Instructions for Authors
Comprehensive guidance for forensic science manuscript preparation.
Author Guidelines
Advanced Forensic Sciences publishes original research advancing criminal investigation and forensic practice. These guidelines ensure your manuscript meets our standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and courtroom relevance. Properly prepared submissions receive faster review and processing.
Evidence-based science. Rigorous methods. Real-world impact.
Original Research
- Word limit: 6,000 words
- Abstract: 300 words structured
- Figures/Tables: Up to 8 total
- References: 50 maximum
- Full methods section required
- Validation data expected
Systematic Review
- Word limit: 8,000 words
- Abstract: 350 words structured
- Figures/Tables: Up to 10 total
- References: 100 maximum
- PRISMA checklist required
- Meta-analysis encouraged
Short Communication
- Word limit: 2,500 words
- Abstract: 150 words unstructured
- Figures/Tables: Up to 3 total
- References: 20 maximum
- Rapid publication pathway
- Case reports welcome
IMRAD Format: Original research articles should follow standard Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion structure. Include clear Conclusions summarizing forensic implications.
- Title Page: Full title, all author names with ORCID, affiliations, corresponding author contact, word count, funding sources
- Abstract: Structured with Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions sections; 5-7 keywords including forensic descriptors
- Introduction: Context, knowledge gap, hypothesis or objectives; cite foundational forensic literature
- Methods: Detailed protocols enabling replication; statistical approaches; ethical approvals; chain of custody if applicable
- Results: Clear presentation with appropriate statistics; validation metrics; sensitivity/specificity where relevant
- Discussion: Interpretation, limitations, forensic applications, courtroom implications, future research directions
Method Validation
Analytical studies must include validation parameters: accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, limits of detection, and uncertainty estimates per SWGDAM/OSAC guidelines.
Chain of Custody
Research using case samples must describe evidence handling, storage conditions, and chain of custody documentation protecting evidentiary integrity.
Blind Testing
Studies evaluating examiner performance should include blind or blinded procedures. Describe any knowledge of ground truth during analysis.
Error Rates
Pattern evidence studies should report false positive and false negative rates. Include confidence intervals and discuss factors affecting error rates.
- Submit figures as separate high-resolution files (300 dpi minimum)
- Forensic images must include scale bars with units
- Electropherograms should show full profile with size standards
- Spectra must include labeled peaks and reference libraries used
- Tables should be editable (not images) with clear headers
- Supplementary materials for additional data, full protocols, or extended results
Human Subjects
Research involving human samples requires IRB/Ethics Committee approval. Provide protocol number and approving institution. Deceased subjects and casework samples must meet institutional requirements.
Data Availability
Share underlying data where legally permissible. For casework data with privacy restrictions, describe data access procedures or provide aggregated datasets.
Quantitative Studies
Report sample sizes, statistical tests used, p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes. Justify statistical approaches for forensic comparison studies. Include power analyses for validation studies.
Likelihood Ratios
For evidential interpretation studies, report likelihood ratios with calibration analysis. Describe reference populations and assumptions underlying probability estimates.
Machine Learning Studies
Describe training and test datasets, cross-validation methods, hyperparameter selection, and performance metrics. Address overfitting and generalizability.
Uncertainty Quantification
Include measurement uncertainty following GUM guidelines. Report uncertainty contributions and expanded uncertainties for quantitative measurements.
Methods Transparency: Provide sufficient methodological detail for independent replication. Include software versions, instrument models, and reagent suppliers. Deposit analysis code in repositories like GitHub when applicable.
Use Vancouver (numbered) citation style. Include DOIs where available. Cite forensic-specific resources including SWGDAM, OSAC, and ENFSI guidelines where relevant.
Submit manuscripts through ManuscriptZone for full tracking and revision management, or use our Simple Manuscript Submission Form for initial contact. Include cover letter explaining significance and confirming originality. Suggest 3-5 qualified expert reviewers with email addresses.
Have questions about manuscript preparation or forensic methodology requirements? Contact our editorial team at [email protected] for guidance tailored to your research area.
Manuscripts must be written in clear, grammatical English suitable for international readers. Authors whose first language is not English should consider professional language editing services before submission. Use SI units throughout. Define abbreviations at first use. Spell out numbers below 10 except when used with units.
All authors must disclose potential conflicts of interest including financial relationships, consulting arrangements, expert witness activities, and other relationships that could influence research or interpretation. Declare all funding sources. Describe the role of funders in study design, data collection, and manuscript preparation.
Have questions about manuscript preparation or forensic methodology requirements? Contact our editorial team at [email protected] for guidance specific to your research area and career stage. We support forensic researchers from all disciplines, career stages, and institutional backgrounds worldwide.
Submit Your Forensic Research Manuscript
Advance criminal investigation through rigorous science publication that meets courtroom standards and advances criminal investigation methodology.
