AUTHOR INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions for our authors are conveniently detailed on this page, and they are also available for download via this link. The content online is the most updated. In case of small discrepancies, please follow the online instructions. At Genomic Press, we have prioritized consistency and ease for our authors. Consequently, our 'Manuscript Types' and 'Author Instructions' remain uniform across all our journals, enabling a streamlined and simplified submission process.

Submission websites:

For submissions to any of our journals, go the Genomic Press Manuscript Submission Portal.
 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The word counts and reference limits provided represent strict upper limits and should not be exceeded under any circumstances. We anticipate that the majority of submissions will fall significantly below these thresholds. Brevity is highly encouraged.

 

MANUSCRIPT TYPES - DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

 

Research Articles

Purpose: Thorough communications of groundbreaking and comprehensive studies of broad appeal.
When to use: For complete, multi-faceted investigations with extensive data that meet high thresholds for comprehensiveness.
Specifications: Abstract max 300 words, body max 8,000 words, max 8 display items, max 200 references.
Structure: Introduction, Results, Discussion, Methods, Author Contributions, Acknowledgments, Funding sources, References.
Review: Rigorous peer review.

High Priority Research Communications (HPRCs)

Purpose: Disseminate seminal, groundbreaking research characterized by extraordinary innovation and far-reaching implications. Targeted for accelerated distribution.
When to use: For substantial advancements that pivot markedly from extant paradigms requiring urgent, accelerated processing and rapid publication. Authors must provide reasons why the work is urgent.
Specifications: Abstract max 250 words, body max 6,000 words, max 6 display items, max 150 references.
Structure: Introduction, Results, Discussion, Methods, Author Contributions, Acknowledgments, Funding sources, References.
Review: Expedited rigorous peer review.
Note: If submission falls short of HPRC criteria, may be reclassified to Research Article or Research Report following consultation.

Research Reports

Purpose: Concise observations of immediate significance, conclusive and unexpectedly groundbreaking findings with capacity to spawn new investigative directions.
When to use: For resolutions to enduring debates or succinct advancements in rapidly evolving disciplines.
Specifications: Abstract max 200 words, body max 3,500 words, max 4 display items, max 100 references.
Structure: Introduction, Results, Discussion, Methods, Author Contributions, Acknowledgments, Funding sources, References.
Review: Rigorous peer review.

Brevia

Purpose: Very compact, rapidly published scholarly communications for nuggets of groundbreaking insight or initial observations with considerable implications.
When to use: For preliminary findings offering compelling arguments or preliminary answers to pressing questions.
Specifications: Max 800 words, 1 display item, max 8 references. Title max 75 characters including spaces. Brief introductory paragraph instead of abstract (set in boldface).
Structure: Amalgamate Introduction, Results and Discussion into continuous text. Methods in Supporting Online Material (up to 500 words, one figure/table, 8 additional references).
Review: Rigorous expedited peer review.

Thought Leaders: Invited Reviews

Purpose: Curated articles by authorities providing comprehensive, critical evaluations of existing research and trends.
When to use: By editorial invitation only.
Specifications: Abstract max 300 words, body max 8,000 words, max 8 display items, max 200 references.
Review: Peer reviewed.

Reviews (uninvited)

Purpose: Extensive analysis and critique of existing literature or methodologies within a particular subject area.
When to use: To consolidate existing knowledge, identify gaps, and suggest future directions.
Specifications: Abstract max 300 words, body max 8,000 words, max 8 display items, max 200 references.
Review: Rigorous peer review.

Systematic Reviews

Purpose: Methodologically rigorous articles utilizing PRISMA guidelines to synthesize existing research.
When to use: For comprehensive, unbiased overview of all available evidence related to specific research question.
Specifications: Abstract max 300 words, body max 8,000 words, max 8 display items, max 200 references.
Requirements: Include "Systematic Review" in title; PRISMA flow diagram as online supplement; quality ratings table.
Review: Stringent peer review.

Mini-Reviews

Purpose: Concise overviews of recent advances in specific field or technique.
When to use: For rapidly evolving research areas requiring focused synthesis of key developments.
Specifications: Abstract max 200 words, body max 3,500 words, max 4 display items, max 100 references.
Note: Brief non-referenced introductory paragraph in boldface serves as abstract for indexing.
Review: Peer reviewed.

Perspectives

Purpose: Expert commentary transcending disciplinary boundaries, examining themes through multiple lenses.
When to use: To contextualize research trends, controversies, or challenges within wider scientific and societal implications.
Specifications: Abstract max 200 words, body max 3,500 words, max 4 display items, max 100 references.
Review: Rigorous peer review.

Emerging Topics

Purpose: Overviews of nascent research areas or innovative technologies.
When to use: As introductory guides to cutting-edge subjects for broad audience.
Specifications: Abstract max 200 words, body max 3,500 words, max 4 display items, max 100 references.
Review: Peer reviewed.

Bench to Bedside

Purpose: In-depth analyses of how basic science advances translate to clinical applications.
When to use: To bridge laboratory research and patient care with actionable insights for translational medicine.
Specifications: Abstract max 200 words, body max 3,500 words, max 4 display items, max 100 references.
Review: Rigorous peer evaluation.

Advanced Research Methods (ARM)

Purpose: Introduce novel methodologies expected to have significant impact on future research.
When to use: For innovative techniques with detailed explanations of theoretical foundations, practical applications, and limitations.
Specifications: Abstract max 300 words, body max 8,000 words, max 8 display items, max 200 references.
Structure: Abstract, introduction, detailed methodology, validation results, discussion of potential applications, conclusions.
Review: Rigorous peer review.

Resources & Tools

Purpose: Highlight new resources, datasets, or technologies available to scientific community.
When to use: To share functionality, utility, and accessibility of resources rather than detailed methodological descriptions.
Specifications: Abstract max 200 words, body max 3,500 words, max 4 display items, max 100 references.
Note: Brief non-referenced introductory paragraph in boldface serves as abstract for indexing.
Review: Peer reviewed.

Meeting Report

Purpose: Summaries of scientific conferences, symposia, or workshops highlighting key findings and emerging themes.
When to use: To disseminate important outcomes from scientific gatherings to broader readership.
Specifications: Abstract max 200 words, body max 3,500 words, max 4 display items, max 100 references. Note: Brief non-referenced introductory paragraph in boldface serves as abstract for indexing.
Review: Editorial review.

Commentary

Purpose: Critical essays offering interpretive or evaluative perspectives on key research findings or trends.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references.
Note: First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Review: External peer review if content includes research results.

Viewpoint

Purpose: Concise reviews or expert's point of view with subjective emphasis.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references.
Note: First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Review: External single-blind peer review.

Hypotheses

Purpose: Present new, scientifically plausible ideas to advance understanding.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references.
Note: First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Review: Peer reviewed.

News & Views

Purpose: Timely commentary on recent research findings or developments.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references.
Note: First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Review: Editorial review, generally not peer-reviewed.

Insights

Purpose: Overviews of trends, breakthroughs, or methodologies by experts.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references.
Note: First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Review: Editorial review; peer review if research content included.

Guest Editorials

Purpose: Invited opinion pieces by respected figures offering unique perspectives.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references.
Note: First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Review: May bypass traditional peer review.

Innovators & Ideas

Purpose: Spotlight individuals with noteworthy contributions, featuring standardized thirty-two-question interview.
Specifications: Max 2,000 words total (100-word professional summary + 1,900-word interview). Color photograph required, optional second figure.
Submission: Email proposal to support@genomicpress.com with subject "Proposal for Innovators & Ideas submission to [journal name]"
Review: Not peer reviewed.
Fees: None.

Book Reviews

Purpose: Unbiased summaries of books of interest to readers.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references.
Note: By invitation only. First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Submission: Email proposal to support@genomicpress.com with subject "Proposal for Book Review submission to [journal name]"
Review: Edited but not peer reviewed.
Fees: None.

Obituaries

Purpose: Commemorate lives and contributions of distinguished individuals.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 2,000 words, max 2 display items, max 15 references. Color photograph included.
Note: First paragraph in boldface summarizes submission.
Submission: Email proposal to support@genomicpress.com with subject "Proposal for Obituary submission to [journal name]"
Review: Edited but not peer reviewed.
Fees: None.

Correspondence

Purpose: Brief comments on material published in journal within last 12 months or current topics relevant to society and policy.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 800 words, no display items, max 8 references. Title max 75 characters including spaces.
Review: Variable based on content.

Correspondence: Reply

Purpose: Author responses to published correspondence about their original work.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 800 words, no display items, max 8 references. Title max 75 characters including spaces. Note: Must reference original correspondence.
Review: Editorial review.
Fees: None.

Corrigenda

Purpose: Author-initiated corrections to published articles addressing errors that do not affect conclusions.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 800 words, max 2 display items, max 8 references. Note: Clearly state article being corrected with full citation.
Review: Editorial verification only.
Fees: None.

Retraction

Purpose: Formal withdrawal of published article due to significant errors, misconduct, or irreproducible findings.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 800 words, no display items, max 8 references. Note: Must include reason for retraction and full citation of retracted article.
Review: Editorial and institutional review.
Fees: None.

Partial Retraction

Purpose: Formal withdrawal of specific portions of published article while maintaining validity of remaining content.
Specifications: No abstract, no section headings, max 800 words, max 2 display items, max 8 references. Note: Must specify exact sections being retracted and full citation of original article.
Review: Editorial and institutional review.
Fees: None.

CRITICAL NOTE: For all manuscript types without abstracts (except Correspondence), write a clear and very short first paragraph that crisply summarizes your submission and set it in boldface. This serves as a tag for machine reading and natural language processing.

 

COVER LETTER REQUIREMENTS

 

All submissions must include a cover letter addressing:

  1. Manuscript title and synopsis - Primary objective and rationale for journal fit
  2. Review process details - Including submissions of interconnected manuscripts to other periodicals
  3. Pre-submission dialogues - Any discussions with editorial staff or invitations to submit
  4. Previous peer review - Names, institutions, countries, current verified email addresses, and ORCID (if available) of peers who previously reviewed the manuscript
  5. 10 suggested reviewers (mandatory) - No collaborations or joint publications within last five years. Provide names, institutions, current verified email addresses
  6. Excluded reviewers (optional) - Maximum 4 with one-sentence conflict explanation. Include names, institutions, countries, current verified email addresses, ORCID if available
  7. Publication status - Affirmation content not previously published or under review elsewhere
  8. Human subjects - Statement that informed consent secured post-explanation of nature and potential outcomes
  9. Animal/GMO research - Statement confirming adherence to institutional guidelines
  10. Data availability - Details regarding availability of underlying data or intended deposition location, any restrictions such as MTA
  11. Supplementary materials - Information on any supplementary materials or additional data files
  12. Single submission statement - Contents not being considered elsewhere until decision received
 

GENERAL FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

 

Software and Settings

  • Required: Original Word document files that can be edited
  • Font: Arial or Helvetica, size 11 or 12
  • Spacing: 1.5 lines

English Language Variant

  • Accept British or American English
  • Specify on title page which variant used

Current Date

Thursday, 7 August 2025

 

MANUSCRIPT STRUCTURE

 

Title Page (Page 1)

  1. Journal title - Example: "Submitted to Brain Medicine"
  2. Manuscript type - Example: "Manuscript type: High Priority Research Communication (HPRC)"
  3. English variant - "English language variant: This submission is written in [British/American] English"
  4. Article title - Clear, detailed, succinct; avoid full stops or uncommon abbreviations
  5. Authors and affiliations
    • Complete names (e.g., "John D. Doe")
    • No titles, salutations, academic qualifications
    • Institutional affiliations with superscript numerals
    • Lead correspondent's full contact information
    • Current affiliations for those who have moved
    • Group authorships listed in supplementary materials
  6. Conflict declaration - Statement per journal policy or "The contributors have confirmed that no conflict of interest exists"
  7. Patents - If applicable, provide numbers and associated authors

Abstract (Page 2)

  • Single continuous paragraph without subheadings
  • Word limit varies by manuscript type
  • No references
  • Explain uncommon abbreviations

Main Text Structure

For Research Articles, HPRCs, and Research Reports:

  1. Introduction
  2. Results
  3. Discussion
  4. Methods
  5. Author Contributions
  6. Acknowledgments
  7. Funding sources
  8. References
  9. Figure legends
  10. Figures
  11. Table legends
  12. Tables
  13. Supplementary materials
  14. Additional materials
 

SPECIFIC SECTION REQUIREMENTS

 

Introduction

  • Brief focus on what is known, not known, why not known
  • How current work addresses knowledge gap
  • No results presentation

Results

  • Clear, specific, complete presentation for reproducibility
  • For Systematic Reviews: include PRISMA flow diagram as supplement and quality ratings table

Discussion

  • Brief overview of main results
  • Context with existing knowledge
  • Weaknesses and limitations
  • Last paragraph serves as conclusion

Methods

Include:

  • Manufacturer - Full name for each proprietary item
  • Animal models - Exact genotype, strain, backcrosses, sex, age
  • Antibodies - Source and catalog/clone numbers
  • Cell lines - Origin declaration
  • Large datasets - Must deposit in public repository (MIAME-compliant for microarray, MINSEQE-compliant for sequencing)
  • Statistical analysis - Standalone paragraph with P value definition
  • Study Approval - Standalone paragraph with institutional review board names and locations
  • Clinical trial registration - Include registration number
  • Data availability - Paragraph specifying access to foundational data and code

Processing and Presentation of Data and Images

  • Modifications uniformly applied across entire image
  • Explicitly show excised lanes or amalgamated data
  • Juxtapose only comparable data
  • Do not replicate individual images unless describing different experiment facets

Reagent Dissemination

Authors obliged to ensure availability of materials for independent use

AI Implementation Description

If AI used in design, analysis, or writing stages, provide details in Methods section titled "Acknowledgement of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies Used in Writing"

Author Contributions

  • Required for all papers
  • Concise depiction using initials
  • CRediT taxonomy endorsed
  • Single corresponding author advocated
  • Lead contact designated

Acknowledgments

  • Maintain succinctness
  • Identify help from professional writers/editors

Funding Sources

Recognize grants and financial contributions

Author Disclosures

Required statements about:

  • Conflicts of interest
  • Funder role in study
  • Data access
  • Manuscript approval

References

  • Vancouver style modified with DOI and PMCID
  • Sequential citation in text using parentheses (5, 6)
  • No superscript or special formatting
  • Example format: Author. Title. Journal. Year;Volume(Issue):Pages. DOI: [number]. PMCID.

Abbreviations and Gene Names

  • Define at first mention
  • Italicize gene symbols, genotypes, species names
  • Do not italicize "in vivo" or "in vitro"

Figure and Table Callouts

  • Numerical order in parentheses
  • Spell out "Figure," "Table," etc.
  • Call out all parts if figure has multiple panels
 

FIGURE SPECIFICATIONS

 

Requirements

  • Resolution: 600 dpi
  • Width: 9-18 cm (3.5-7.1 inches)
  • Height: Maximum 17.25 cm (6.8 inches)
  • Font: 8 pt Helvetica or Arial
  • File type: TIFF preferred; PowerPoint, high-resolution PDF, EPS, Illustrator acceptable
  • Color mode: RGB

Figure Guidelines

  • No manipulation, obscuring, shifting, deleting, or adding features
  • Sequential numbering with Arabic numerals
  • Parts labeled with uppercase letters (A, B, C)
  • Quantitative graphs: dot plots or box-and-whisker plots (no bar graphs with error bars)
  • Photographic panels: minimum 3 cm width
  • Blots: 0.5 cm per lane; spliced lanes separated by thin line

Figure Legends

  • Maximum 350 words each
  • Independent title
  • Statistical tests description
  • Scale bars or magnification for histological panels
  • Located at end of manuscript text

TABLE REQUIREMENTS

  • May be Word document or object from another application
  • Legends include footnotes in alphabetical order
  • Define all abbreviations and undefined terms

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

  • Combine into single PDF when possible (except videos and spreadsheets)
  • Published as-is without editing
  • Include figure/table with its legend in same file
  • High resolution to avoid pixelation
  • Authors responsible for all errors

Additional Materials (not published)

  • Unaltered blot/gel images (PDF file)
  • Supporting data values (XLS file with separate tabs)

Other Supporting Files and Multimedia

  • Up to 12 files, combined size max 25 MB
  • Movies max 50 MB each
  • Video: .mp4 preferred (h.264 compression)
  • Audio: minimum 160 kbps (.wav, .mp3, or .m4a)

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

Single-blind peer review model:

  • Authors do not know reviewer identities
  • Reviewers have access to author identities
  • All research articles, HPRCs, research reports, brevia, and reviews subject to peer review without exception
  • Typically send to eight experts internationally
  • Aim for decisions based on at least three reviews

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

Before submitting ensure:

  • [ ] Correct manuscript type selected
  • [ ] Word count within limits
  • [ ] All required sections included
  • [ ] Figures meet specifications
  • [ ] References in correct format
  • [ ] Cover letter complete
  • [ ] Supplementary materials properly formatted
  • [ ] Data availability statement included
  • [ ] Ethics approvals stated