Soft Matter

2.0 Article types

2.1 Communications

Communications in Soft Matter contain novel scientific work of such importance and interest that rapid publication is required. Communications are concise and should not exceed four journal pages (ca. 2000 words) in length; they may be accompanied by Electronic Supplementary Information. Communications start with a brief unreferenced abstract and do not contain any section headings. The number of references should be limited to ca. 15. A short justification statement must be included with the submission outlining why the work merits rapid publication.

2.2 Full Papers

Full Papers in Soft Matter present original high quality primary research that has not been previously published. However, work that has appeared in print in a short form such as a Communication is normally acceptable. Please note that the Society strongly discourages the fragmentation of a substantial body of work into a number of short publications. Articles start with a brief unreferenced abstract and contain an introduction, results and discussion, experimental, and notes and references sections.

2.3 Reviews, Highlights, and Emerging Areas

Reviews in Soft Matter are critical reviews of a topical and significant area of research. They are typically up to 6000 words in length (although they may be shorter) and include a short biography of the author(s).

Highlights single out important new developments (a single paper or group of papers) and explain the significance of the work to the broad, interdisciplinary Soft Matter audience. They may point out further urgent follow-up work and challenges that are still faced, and may be speculative in nature. No new work should be presented; these papers are intended to put existing work into perspective. Highlights are typically no longer than 2000 words.

Reviews and Highlights are normally published by invitation of the Soft Matter Editorial Board. However, suggestions from authors are welcome and enquiries regarding the submission of these articles should be directed to the Commissioning Editor.

Emerging Areas in Soft Matter are short, personal accounts of a potentially important and growing new field of research. They are typically up to 3000 words in length and include a short biography of the author(s). These articles are normally written at the suggestion of Members of the Editorial Board or Advisory Board.

2.4 Opinions

Opinions in Soft Matter are typically 2000 words in length and provide a personal, often speculative, viewpoint or hypothesis on a topic of current interest to the scientific community. They may concern a recent publication in Soft Matter (in which case the author(s) concerned will be given the opportunity to respond) or discuss any current hot topic from the authors point of view; provided that they are not defamatory to the work of others they can be controversial and stimulate counter-opinion. They can include a short biography of the author(s).

Opinions on set topics may be invited by the Editorial Office but unsolicited pieces in response to papers already published are encouraged to promote scientific discussion.