The Journal of Cardiac Failure is pleased to announce a Call For Papers for a special Focus Issue on Innovations in Heart Transplantation. Guest Editors Drs. Ersilia M. DeFilippis, Randall Starling and Kiran Khush will oversee this Focus Issue, to be published in the Fall of 2026.

We invite submission for all JCF paper types, including:

• Original Research Papers
• State of the Art Reviews
• Perspectives
• Brief Reports
• Research Letters
• Early Career/Trainee Spotlight
• Patient and Caregiver Perspectives

*Please note that JCF does not accept Case Reports.
 

The editors are looking for papers in the following (but not limited to) topic areas:

• Pre-transplant evaluation: We welcome submissions focused on pre-transplant assessment of liver and kidney function in heart-alone candidates as well as characterization and management of highly sensitized candidates including desensitization.
• Organ Preservation and Perfusion: We invite original research and reviews focused on expanding the donor pool and contemporary techniques for organ preservation and perfusion.
• Artificial Intelligence: We invite original research and perspectives focused on application of artificial intelligence to transplantation including in donor organ evaluation, allocation and matching as well as prognostication of post-transplant outcomes. 
• Organ Allocation:  We welcome original research, viewpoints, and reviews focused on improving the current allocation system in order to increase efficiency and minimize disparities as we move towards continuous distribution.
• Personalized Medicine: We seek submissions focused on the integration of biomarkers, including non-invasive surveillance strategies, genomics and clinical data to personalize immunosuppression and reduce rejection and long-term post-transplant complications. This may also include novel immunosuppressive strategies aimed at improving graft health while also minimizing the toxicities of immunosuppressants.
• Patient-Centered and Clinical Outcomes: Studies focusing on patient-reported outcomes and the impact of long-term extracardiac complications of transplant including renal disease, cardiometabolic health, and malignancy are encouraged. 

In line with our core values at JCF, we encourage multi-disciplinary collaborations (e.g., pharmacists, nurses, physicians) and emphasize inclusion of the patient voice/perspective.
 
We also consider inclusion of diverse and representative co-authors a priority. Along these lines, JCF aims to feature, promote and highlight women, underrepresented minorities, and early career individuals.