How do Research Topics work?
Learn how Research Topics are structured, how editors and contributors work together, and what makes this format stand out.
Join the conversation. Grow your visibility. Collaborate globally.
What are Research Topics?
Research Topics bring together leading experts and emerging voices to explore emerging topics and urgent questions. Each Topic is actively curated and promoted, helping your work stand out and connect with a broader academic audience.
Why it matters:
Publishing in a Research Topic can:
increase your article’s visibility and engagement
attract collaboration and networking opportunities
drive higher citations and Altmetric attention
position your work within a focused, thematic collection
Explore the steps
Receiving a call for participation
Explore what to do when you're invited to submit to a Topic, how to assess the opportunity, and what steps to take next.
How to submit your manuscript summary
Your summary helps editors assess your manuscript's suitability - this page explains how to write one that’s clear, relevant, and concise.
What are cross-listed Research Topics?
Learn how Topics can be listed in multiple journals
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be invited to publish in a Research Topic?
No invitation is needed. While some researchers receive a call for participation, any author can browse active Topics and submit an article that fits the theme.
What types of articles can be submitted to a Research Topic?
Each Topic specifies which article types it accepts. These vary by journal, so check both the topic or journal guidelines before submitting.
How do I choose the right Topic for my article?
Select a topic that closely aligns with your article's focus and offers the best fit for your research community.
What happens after I submit my manuscript?
Your article will undergo Frontiers’ standard peer review process. Topic Editors help manage this process but do not serve as reviewers. You’ll receive feedback, respond to reviewer comments, and move through production as usual.
Will publishing in a Research Topic affect my article’s visibility?
Yes. Articles published in Research Topics tend to receive increased views, downloads, and citations. They benefit from coordinated promotion, thematic relevance, and focused attention from a wider academic audience.
Can a Research Topic be listed in more than one journal?
Yes. These are known as cross-listed Research Topics. They allow articles to be published in the most appropriate journal for the author while still being grouped under the same overarching Topic.
How do I become a Research Topic Editor?
You can propose a new Topic or apply to co-edit an existing one. Editors are usually researchers with a strong publication record in the field. This is a great way to demonstrate leadership, foster collaboration, and shape the direction of your discipline.
Is there an article processing charge (APC) for publishing in a Topic?
Yes. The same APC applies to regular submissions to the journal. Some authors may be eligible for institutional agreements, national funder support, or fee assistance.
What's next?
Ready to take your research further? Here are some ways to stay active:
Explore Research Topics to connect your work with emerging conversations
Suggest a new Research Topic and shape the direction of your field
Learn more about the submissions process at Frontiers