Journal Integrated Track
Call for Papers: Special Issue of Cytometry Part A – CYTO 2026
We are pleased to invite submissions to a special issue of Cytometry Part A dedicated to research that will be presented at the upcoming CYTO 2026, the 39th Annual Congress of the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC), which will be held in West Palm Beach, Florida, June 6-10, 2026
Authors who submit their research papers to this special issue will receive priority consideration for oral presentations at CYTO 2026, ahead of regular abstracts submitted through the conference website.
Importantly, acceptance of a paper (final acceptance, or acceptance with minor revisions) will be equivalent to acceptance for an oral presentation, allowing authors to secure their speaking slots early.
Scope and areas of interest
We welcome submissions that reflect the full breadth of single-cell analysis and its applications. We particularly encourage innovative work that pushes technological boundaries, develops new analytical approaches, or demonstrates impactful applications. Submissions may include, but are not limited to:
Technologies & Instrumentation- Advanced flow cytometry – spectral flow cytometry, high-parameter analysis, novel fluorophores and reagents, and instrument innovations
- Imaging cytometry and high-content analysis – slide-based imaging, imaging flow cytometry, real-time live-cell imaging, and automated image acquisition systems
- Mass cytometry and emerging modalities – metal-tagged reagents, and novel detection platforms and their applications
- Multiplex imaging and spatial biology – imaging mass spectrometry, multiplexed immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics integration, and 3D tissue analysis
- Label-free and intrinsic property cytometry – autofluorescence analysis, quantitative phase imaging, impedance cytometry, Raman spectroscopy, and morphology-based classification
- Microfluidics and cytometry engineering – miniaturized platforms, high-throughput sorting, portable devices, organ-on-chip integration, and novel fluidic designs
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning – machine learning for cell classification, automated gating, predictive modeling, and AI-driven discovery
- Computational cytometry and bioinformatics – dimensionality reduction, clustering algorithms, trajectory inference, data visualization, and software tool development
- Single-cell multi-omics integration – combined genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics with cytometry platforms
- Spatial analysis and systems biology – spatial statistics, cell-cell interaction modeling, tissue microenvironment analysis, and multi-scale systems approaches
- Data standards and reproducibility – FAIR data principles, standardization efforts, calibration methods, quality control frameworks, and data sharing platforms
- Immunology and immune profiling – immune cell characterization, immune repertoire analysis, vaccine response monitoring, and immunophenotyping
- Clinical cytometry and diagnostics – disease biomarker discovery, minimal residual disease detection, patient stratification, and clinical decision support
- Cell and gene therapy – CAR-T cell monitoring, therapeutic cell characterization, quality control for cell products, and therapy response assessment
- Cancer biology and oncology – tumor microenvironment analysis, circulating tumor cells, cancer immunology, and precision oncology applications
- Stem cell biology and developmental studies – stem cell characterization, differentiation tracking, organoid analysis, and developmental trajectories
- Infectious disease and microbiology – pathogen detection, host-pathogen interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccine development
- Drug discovery and toxicology – compound screening, mechanism of action studies, off-target effect analysis, and safety assessment
- Education and training – pedagogical approaches, educational resources, training program development, and best practices for teaching cytometry
Innovative technologies and transformative methodologies will receive the highest priority for both publication and oral presentation selection.
Multiple manuscript types accepted by Cytometry Part A are eligible for inclusion in this special issue, including:- Full research articles
- Technical notes
- Brief communications
- OMIP (Optimized Multicolor Immunofluorescence Panel) manuscripts
We encourage authors to choose the format that best suits the scope and maturity of their research, ensuring that innovative ideas at every stage of development can be shared with the CYTO community.
Returning to a valued tradition
By submitting through this special issue, authors are participating in a process that revives a successful pathway from earlier CYTO conferences, where publication-oriented submissions were directly linked to oral presentation opportunities. This approach not only strengthens the scientific rigor of the meeting but also accelerates visibility for the most impactful work in cytometry.
Editorial team
This special issue will be edited by:- Dr. Jingjing Zhao, Special Issue Editor
- Dr. Silas J. Leavesley, Conference Chair, CYTO 2026
- Dr. Bartek Rajwa, Editor-in-Chief, Cytometry Part A
Their combined leadership ensures the highest scientific standards and a seamless connection between the journal and the CYTO 2026 program.
Special invitation to students
We especially welcome contributions from students, particularly graduate students serving as lead authors. This is an excellent opportunity for emerging researchers to share their work with the international cytometry community and gain visibility through both publication and oral presentation at CYTO 2026.
All student-led submissions to this special issue will automatically be considered for the ISAC Exceptional Student Award, which recognizes outstanding research contributions by emerging cytometrists. This offers graduate students a unique opportunity to gain both publication visibility and recognition at the international level.
Am I eligible?
If you're a graduate student (whether pursuing a Master's degree or PhD) conducting cytometry research, you're eligible to submit. The key requirement is that you serve as the first or lead author on the manuscript and plan to present the work yourself at CYTO 2026. We also welcome undergraduate students who are conducting substantial research and can take the lead on their manuscript. This opportunity is designed for emerging researchers who want to step into the spotlight and share their innovative work with the international cytometry community.
What about my advisor?
Your advisor plays an important supporting role in this process. They should be listed as a co-author on the manuscript (typically as the senior or corresponding author) but you must be listed as first author to qualify for the special benefits this track offers. Being the first author is what makes your submission student-led, which unlocks automatic consideration for the ISAC Exceptional Student Award and priority student recognition at the conference.
Submission timing
Submissions are open immediately through the Cytometry Part A submission portal. We encourage all researchers to take advantage of this opportunity to:- Showcase your most innovative findings
- Secure an oral presentation slot early
- Contribute to a landmark issue celebrating “Cytometry: The Next Wave”
We look forward to your contributions and to celebrating the next wave of cytometric innovation at CYTO 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida!
Submission process and technical instructions
To ensure manuscripts are properly linked to the CYTO 2026 program, all interested authors must complete two submission steps. Please follow these instructions carefully:
Step 1: Submit to Cytometry Part A
All manuscripts intended for inclusion in the Cytometry Part A Special Issue must first be submitted directly through the journal’s online submission system HERE.
Upon completing your submission, you will receive an official Submission ID number which will serve as the primary link between your journal submission and your CYTO 2026 abstract. Once you have received your Cytometry Part A Submission ID number, continue to step 2.
Step 2: Submit to the CYTO 2026 abstract portal
- Visit the CYTO 2026 Abstract Submission Portal HERE and begin a new Oral Abstract submission.
- When prompted, indicate that your submission is part of the Cytometry Part A Journal-Integrated Track and carefully read the prompt.
- Include your Submission ID number at the end of your abstract in the description box.
Following these steps is critical to ensuring your submissions are properly identified for seamless coordination between the Cytometry Part A editorial process and the CYTO 2026 program review.
Understanding the review and presentation process
To ensure transparency and help authors make informed decisions, we provide complete details on what
If your paper receives minor revisions
You are guaranteed an oral presentation slot at CYTO 2026.- Complete the minor revisions according to the editorial timeline
- Your abstract will be automatically moved to the oral presentation track
- You will receive confirmation of your speaking slot in February 2026.
- Your presentation slot is secured even while you complete the revisions
If your paper requires major revisions
You remain eligible for an oral presentation, subject to successful revision.
- Complete major revisions by December 15, 2025
- If your revised manuscript is accepted by this deadline, you will receive an oral presentation slot
- If the revision process extends beyond this deadline, your abstract will enter the standard CYTO 2026 review process, where it will be evaluated competitively alongside regular abstract submissions
- The quality of both your revised manuscript and your abstract will be considered in oral presentation decisions
If your paper is rejected
Your abstract automatically remains active in the conference system.
There is no penalty for manuscript rejection. Your conference participation proceeds through these options:
- Your abstract will be reviewed through the standard CYTO 2026 abstract evaluation process
-
You will be considered for:
- Regular oral presentation (through competitive review)
- Poster presentation
- Your conference submission is evaluated independently based on its scientific merit and relevance to the CYTO community
- You are encouraged to address reviewer comments from the manuscript review in your conference presentation
- You may revise and resubmit your manuscript to Cytometry Part A through the regular submission process at any time
Why submit both a manuscript and an abstract?
We recognize this two-step process may seem redundant, but both submissions serve essential and distinct purposes:
Your manuscript submission:- Undergoes rigorous peer review for publication
- Determines your eligibility for priority oral presentation
- Contributes to a permanent, citable scientific record
- Provides a backup option if your manuscript requires extensive revisions or is not accepted
- Enables the program committee to plan session themes, timing, and thematic groupings
- Ensures your work appears in the official CYTO 2026 conference proceedings
- Helps attendees preview talks and plan their conference schedule
- Guarantees you maintain a presence at the conference regardless of manuscript status
Can I submit based on a preprint?
Yes! We welcome and encourage submissions based on preprints posted on servers such as bioRxiv, medRxiv, or arXiv. If you've already shared your work as a preprint, you can submit it directly to this special issue – in fact, having a preprint may accelerate your submission timeline since much of the writing is already completed.