Use the professionally branded Word guide for submission preparation, integrity checks, revisions and production.
Download the complete branded guide1. Manuscript categories
Select the closest article type and state it on the title page. Recommended word ranges are guidance, not rigid limits.
| Article type | Typical length | Core elements |
|---|---|---|
| Original research | 4,000–8,000 words | Structured abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion |
| Review | 4,000–10,000 words | Clear review question, transparent search/selection method where applicable, synthesis |
| Technical / practice article | 2,500–6,000 words | Problem, context, method/system, implementation, evidence, limitations |
| Case study / field report | 2,500–5,000 words | Context, intervention, evidence, lessons, transferability |
| Short communication | 1,500–3,000 words | Focused contribution with concise evidence |
| Perspective / commentary | 1,500–4,000 words | Evidence-informed argument and implications |
2. Submission files
- Title page: title, authors, affiliations, ORCID, corresponding author, acknowledgements, funding, conflicts and author contributions.
- Anonymous manuscript: remove author names, affiliations, self-identifying acknowledgements and file properties.
- Figures and tables: editable or high-resolution files, numbered and cited in text.
- Supplementary files: data, code, instruments, checklists or appendices where relevant.
3. Manuscript structure
Use a concise title, informative abstract, 4–8 keywords, logically organised headings, transparent methods, clearly labelled tables/figures, limitations, conclusions and complete references. Research involving humans or animals must report the approving body and reference number or explain exemption.
4. References
Use APA 7th edition consistently unless a disciplinary editor approves another standard. Include DOI links where available. Authors are responsible for reference accuracy.
5. Reporting standards
Use appropriate reporting guidance where applicable, such as CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE, CARE, COREQ, ARRIVE or discipline-specific standards. State the checklist used and provide it as a supplementary file when requested.
6. AI-assisted tools
AI tools cannot be authors. Authors must disclose substantive use of generative AI in writing, coding, analysis or image production; verify all outputs; protect confidential or personal data; and accept full responsibility for accuracy, originality and rights.
7. Language and accessibility
Write in clear English, define abbreviations, use descriptive figure captions and alt text, avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure colour is not the only way information is communicated.
8. Accepted-article publication package
Accepted manuscripts are published in PDF and HTML formats, assigned a DOI, and accompanied by a complimentary explanatory video presenting the article’s key findings through narration and relevant visuals.
The package is released only after the article DOI is registered, the accessible HTML and PDF versions agree, and the corresponding author approves the final scholarly record. The explanatory video itself carries no separate author or reader charge, supplements rather than replaces the paper, and must accurately represent the evidence and limitations. The journal verifies narration, visual rights, captions or transcript, accessibility and author approval before publication.