We welcome your original, high-quality research papers, reviews, case studies, and brief communications on genomic insights into phylogenetic relationships in the Himalayas and conservation genomics in the Himalayan Region for a special issue of the Journal of Systematics and Evolution. This issue is organized by Prof. Shunping He (Institute of Hydrobiology, CAS, Wuhan, China) and Prof. Jia-Tang Li (Chengdu Institute of Biology, CAS, Chengdu, China). Please submit your manuscripts by 30 September, 2025 at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/josae, noting in the cover letter that you are submitting to this special issue. All papers in this special issue will be Free Access and the journal will waive all page and color charges.

Themes

In recent decades, the field of systematics has been revolutionized by advancements in high-throughput sequencing and omics technologies. The generation of vast genomic datasets, coupled with innovative analytical methodologies and theoretical frameworks, has provided unprecedented opportunities to construct robust phylogenies and unravel evolutionary histories. These breakthroughs have not only deepened our understanding of biodiversity but have also become integral to supporting conservation efforts globally.

Among the world’s biodiversity hotspots, the Himalayan region stands out for its unparalleled biodiversity and numerous underexplored taxa that lack rigorous systematic studies. This knowledge gap can be attributed to the region’s vast geographical scope and its intricate topography, which give rise to diverse ecological niches and, consequently, high species richness. Addressing this gap is crucial for advancing our understanding of systematics in the Himalayas and for contributing to biodiversity conservation in the region.

This special issue aims to spotlight cutting-edge research in systematics, while incorporating studies that delve into biodiversity and conservation in the Himalayan region. By showcasing the latest genomic discoveries alongside theoretical and analytical innovations, this issue seeks to advance the expanding frontiers of systematics and conservation biology.

Subject Coverage

Through this special issue, we aim to advance a holistic understanding of the intricate connections between systematics, biodiversity, and conservation in the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. By doing so, we hope to stimulate future research and discoveries in these vital areas, thereby promoting focused scientific exploration of this remarkable region. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies addressing a variety of key topics in the context of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, including but not limited to:

• • Genomic Insights into Phylogenetic Relationships in the Himalayas
•   Phylogenomic studies and morphological analyses of key taxa to resolve phylogenetic relationships and understand evolutionary patterns in this ecologically diverse region.
• • Conservation Genomics in the Himalayan Region
•   Research leveraging genomic data to inform conservation strategies, facilitate genetic management, and guide restoration efforts for endangered and vulnerable species endemic to the Himalayas.

Organizers

Prof. Shunping He
Institute of Hydrobiology, CAS, Wuhan, China
E-mail: clad@idsse.ac.cn

Prof. Jia-Tang Li
Chengdu Institute of Biology, CAS, Chengdu, China
E-mail: lijt@cib.ac.cn

Contributing Authors Benefits

• All articles in the special issue will be free access

• All charges (page and color) will be waived by the journal

Notes for Prospective Authors

We welcome the submission of reviews, preliminary communications, and full papers (articles). Submitted papers should not have been previously published nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. All papers, including reviews, will be peer-reviewed (suggestions for potential reviewers are welcomed) and held to the standards of the journal. Authors interested in submitting their work for publication in this special issue should consult our website, www.jse.ac.cn, for information on how to submit. Please do not forget to indicate in your cover letter that you are submitting to the "Systematics and biodiversity conservation in the Himalayan region".

Important Dates

Authors interested in contributing to the special issue should submit their manuscripts by 30 September, 2025 at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/josae

The target date for publication of the special issue is 1 January, 2026, although accepted manuscripts will be published online in advance of the issue.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact：

Dr. Yundong Gao
Chengdu Institute of Biology, CAS, Chengdu, China
E-mail: gaoyd@cib.ac.cn

 or the JSE Editorial Office at jse@ibcas.ac.cn.