorial that introduces the Thematic Issue. He/she will also be invited to act as Guest Editor of the Thematic Issue as soon as concerted acceptance is reached. In addition the journal editors may also invite other persons who have played an important role in the preparation, coordination, or quality-control of the Thematic Issue to join as Guest Editors.