Author Guidelines for the In-Vitro In-Vivo In-Silico Journal
IIIJ publishes rigorous translational research that connects laboratory discovery, living system validation, and computational prediction. These instructions outline how to prepare manuscripts for efficient review, clear reporting, and high impact publication. Please read carefully to ensure your submission meets methodological, ethical, and formatting standards.
In Vitro
Detailed laboratory methods and reproducibility standards
In Vivo
Ethics, ARRIVE compliance, and clinical reporting
In Silico
Transparent computational methods and data availability
Prepare Your Manuscript for Cross-Method Review
In Vitro Checklist
Laboratory Reporting- Describe cell lines, culture conditions, and passage numbers
- Provide assay controls and replication details
- Include reagent sources and validation methods
- Report statistical methods and effect sizes clearly
In Vivo Checklist
Ethics and Translation- Document ethics approvals and consent requirements
- Follow ARRIVE or clinical reporting standards
- Specify species, strain, sex, and sample size rationale
- Describe endpoints, blinding, and randomization
In Silico Checklist
Computational Transparency- Describe algorithms, training data, and validation steps
- Provide software versions and parameter settings
- Share code and data when possible or explain limits
- Report performance metrics and uncertainty
Required Sections
Manuscript Structure
Prepare manuscripts in a standard scientific format: Title page, abstract, keywords, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusions, acknowledgements, and references. Include a clear statement of contributions and funding. For translational studies, explicitly describe how laboratory findings connect to in vivo validation or computational prediction, and explain the impact of each method on the final conclusions.
Abstract and Keywords
Abstracts should summarize objectives, methods, major findings, and implications in 200 to 300 words. Use 4 to 6 keywords that reflect the three research domains where applicable. A strong abstract improves discoverability and enables reviewers to rapidly assess scope and relevance, so emphasize methodological integration and the primary translational insight.
Figures, Tables, and Supplementary Files
Submit figures and tables as separate high resolution files with descriptive captions. Indicate statistical significance and sample sizes clearly in figure legends. Supplementary files may include extended datasets, protocol details, or code documentation. Ensure that all visual elements are cited in the manuscript and align with reported results.
References and Citations
Use a consistent citation format and provide complete bibliographic details for all references. Where possible, include DOIs. Cite primary sources for methods and datasets. For computational work, cite software tools and libraries. Accurate references support reproducibility and improve the visibility of your work in indexing and discovery systems.
Ethics and Compliance
All studies involving humans or animals must provide ethics approval identifiers and confirm informed consent when applicable. Clinical trials should include registration details. Animal studies must follow ARRIVE recommendations. Include a statement in the manuscript describing ethical oversight, care procedures, and any relevant safety monitoring or adverse event reporting.
Data and Code Availability
Provide a data availability statement describing where supporting data can be accessed. For in silico research, share code and model parameters when possible. If data cannot be shared due to privacy or legal restrictions, explain the limitation and provide a process for qualified access. Clear availability policies strengthen trust and reproducibility.
Reporting Standards
Use recognized reporting guidelines for your study type, such as ARRIVE for animal research, CONSORT for clinical trials, or STROBE for observational studies. Computational studies should report training data, validation procedures, and evaluation metrics. Transparent reporting accelerates peer review and increases reader confidence.
Preprints and Prior Dissemination
IIIJ accepts submissions that have been posted on reputable preprint servers, provided that the manuscript has not been formally published elsewhere. Disclose any prior dissemination during submission. Preprints increase visibility, but the peer reviewed article remains the citable version of record.
Peer Review Process
Each manuscript undergoes initial editorial screening for scope, ethics, and completeness. Suitable submissions are sent for double blind peer review. Reviewers evaluate methodological rigor, translational relevance, and clarity. Authors receive consolidated feedback and a decision with clear guidance for revisions.
Revisions and Final Acceptance
When revisions are requested, respond to each reviewer comment in a point by point document and highlight changes in the manuscript. Revised submissions may undergo additional review. After acceptance, you will receive production proofs for final checks before publication.
Cover Letter and Suggested Reviewers
Include a brief cover letter explaining why the manuscript fits IIIJ and how it contributes to translational research. Authors may suggest potential reviewers who are free of conflicts of interest. The editor may or may not invite suggested reviewers, but recommendations can help identify appropriate expertise.
Clinical Trial Registration
Clinical trials should be registered in a recognized public registry prior to patient enrollment. Provide the registration number in the manuscript and include it in the abstract when applicable. Trial registration improves transparency and meets the expectations of funders and ethics committees.
Computational Reproducibility
For in silico studies, describe training data sources, validation procedures, and parameter settings. Provide code repositories or supplementary documentation that allows others to reproduce results. Clear computational reporting strengthens trust and supports reuse of models and workflows.
Data Visualization Standards
Use consistent visual styles, readable fonts, and accessible color choices. Figures should convey key results without requiring excessive text. Avoid excessive abbreviations in figure labels. For complex computational outputs, include clear legends and annotate axes so reviewers and readers can interpret results quickly.
Post Acceptance Production
After acceptance, your manuscript enters production for copyediting and layout. Authors review proofs for accuracy and respond to queries promptly to avoid publication delays. Production changes should focus on clarity and correctness rather than new analysis. Provide final figure files and confirm author affiliations during proof review.
ORCID and Author Identifiers
IIIJ encourages authors to include ORCID identifiers to improve attribution and indexing accuracy. Provide ORCID IDs for all authors when available, and ensure corresponding author contact details are complete for production and post publication queries.
Formatting and Style
Use clear section headings, standard abbreviations, and consistent terminology. Define abbreviations at first mention and avoid excessive jargon. Provide units in SI where applicable. Manuscripts should be written in clear academic English with concise sentences that help readers understand the translational value of the work.
Tables and Figure Standards
Tables should be editable and include descriptive titles. Figures must be high resolution and include labeled axes or scale bars. Ensure that colors and symbols are accessible and that legends explain all elements. Combine related figures when appropriate and avoid duplication between tables and figures.
Statistical Reporting
Report sample sizes, statistical tests, and significance thresholds clearly. Provide effect sizes and confidence intervals when possible. Describe how missing data were handled and whether analyses were preplanned. Transparent statistical reporting strengthens interpretation and helps reviewers evaluate rigor.
Supplementary Materials
Supplementary files can include extended methods, raw datasets, additional figures, or code documentation. Label files clearly and reference them in the manuscript. Supplements should add value without replacing essential information needed to understand the main findings.
Authorship Criteria
All listed authors should meet accepted authorship criteria, including substantive contributions, participation in drafting or revising, and approval of the final manuscript. Provide a contribution statement that clarifies each author role. Gift or honorary authorship is not permitted.
Funding and Acknowledgements
Disclose all funding sources, grant numbers, and financial support in the manuscript. Acknowledge contributors who do not meet authorship criteria. Transparent funding statements help readers evaluate potential conflicts and support compliance with funder policies.
Copyright and Licensing
IIIJ publishes under a Creative Commons license indicated in the final article. Authors retain copyright while granting the journal the right to publish. If a specific license is required by a funder, indicate this at submission.
APC and Waivers
Article Processing Charges apply only after acceptance. Fee waivers or discounts may be available for eligible authors. Include any waiver request during submission to avoid delays after acceptance.
Clear reporting is the fastest path to peer review success. IIIJ values transparency and methodological rigor so that discoveries can be validated across laboratory, clinical, and computational domains.
Submit Your Manuscript
Ready to publish your translational research? Submit through ManuscriptZone or the simple submission form. For questions about formatting or requirements, contact [email protected] before submission. Include ORCID IDs and confirm corresponding author details for accurate indexing. A clear cover letter speeds editorial screening. Ensure all files are labeled clearly and submit editable tables when possible. We recommend a final checklist review.
