Guide for authors

Preparing your manuscript

Write in clear, concise English. Define abbreviations at first use and avoid unnecessary jargon so the work is accessible to readers across disciplines.

Format

Submit an editable file (DOCX or LaTeX source) or a PDF for initial review. Use a single column, numbered lines and numbered pages.

Structure

• Title, authors and affiliations
• Abstract (up to 300 words) and 4–8 keywords
• Introduction
• Materials and methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusions
• Declarations and references

References

Cite sources in the text with numbers in square brackets and list them in order of appearance. Include a DOI wherever one exists.

Figures and tables

Supply figures at 300 dpi or higher. Every figure and table needs a numbered caption and must be cited in the text.

Conflicts of interest

All authors must disclose financial and non-financial interests that could be perceived as influencing the work.

Ethics

Research involving people, animals or sensitive data must state the approving body and reference number, and confirm informed consent where applicable.

Submission

Use the "Submit manuscript" form. You can track the status of your submission from your account.

Review and publication

See "How we publish" for a description of each editorial stage.