A special report is a review-style article that summarizes a particular niche area. It can highlight important aspects of a research process or the results and implications of a scientific study. The articles can be in the form of journal publications or other sources that are published online. A special report can also be a summary of an academic dissertation or thesis.
In the context of IPCC assessment, a special report refers to reports commissioned on an individual basis by one or more member governments (IPCC 2007b). They differ from comprehensive Assessment Reports produced by the full Panel and must be relevant to at least two Working Groups.
The term special report is also used to describe a custom financial reporting document that deviates from the standard format of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. These unique reports address specific information needs while maintaining professional standards. These can be used to comply with contractual agreements or regulatory provisions and include certain sections, accounts or items of a financial statement.
The most common use of special report is in the context of journalism. This can involve an in-depth investigation into a subject matter that may be of interest to the public. The subject could be something as straightforward as exposing wrongdoing and corruption, or it can be a more technical topic that requires a higher level of understanding to tackle. Specialized reporting can increase a journalist’s credibility and provide valuable insight into complex topics for their audience.