Metamaterials
Submissions deadline 10 April 2026
We are pleased to open submissions to a themed collection on metamaterials to be published in Materials Horizons.
This collection is being guest edited by:
Prof. Grace X. Gu (University of California, Berkeley, USA)
Dr. Mohammad J. Mirzaali (TU Delft, The Netherlands)
Prof. Amir Zadpoor (TU Delft, The Netherlands)
Dr Wei Zhai (National University of Singapore, Singapore)
Metamaterials are synthetic composites that exhibit properties not usually found in natural materials. The artificial design of these materials enables properties to be fine-tuned to advance research developments in various fields. They have a diverse range of uses related to, electromagnetics, acoustics, mechanics and thermal materials. This themed collection in Materials Horizons looks to explore the recent developments in this growing field of research. We invite researchers working in this exciting field to contribute some of their latest work to the collection and we hope the collection will provide a platform to collect some of the latest impactful developments, as well as a platform to inspire new research.
Examples of topics suitable to be considered in the collection include (but are not limited to):
- Design principles and AM procedures of multi-scale architected materials.
- Topology optimization, artificial intelligence, and bio-inspiration.
- Exceptional mechanical properties.
- Non-positive equivalent parameters.
- Variable stiffness and strength, switchable deformation mode.
- Acoustic, thermal, electromagnetic/optical metamaterials with abnormal performance.
- Programmable, nonlinear, and large mechanical deformations of metamaterials.
- Multi-stimuli-responsiveness and reprogrammable capabilities.
- Multifunctional applications in sound absorbers, insulators, and manipulators.
- Metamaterial-based sensors, actuators, and soft robotics.
- Morphing aerospace structures, flexible electronics.
- Mechanical computing, human-machine interface.
How to submit
All submissions must meet the scope of the journal. Materials Horizons is a leading journal for the publication of exceptionally high quality, innovative materials science. The journal places an emphasis on original research that demonstrates a new concept or a new way of thinking (a conceptual advance), rather than primarily reporting technological improvements. However, outstanding articles featuring truly breakthrough developments such as record performance of materials alone may also be published in the journal. For more information about the journal requirements, please visit our platform: https://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/materials-horizons
Please note that primary research is accepted in the form of a Communication and a ‘New Concepts’ statement is required to help ascertain the significance of the research.
When ready, please upload your manuscript directly to Materials Horizons and add a note in the ‘Comments to the Editor’ and ‘Themed collections’ sections of the submission form that this is an Open Call submission to the metamaterials themed collection.
All submissions will undergo a rigorous assessment process, including an initial Editorial assessment by our in-house Editors or external Scientific Editors as to suitability for the journal before potential peer review. We cannot guarantee peer review or acceptance.
All accepted submissions will be published in an issue as soon as possible to ensure no delay in receiving page numbers, and will be added to the online collection for additional visibility. The collection will be promoted in Summer 2026.
If you have any questions, please do reach out to the Editorial Office at materialshorizons-rsc@rsc.org.
