Special Issue: Ecological Forecasting in the Earth System

Call for Papers

Submission deadline: Saturday, 31 October 2026

This special collection focuses on the emerging field of ecological forecasting, which involves predicting the future states of ecosystems. Ecological forecasting is crucial for proactive environmental management and policy-making. By anticipating changes in ecosystems, stakeholders can implement strategies to mitigate adverse effects, enhance resilience, and promote sustainability. The special brings together cutting-edge research that develops, tests, and applies models to forecast ecological dynamics across systems and scales

The issue welcomes contributions that use novel methodologies (e.g., machine learning, process-modeling, uncertainty quantification, forecast evaluation, digital twins, inverse modeling), interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., integration with decision science, computer science), real-time data integration (e.g., data assimilation, measurements and monitoring to support forecasting), and multi-forecast synthesis to enhance the accuracy, uncertainty representation, applicability, and equitability of ecological forecasts. This special issue is timely as it coincides with a growing recognition of the value of predictive science in environmental decision making. By showcasing the latest advancements and applications in ecological forecasting, this collection aims to inspire further research and collaboration, ultimately contributing to more informed and effective environmental stewardship.

Topics will include but are not limited to:

  • Forecasting biogeochemistry;
  • Ecohydrology;
  • Water quality;
  • Phenology;
  • Biodiversity conservation;
  • Invasive species;
  • Vector-borne disease;
  • Bioticabiotic interactions;
  • Habitat changes;
  • Natural climate solutions in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems.

Special Collection Organizers: R. Quinn Thomas (Virginia Tech), Cayelan Carey (Virginia Tech), Eric R. Sokol (National Ecological Observatory Network), Melissa Kenney (University of Minnesota), Michael Dietze (Boston University)

Keywords: Predictive modeling; Ecosystem science; Community ecology; Population ecology; Biogeochemistry; Atmospheric chemistry; Process-modeling; Data assimilation; Hydrology; Cryosphere; Data science; Cyberinfrastructure; Decision support; Global Change; Terrestrial; Marine; Freshwater.

Submission Guidelines/Instructions:

Submissions to any of the journals must fulfill its requirements and scope: 

To submit your manuscript, please use the standard submission portal for each journal which you can find below. Select the collection’s title from the drop-down menu in the “Special Section” field of the submission form.