About this Research Topic

Background

The field of sensor research is very broad, ranging across fundamental studies into the properties of new materials, to the basic science of fluidics, and to innovations in device design and engineering. It also encompasses new manufacturing technologies, emerging use models for sensors, as well as scale-up issues for the production of innovative devices and services. Additionally, the field considers emerging markets and trends and is the basis of ‘smartness’ that underlies the Internet of Things (IoT). Moreover, the application space is vast, from how to perform sub-nanoscale in-situ measurements, to understanding human brain function, to modeling global climate processes.

The increasingly dynamic nature of sensor research and innovation, coupled with the breadth and depth of interest and activity, is generating a huge global output of papers and other scientific literature. This makes it progressively more difficult to identify key barriers to advancement, major unrealized opportunities, and challenges the sensor community is not addressing. Mapping this complex intellectual landscape to identify these opportunities and challenges is a daunting but vitally important task, as it can identify dead-end directions as well as fundamental challenges with game-changing potential.

This type of strategic “Prospective” forum is generally missing in the literature, the overwhelming focus being on the “now” (research articles) and “retrospective” review articles. To address this gap, Frontiers in Sensors has assembled a group of globally acknowledged leaders in sensor research and innovation, researchers with decades of experience and contributions to their field that have been of the highest quality throughout their careers. We have invited these ‘thought leaders’ to speculate on key challenges and unrealized opportunities that require a fundamental advance in the associated science, which, if achieved, could profoundly improve the world we live in. We will also include a number of young, emerging leaders in sensor research to complement the more established contributors. In this way, we aim to build a resource of unique value to the researchers and innovators, a resource that will grow and develop and will encourage debate in this fascinating arena of human endeavor.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a Research Topic?

  Frontiers' Research Topics are collaborative hubs built around an emerging theme.Defined, managed, and led by renowned researchers, they bring communities together around a shared area of interest to stimulate collaboration and innovation.

  Unlike section journals, which serve established specialty communities, Research Topics are pioneer hubs, responding to the evolving scientific landscape and catering to new communities.

• Why does Frontiers publish Research Topics? 

  The goal of Frontiers' publishing program is to empower research communities to actively steer the course of scientific publishing. Our program was implemented as a three-part unit with fixed field journals, flexible specialty sections, and dynamically emerging Research Topics, connecting communities of different sizes and maturity.

  Research Topics originate from the scientific community. Many of our Research Topics are suggested by existing editorial board members who have identified critical challenges or areas of interest in their field.

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  As an editor, Research Topics will help you build your journal, as well as your community, around emerging, cutting-edge research. As research trailblazers, Research Topics attract high-quality submissions from leading experts all over the world.

  A thriving Research Topic can potentially evolve into a new specialty section if there is sustained interest and a growing community around it.

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  In 2023, 80% of the Research Topics we published were edited or co-edited by our editorial board members, who are already familiar with their journal's scope, ethos, and publishing model. All other topics are guest edited by leaders in their field, each vetted and formally approved by the specialty chief editor.

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  Our larger Research Topics are also converted into ebooks and receive social media promotion from our digital marketing team.

   
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  You will choose your team of co-editors, curate a list of potential authors, send calls for participation and oversee the peer review process, accepting or recommending rejection for each manuscript submitted.

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  If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. This provides you with valuable editorial experience, improving your ability to critically evaluate research articles and enhancing your understanding of the quality standards and requirements for scientific publishing, as well as the opportunity to discover new research in your field, and expand your professional network.

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• Who will I collaborate with?

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