International Journal of Structural Biology - Instructions for Authors
Modern, submission ready guidance for fast, fair review
Author Preparation Blueprint
This page is a practical blueprint for preparing manuscripts for the International Journal of Structural Biology. It is designed to help your research move through peer review quickly with fewer revisions.
Well structured submissions allow reviewers to evaluate structure quality, validation, and biological interpretation rather than formatting issues.
We publish original research, reviews, brief reports, methods, and editorials across structural biology, biophysics, and biomolecular design.
Use ManuscriptZone or the simple submission form and choose the workflow that best fits your team and institution.
Align with relevant reporting frameworks such as PDB and EMDB validation guidance, PRISMA, or STROBE when appropriate and submit any checklists required by your study type.
Include ethics approvals for human or animal derived materials and biosafety statements where required.
Describe construct design, expression, purification, and experimental conditions clearly to strengthen reproducibility and impact.
If your study includes cryo-EM, NMR, or computational modeling, report data collection parameters, processing workflows, and software versions.
Consistency across text, tables, and figures reduces editorial queries and helps production maintain the final record.
Use clear, concise language for interdisciplinary readers across structural biology, chemistry, and molecular medicine.
If you need guidance on scope or format, contact the editorial office before submitting.
Quick Compliance Panel
- Title page includes affiliations, ORCID, funding, and contributions
- Structured abstract and keywords aligned with structural biology indexing terms
- IMRAD main text with continuous line numbering
- Figures at 300 dpi and tables submitted as editable files
- Ethics approvals and biosafety statements included when relevant
- Data availability statement with repository links or access terms
- PDB, EMDB, or BMRB identifiers provided when applicable
- Cover letter confirms exclusivity and preprint disclosure
- Report software versions and validation metrics in methods
- State limitations and reproducibility steps in the discussion
Why These Standards Matter
A modern, compliant submission improves review speed, clarity, and credibility.
Clear Structure
IMRAD format, structured abstracts, and logical headings improve readability and reduce reviewer friction.
Ethics and Integrity
Ethics compliance and similarity screening protect the record and author reputation.
Data Transparency
Data availability statements and repository links strengthen trust, reuse, and citation potential.
Technical Quality
High resolution figures, density maps, and editable tables reduce production delays.
Reviewer Focus
Complete methods and validation keep review centered on scientific value.
Funder Compliance
Reporting and licensing alignment supports grants, institutional policies, and public access mandates.
Manuscript Preparation Standards
Clear sub sections make your submission easy to review and easier to publish.
Title Page
Title PageEstablish authorship, accountability, and funding transparency.
- Full author names, affiliations, and ORCID identifiers
- Corresponding author email and address
- Funding sources and grant numbers
- Conflict of interest and author contribution statements
- Data deposition plan for structural data
- Cover letter summarizing novelty and confirming exclusive submission
Abstract
AbstractMake your work searchable and easy to interpret.
- Structured abstract for original research manuscripts
- Clear objectives, methods, results, and conclusions
- Four to six keywords aligned with indexing terms
- Include method, resolution, and key biological insight
- Short, direct sentences that make the study easy to scan
Main Text
Main TextProvide a complete narrative with reproducible methods.
- IMRAD structure for original research
- Clear sample preparation, data collection, and refinement reporting
- Validation metrics reported for structures and maps
- Use SI units and define abbreviations at first use
- Include limitations and reproducibility considerations in the discussion
| Formatting | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File format | Word (.doc or .docx) | Main text in one file, figures separate |
| Font and spacing | 12 pt, double spaced | Use standard fonts |
| Line numbers | Continuous | Required for review |
| Validation | Report key metrics | Rfree, FSC, or RMSD |
| Figures | 300 dpi | TIFF, JPEG, or PNG |
Figures and Tables
Figures/TablesEnsure data presentation is clear and publication ready.
- Figures at 300 dpi in TIFF, JPEG, or PNG formats
- Editable tables with titles, footnotes, and units
- Complete figure legends, scale bars, and map statistics
- Include validation plots or FSC curves when relevant
- Supplementary files cited in the main text
- Consistent naming so files match order of appearance
References
ReferencesAccurate citations speed production and improve discovery.
- Vancouver style references
- DOI links included where available
- Cite PDB, EMDB, or BMRB entries when used
- Complete and consistent formatting
- Check for accuracy before submission
- Include access dates for data when needed
Ethics and Data Callouts
These statements are reviewed early in screening and must be clear at submission.
Ethics Statement Required
Provide IRB or IACUC approvals for human or animal derived materials. Include approval identifiers and dates.
Data Availability Statement Required
State where data are stored, include repository links or accession numbers, and describe any access restrictions or embargoes.
Image and Similarity Checks
All submissions undergo similarity screening. Image adjustments must be minimal and documented, and raw data should be retained.
Submission Pathway
Use this pathway to keep your submission compliant and on schedule.
Assemble Core Files
Prepare title page, main manuscript, figures, tables, and supplementary files with clear naming. Confirm that all files are cited in the text.
Run Compliance Check
Confirm ethics approvals and data availability statements. Ensure conflicts and funding are fully disclosed.
Apply Technical Formatting
Use Word format, twelve point font, double spacing, and continuous line numbering. Keep headings consistent across sections.
Quality Review
Verify validation metrics, reproducibility details, and reference accuracy including DOI links. Check that figures match legends and labels.
Submit via Preferred Method
Submit through ManuscriptZone or the simple submission form. Upload figures separately and include a concise cover letter.
Post Submission Readiness
Respond quickly to editorial queries and provide marked and clean revisions. Address reviewer feedback point by point.
Proof and Publish
Review page proofs carefully for accuracy. Confirm that metadata, author details, and data links are correct. Report any corrections immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Points
- Use two submission methods: ManuscriptZone and the simple submission form.
- Ensure references are accurate and include DOI links where possible.
- Define all abbreviations in every table and figure.
- Include ethics approvals when required.
- Provide ORCID identifiers to improve author attribution.
- Use SI units and standard structural biology terminology.
- Keep file names short, descriptive, and consistent with figure order.
- Report resolution, Rfree, and validation statistics clearly.
- Use continuous line numbering to speed reviewer feedback.
- Add a running title and corresponding author details on the title page.
- Confirm that all coauthors approve the submission.
- Disclose any conflicts of interest and funding sources.
Submit Your Manuscript
Use the submission system below to start your International Journal of Structural Biology review process.
For assistance, contact us at [email protected]
