Bentham Open journals now publish all special issues as Virtual Special Issues (VSIs)

A VSI is a collection of special issue articles that are usually assigned to a single special issue. After being given a special identification number, every article in a VSI is promptly published in a regular journal volume.

Articles that are compiled into a VSI maintain their original citation information.

A VSI is easily accessible and navigable on the journal's website, where it is featured alongside the regular journal editions. A table of contents, a roster of guest editors, and other information pertinent to the VSI are included on its homepage.

A VSI speeds up the publication of individual articles because, unlike the traditional special issue process, a VSI does not require the final article of the issue to be ready before publication.

The benefits of VSIs include the following:

Benefits of the New Process:

• Faster publication time: The overall publication time is reduced.
• Visibility: Special issues appear on ScienceDirect with the publication of the very first article, thereby increasing visibility as new articles are added over time.
• Improved management: Guest editors can manage content more efficiently, as late submissions no longer delay the special issue.

How the New Process Works?

• Unchanged editorial process: Up to the point of acceptance, the editorial process remains the same. Manuscripts are submitted through the special issue portal and peer-reviewed as usual.
• Concurrent publication: Accepted manuscripts are produced and simultaneously published in the current regular volume and included in the online special issue.
• Introductory text: There is space for introductory text to highlight the theme(s) of the special issue. This text can be updated until the special issue is closed and can serve as a placeholder for the editorial.

We believe that this process will enhance the publication experience of authors and provide readers with quick and easy access to high-quality research.