Closing the Research Topic

Closing the

Research Topic

Where are we in the RT Transformation Process

3.7 Completed

3.5 Late submissions

3.6 Closed for submissions

3.4 Manuscript submission

3.3 Summary submission

3.2 Contributor confirmation

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Health Check: Closing the RT

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Objectives of this health check​:

• TE engagement​
• # Accepted articles
• # Expected articles
• Viable rescue plans attempted

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When you get to this stage, the two scenarios you will face are...

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Scenario A: Congratulations are in order!

• This Research Topic has come to completion over a period of 7-10 months, with engaged topic editors who can share their experience with others.

• Your close support will have made a difference over the different calls and the project has been a success!

Well done for making this happen!

Don’t be discouraged - some Research Topics will not succeed even when they have passed all prior health checks.

Scenario B: Research topic needs to be dissolved

Let engaged TEs know that you appreciate all their efforts during this time as you know they were trying to develop something valuable for the community.

Despite your efforts and a good number of CCs, this Topic didn’t reach 4 accepted articles and needs to be dissolved.

You may want to offer them an editorial board role if suitable.​

For disengaged TEs, it would be worth checking whether they are currently board members and ensure they still are contributing to the Journal in other ways or they should be removed.

Click on each number to reveal your next steps

Click here to learn more about assessing engagement

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on the Research Topics you are working on. For those that are in danger of being dissolved, is there anything else you can do?

Why it’s important:

A key requirement from the TE team is that at least one member of the team engages with the RT development process. If the RT is struggling for submissions and the TE team is not engaged, it is unlikely that we will be able to successfully rescue and should instead consider deleting it.

To assess, check the below:

• Attendance at important calls.
• Taking actions on RTM, sending personal messages to PCs, or giving a firm commitment that they will take these actions in the immediate future.
• Responding to emails and sharing feedback in a timely way.

3.6.1.1 Closed RT health check

Assessing engagement: Why it’s important

A key requirement from the TE team is that at least one member of the team engages with the RT development process. If the RT is struggling for submissions and the TE team is not engaged, it is unlikely that we will be able to successfully rescue and should instead consider deleting it.

To assess, check the below:

• Attendance at important calls.
• Taking actions on RTM, sending personal messages to PCs, or giving a firm commitment that they will take these actions in the immediate future.
• Responding to emails and sharing feedback in a timely way.