Call for proposals: Early Career Researchers

Paleobiology invites proposals for a special issue dedicated to Early Career Researchers (ECRs). All current Paleontological Society members within five years after completion of their degree program are eligible to submit a proposal. Papers may be co-authored, but the senior author (first author) must be an ECR.

All authors wishing to publish an article in this special issue must submit a complete by March 15th 2026 to paleobiology@cambridge.org.

Please direct inquiries and requests for information to eesaupe@gmail.com.  

We welcome proposals on all aspects of paleontology, including paleoecology, paleobiogeography, taphonomy, and evolution. Submissions on all fossil organism groups and trace fossils are welcome.

Proposal assessment process Each proposal will be assessed by the editorial board of the journal for fit, timeliness, and relevance. Authors will be notified of the outcome of the assessment by May 2026. Invited manuscripts should be submitted by January 2027. 

Peer review Articles submitted to the Special Issue will be subject to the usual rigorous peer review process of the journal. Associate Editors will recommend Accept pending revisions, Minor Revision, Major Revision, Reject and Resubmit or Decline decisions. Final decisions will be made by the handling Editor.

Publication process  Articles will appear online incrementally (Early View) as soon as they are ready for publication and be included in the Special Issue.