Submission guidelines
What to upload, how to anonymise the file, and the checklist editors use before review.
What to upload
Submit a title page (not anonymised), an anonymised manuscript, figure files, a competing-interest statement and any supplementary files. Do not embed author names in the manuscript file or in figure filenames.
File format
Manuscript: editable Word or a similar word-processor format. PDF-only packages are returned. Figures: TIFF, PNG or vector EPS/SVG. Tables: editable text, not screenshots.
Language
The journal publishes in English. Editors may return a manuscript that cannot be reviewed because of language, without treating that return as a scientific rejection.
Submission checklist
- RequiredThe work fits the aims and scope.
- RequiredThe article type is stated and the manuscript follows that format.
- RequiredThe main file is anonymised for double-anonymised review (no author names, acknowledgements or funding in that file).
- RequiredA separate title page lists authors, affiliations, corresponding author and ORCID iDs where held.
- RequiredEthics, consent, competing interests, funding, author contributions and data availability are declared.
- RequiredAny generative-AI use in writing or image production is disclosed.
- RequiredFigures have captions, alt text and editable source files where the journal will need them.
- RequiredReferences are complete; DOIs are included when they exist.
- OptionalA cover letter states originality, prior posting (preprint) and suggested or excluded reviewers if offered.