Analyst

2.0 Article types

2.1 Communications

These must report preliminary research findings that are highly original, of immediate interest and are likely to have a high impact. Communications are given priority treatment, are fast-tracked through the publication process and appear prominently at the front of the journal. The key aim of Communications is to present innovative chemical concepts with important analytical implications. As such, Communications need only demonstrate 'proof of principle': it is not expected that the analytical figures of merit will necessarily surpass those of existing, highly refined analytical techniques. Authors should provide at the time of submission a short paragraph explaining why their work justifies urgent publication as a Communication. Ideally, a full Research Paper in Analyst, Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Journal of Environmental Monitoring, Lab on a Chip or another appropriate primary journal should follow each Communication.

2.2 Research Papers

These must represent a significant development in the particular field of analysis and are judged according to originality, quality of scientific content and contribution to existing knowledge. Although there is no page limit for full papers, appropriateness of length to content of new science will taken into consideration.

2.3 Comments

These are a medium for the discussion and exchange of scientific opinions concerning material published in Analyst. Submitted Comments will normally be forwarded to the authors of the work being discussed, and these authors will be given the opportunity to submit a reply for publication together with the Comment. For publication of a Comment or a Reply, they must be judged by the referees to be scientifically significant and of interest to the readership of Analyst. Comments and replies will be reviewed in the normal way, but additional referees will be consulted if there is an unresolved disagreement between correspondents, or where there is doubt as to the significance of the Comment or Reply. Comments should be brief and should not normally exceed a length of one printed journal page. Publication will take place only when all parties have had an opportunity to respond appropriately.

2.4 Reviews and other i-section articles

Potential writers should contact Professor Duncan Graham (Scientific Editor, Reviews) or the Editorial Office before embarking on their work.