BMC Psychology welcomes submissions to our Collection on Cognitive and neural mechanisms of creativity. This Collection explores the interplay between cognitive processes, neural mechanisms, and creativity across various domains, including but not limited to psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, and related disciplines.

Creativity, often regarded as a hallmark of human cognition, encompasses the ability to generate novel and valuable ideas, solutions, or products. It pervades diverse aspects of human endeavor, from artistic expression and scientific innovation to problem-solving in everyday life. Yet, the cognitive and neural mechanisms that underpin creative thinking remain a subject of intense scholarly inquiry and debate.

We invite submissions that shed light on the multifaceted nature of creativity, employing diverse methodologies such as experimental psychology, neuroimaging, computational modeling, and clinical studies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Neural correlates of creative cognition: brain regions, networks, and dynamics associated with different facets of creative thinking, including idea generation underlying divergent convergent, associative, and lateral thinking, as well as insight

• Cognitive processes underlying creativity: the cognitive mechanisms involved in creative problem-solving, such as expertise development and cool executive functions, including cognitive flexibility, working memory, attention, and inhibition, as well as hot executive functions, including emotional aspects

• Individual differences in creativity: personality traits, cognitive styles, genetic factors, and environmental influences that contribute to variations in creative abilities across individuals and populations

• Developmental perspectives on creativity: the emergence and evolution of creative thinking from childhood through adulthood, considering factors such as environmental stimulation, educational interventions, and critical periods of brain development

• Neural plasticity and creative interventions: the potential for enhancing creative abilities through cognitive training, neurofeedback, brain stimulation techniques, and other interventions targeting neural plasticity

• Cultural and societal influences on creativity: how cultural norms, societal values, historical context, and social dynamics shape creative expression, innovation, and the reception of creative works

By fostering dialogue among researchers from diverse backgrounds, this Collection aims to deepen our understanding of the nature of creativity and its implications for psychology, neuroscience, education, the arts, and beyond.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Psychology is calling for submissions to our Collection on Bullying. We invite scholars and practitioners to contribute their latest research and insights into this pressing topic, which encompasses a range of behaviors and impacts extending across various social and developmental contexts.

This Collection aims to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms, consequences, and interventions related to bullying and their psychological ramifications. We seek contributions that explore the multifaceted nature of these behaviors, their prevalence, and their short- and long-term effects on mental health and well-being.

Subtopics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Psychological profiles of aggressors and victims

• The impact on mental health and development

• Cyber manifestations and digital environments

• School, workplace, and community dynamics

• Effective intervention and prevention strategies

• Longitudinal studies on outcomes and resilience

• Peer involvement and social network analysis.

• Cross-cultural studies.

• Cultural, socioeconomic, and demographic influences

• Policy implications and legislative frameworks

Our goal is to create a comprehensive and interdisciplinary dialogue that addresses the complexities of bullying. By bringing together diverse perspectives and methodologies, we hope to foster a holistic approach to understanding and mitigating the adverse effects associated with these behaviors.

We encourage submissions from a broad spectrum of disciplines including psychology, education, social work, and public health. Research that bridges gaps between theory and practice, and those that propose innovative solutions or interventions, are particularly welcome.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.