Research and evidence
Original research articles report a defined investigation with appropriate methods and contextualized findings. Reviews synthesize an identifiable body of literature and explain how sources were selected. Systematic reviews should describe searches, inclusion criteria, screening and synthesis in sufficient detail.
- Original research: normally 4,000–8,000 words
- Systematic or integrative review: normally 5,000–9,000 words
- Methods or simulation study: normally 3,000–7,000 words
- Data or software paper: normally 2,000–5,000 words
Policy and scholarly discussion
Policy analyses connect evidence with a defined policy question and identify tradeoffs. Perspectives develop a reasoned scholarly argument. Short communications report a focused finding or methodological development. These indicative lengths are editorial guidance, not automatic acceptance thresholds.
- Policy analysis: normally 3,000–6,000 words
- Perspective or commentary: normally 1,500–3,000 words
- Short communication: normally 1,500–3,000 words
- Book review or research correspondence: normally 800–1,500 words
Supplementary and revised material
Label supplementary tables, protocols, code and data clearly. Identify the version of each supplied item and explain how it relates to the manuscript. A revision should include a response to the reviewers and a description of substantive changes. The editor may agree an exception to the normal format where it improves scholarly communication.