Author Guidelines

1. Overview

The Iraqi Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes high-quality research across all fields of science and technology. We welcome submissions from researchers worldwide that contribute original and significant findings to their respective fields.

Publication Frequency

IJST publishes quarterly (four issues per year): March, June, September, and December.

Article Processing Charges

As an open-access journal, IJST operates on a fair and transparent APC model. Article Processing Charges (APCs) support the editorial and production processes, ensuring high-quality publication.

2. Manuscript Types

IJST accepts the following types of manuscripts:

Original Research Articles

• Present original research findings
• Maximum length: 8,000 words (excluding references)
• Should include: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion
• Up to 10 figures/tables

Review Articles

• Comprehensive analysis of a specific research area
• Maximum length: 10,000 words
• Should provide critical evaluation of existing literature
• Must include systematic search methodology

Case Studies

• Detailed analysis of specific cases or scenarios
• Maximum length: 5,000 words
• Must demonstrate broader applicability or novel insights

3. Manuscript Preparation

Language Requirements

Manuscripts must be written in clear, concise English. Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to seek professional language editing services before submission.

Authorship

All authors must meet the following criteria:

• Substantial contributions to conception, design, or data analysis
• Drafting or critical revision of the manuscript
• Final approval of the version to be published
• Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work

Originality

Submitted manuscripts must be original and not under consideration by any other journal. Previously published data should be properly cited. Duplicate publication is strictly prohibited.

4. Manuscript Structure

Research articles should follow this structure:

Title Page

• Concise and informative title (maximum 150 characters)
• Full names and affiliations of all authors
• Email address and ORCID iD of corresponding author
• Keywords: 4-6 keywords for indexing

Abstract

• 200-300 words
• Structured format: Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions
• Stand-alone summary without references
• Must be provided in both English and Arabic

Introduction

• Background and context
• Literature review and gap identification
• Research objectives and hypotheses
• Significance of the study

Materials and Methods

• Detailed description enabling replication
• Study design and participants
• Materials, equipment, and procedures
• Statistical analysis methods
• Ethical approvals (if applicable)

Results

• Present findings logically and clearly
• Use tables and figures appropriately
• Avoid interpretation (save for Discussion)
• Report all relevant results, including negative findings

Discussion

• Interpret findings in context of existing literature
• Address study limitations
• Discuss implications and applications
• Suggest future research directions

Conclusion

• Concise summary of main findings
• Highlight key contributions
• Avoid repeating abstract or results

Acknowledgments

• Recognize funding sources
• Thank individuals who contributed but don't meet authorship criteria
• Declare any conflicts of interest

5. Formatting Guidelines

Units and Abbreviations

• Use SI units throughout
• Define abbreviations at first use
• Use standard scientific nomenclature

6. Figures and Tables

General Guidelines

• Each figure/table should be cited in the text
• Number consecutively (Figure 1, Table 1, etc.)
• Provide descriptive captions
• Ensure all elements are clearly legible

Figure Specifications

• Format: TIFF, EPS, or high-quality PNG/JPEG
• Resolution: Minimum 300 dpi for photographs, 600-1200 dpi for line art
• Size: Fit within journal column width (8.3 cm) or page width (17 cm)
• Color: Use CMYK color mode for print; RGB acceptable for online-only
• Labels: Use Arial or Helvetica font, minimum 8pt

Table Specifications

• Submit as editable text, not images
• Use horizontal lines sparingly
• Include units in column headings
• Use footnotes for additional information
• Ensure tables are self-explanatory

7. References

IJST follows the APA 7th Edition citation style. All references cited in the text must appear in the reference list, and vice versa.

In-Text Citations

Reference List Format

8. Submission Process

Before Submission

• Review all guidelines carefully
• Use the manuscript template provided
• Run plagiarism check (similarity index should be < 15%)
• Proofread for language and grammar
• Prepare all supplementary materials

Required Documents

1. Main Manuscript File - Complete manuscript without author information
2. Title Page - Separate file with author details
3. Cover Letter - Addressed to the Editor-in-Chief
4. Figures and Tables - High-resolution individual files
5. Supplementary Materials - If applicable

Submission Steps

1. Go to the online submission system
2. Create an account or log in
3. Enter manuscript details
4. Upload all required files
5. Review and confirm submission
6. Receive submission confirmation email with tracking ID

9. Ethics and Policies

Ethical Approval

Research involving human subjects, animals, or sensitive data must have appropriate ethical approval. Include the approval number and reviewing body in the Methods section.

Informed Consent

For studies involving human participants, informed consent must be obtained. Patient anonymity must be preserved.

Conflicts of Interest

All authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the research. If no conflicts exist, state: "The authors declare no conflicts of interest."

Data Availability

Authors should make research data available upon reasonable request, unless restricted by ethical or legal considerations.

Plagiarism Policy

All submissions are checked for plagiarism. Manuscripts with significant overlap (>15% similarity) will be rejected. Self-plagiarism is also unacceptable.

10. Peer Review Process

Review Type

IJST uses a double-blind peer review process. Authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other throughout the review.

Timeline

• Initial Quality Check: 3-5 business days
• Peer Review: 4-6 weeks
• Editor Decision: 1-2 weeks after reviews received
• Total Time to Decision: 6-8 weeks average

Possible Decisions

• Accept: Manuscript accepted without changes
• Minor Revisions: Small changes required
• Major Revisions: Substantial changes needed, will be re-reviewed
• Reject and Resubmit: Fundamental issues, may resubmit as new manuscript
• Reject: Not suitable for publication

11. Revising Your Manuscript

Response to Reviewers

When revisions are requested, you must provide:

• Point-by-Point Response: Address each reviewer comment individually
• Revised Manuscript: With changes highlighted
• Clean Version: Final version without track changes

Revision Timeline

• Minor Revisions: Submit within 30 days
• Major Revisions: Submit within 60 days

If more time is needed, contact the editorial office before the deadline. Manuscripts not revised within the timeframe may be closed.

12. Publication

After Acceptance

1. Copyright Transfer: Complete and sign the copyright agreement
2. APC Payment: Pay the article processing charge
3. Proofreading: Review and approve the formatted proof
4. DOI Assignment: Manuscript receives a permanent DOI
5. Online Publication: Article published online immediately
6. Print Publication: Included in the next quarterly issue

Open Access

All articles are published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, allowing:

• Free access and download
• Sharing and distribution
• Adaptation and reuse (with attribution)

Promoting Your Work

After publication, we encourage you to:

• Share via social media using the journal's hashtags
• Add to institutional repositories
• Update your ORCID profile
• Share with relevant academic networks