Refereeing Procedure and Policy

2.0 The Journals

Submissions to the journals vary according to their subject matter, format, and type of article being presented. If it is felt that an article would be published more appropriately in an RSC journal other than the one suggested by the author, the referee should inform the Editor.

Some journals publish Communications (see Section 9.0, Communications), Letters, Comments and/or Opinions (see Section 7.0, Letters, Comments and Opinions).

2.1 Analyst

Analyst covers work of the highest quality in analytical, bioanalytical and detection science. In order for a manuscript to be acceptable for Analyst, it must report significant advances in analytical science.

2.2 Analytical Methods

Analytical Methods highlights new and improved methods for the practical application of analytical science. Methods reported will be applicable to a wide range of areas including pharmaceutical analysis, clinical and biochemical analysis, applied industrial analysis, forensic analysis, agriculture and food science, heritage science, analytical standards and new and improved methods for routine analysis.

2.3 Chemical Communications

A forum for preliminary accounts of original and significant work, in any area of chemistry that is likely to prove of wide general appeal or exceptional specialist interest (see also Section 9.0, Communications). Only a fraction of research work warrants publication in Chemical Communications, as the current rejection rate is 60%, and strict refereeing standards should be applied. Acceptance should only be recommended if the content of the paper is of such urgency or impact that rapid publication will be advantageous to the progress of chemical research.

2.4 Chemical Science

Chemical Science publishes findings of exceptional significance from across all of the chemical sciences. By publishing extended reports of novel, cutting-edge research, the journal will be at the forefront of the most exciting developments.

2.5 CrystEngComm

An electronic-only journal covering all areas of crystal engineering, including theoretical crystal engineering, techniques in crystal engineering, target crystals and properties (see also Section 10.0, Electronic-only Journals).

2.6 Dalton Transactions

Covering all aspects of the chemistry of inorganic and organometallic compounds, including biological inorganic and solid-state inorganic chemistry; the applications of physicochemical techniques to the study of their structures, properties and reactions, including kinetics and mechanism; new or improved experimental techniques and syntheses. For a research work to be accepted for publication it must report high quality new chemistry and make a significant contribution to its field.

2.7 Food & Function

Food & Function provides a unique venue to publish work at the interface of the chemistry, physics and biology of food. The journal focuses on the interaction of food components in the human body, including: the physical properties and structure of food; the chemistry of food components; the biochemical and physiological actions; and nutrition and health aspects of food.

2.8  Green Chemistry

Chemical aspects of clean technology, reduction of the environmental impact of chemicals (and fuels) whether from improved production methods, formulation and delivery systems, the use of sustainable/renewable resources and product substitution. Methodologies and tools for evaluating the environmental impact of the above, such as life cycle analysis, environmental risk analysis and legislative issues surrounding green chemistry. In no circumstances should papers just report the 'green angle' of previously published work or work submitted elsewhere, all submissions must be original.

2.9 Integrative Biology

A unique venue for biological research, based on innovative experimental and theoretical methodologies, that enhances our capability to gain new insight into important biological questions. Such research is typically inter- or multidisciplinary, calling upon biological knowledge in combination with technologies from the physical sciences, engineering, imaging, computation and mathematics. Integrative Biology aims to drive forward discovery and analysis within biology by elucidating basic biological phenomena and processes via technology that allows us to: view, interrogate and investigate molecules as well as cells or their contents; model accurately how these processes/systems work; investigate and model complexity; and engineer new solutions to biological problems. It is essential that all articles submitted to Integrative Biology meet the following assessment criteria: INSIGHT: What contribution does the paper make to our insight on the biological mechanism/process/phenomena explored? INNOVATION: To what extent does the technology used enable the biological insight? INTEGRATION: To what extent does the paper demonstrate integration of technology and biology?

2.10 Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

The journal covers the development of fundamental theory, practice and analytical application of spectrometric techniques to elemental research.

2.11 Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts

Physical, chemical and biological research relating to the measurement, impact and management of contaminants in all natural and anthropogenic environments. The journal places special emphasis on atmospheric science and human health issues and on the interface of analytical science with disciplines concerned with natural and human environments.

2.12 Journal of Materials Chemistry

The chemistry of materials, particularly those associated with advanced technology; modelling of materials; synthesis and structural characterisation; physicochemical aspects of fabrication; chemical, structural, electrical, magnetic and optical properties; applications; bio-related materials.

2.13 Lab on a Chip

Miniaturisation research and technology: its applications in chemistry, biology, physics, electronics, clinical chemistry, fabrication, engineering and materials science. Authors should clarify the advantages of carrying out the described processes/reactions at the micro- or nano-scale as opposed to the macro scale and must interpret and explain all their observations rather than just reporting them.

2.14 MedChemComm

MedChemComm publishes work across the broad spectrum of medicinal chemistry, including new studies related to biologically-active chemical or biochemical entities that can act as pharmacological agents with therapeutic potential or relevance. The journal attracts readers from both academia and industry, conducting research in the field of medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, pharmacology and pharmaceutical research.

2.15 Metallomics

Metallomics: Integrated Biometal Science is a high-quality international, peer-reviewed journal for the publication of original research papers, reviews and communications which provide insight into the role of metals in the life sciences. All manuscripts should be written in a manner that is accessible to those working in the traditional fields of chemistry and biology as well as those working at the interface of the two subjects. In particular, abbreviations or acronyms should be clearly defined where they first appear in the text.

2.16 Molecular BioSystems

An interdisciplinary journal publishing novel and significant research that is emerging at the interface between chemistry and biology. The journal is intended as a forum for accounts of the research and development at the interface between chemistry and the -omic sciences and systems biology, in particular research concerned with cellular processes, metabolism, proteomics and genomics, systems biology, drug discovery, biomaterials, and all techniques relevant to these subject areas. All manuscripts should be written in a manner that is accessible to those working in the traditional fields of chemistry and biology as well as those working at the interface of the two subjects. In particular, abbreviations or acronyms should be clearly defined where they first appear in the text.

2.17 Nanoscale

Nanoscale is a high impact international journal, publishing research of the highest quality across the breadth of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanoscale publishes a full mix of research articles on experimental and theoretical work. Highly interdisciplinary, Nanoscale will appeal to scientists, researchers and professionals interested in nanoscience and nanotechnology, including in the areas of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, materials, energy/environment, information technology, detection science, healthcare and drug discovery, and electronics.

2.18 New Journal of Chemistry

A forum for the publication of original and significant work, in any area of chemistry that is likely to prove of wide general appeal or exceptional specialist interest. Only a fraction of research work warrants publication in the journal, which has a rejection rate is 60% for Articles and over 70% for Letters, and strict refereeing standards should be applied. Acceptance should only be recommended if the content of the paper will be advantageous to the progress of chemical research.

2.19 Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry

The journal brings together molecular design, synthesis, structure, function and reactivity in one journal. It publishes fundamental work on synthetic, physical and biomolecular organic chemistry as well as all organic aspects of: chemical biology, medicinal chemistry; natural product chemistry; supramolecular chemistry; macromolecular chemistry; theoretical chemistry; and catalysis.

2.20 Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences

Any aspect of the interaction of light with molecules, supramolecular systems and biological matter, for example, elemental photochemical and photophysical processes, the interaction of light with living systems, how light affects health, the use of light as a reagent in synthesis, the use of light as a diagnostic tool and for curative purposes, and areas in which light is a cost-effective catalyst or alternative source of energy.

2.21 Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

All aspects of physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry including: catalysis; clusters; colloid and interface science; computational chemistry and molecular dynamics; electrochemistry; energy transfer; gas-phase reactions; kinetics and dynamics; laser-induced chemistry; materials science; photochemistry and photophysics; macromolecules and polymers; nanosciences; quantum chemistry and molecular structure; radiation chemistry; reactions in condensed phases; solid-state chemistry; spectroscopy of molecules; statistical mechanics; surface science; thermodynamics; zeolites.

2.22 Polymer Chemistry

Polymer Chemistry publishes advances in polymer chemistry encompassing all aspects of synthetic and biological macromolecules, and related emerging areas. The journal provides a showcase for the ongoing efforts driving polymer chemistry, highlighting the creativity of the field and previously inaccessible applications.

2.23 Soft Matter

The journal for high quality interdisciplinary research into soft matter and complex fluids, with a particular focus on the interface between chemistry, physics and biology. Papers that describe properties of soft matter set in context to the relevant science are also welcomed, but emphasis should be on the science rather than potential applications or the properties themselves. The scope includes original research on the fundamental science of soft matter including simulation and modelling of soft matter. All manuscripts should be written in a manner that is accessible to those working in the traditional fields of chemistry, biology and physics as well as those working at the interface of the these subjects.