Research Guidelines

The Journal of Innovation in Multidisciplinary Research and Technology (JIMRT) is committed to advancing scholarly research through a rigorous and ethical publication process. These Research Guidelines provide detailed instructions for authors, reviewers, and editors to ensure that all submissions meet the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, and quality. Aligned with international publishing ethics, these guidelines promote transparency, fairness, and excellence in multidisciplinary research. JIMRT employs a double-blind peer review process to maintain impartiality and credibility, and these guidelines are designed to support authors in preparing manuscripts that align with the journal’s mission and scope.

1. Submission Requirements

1.1 Manuscript Types

JIMRT welcomes a variety of submission types to reflect the diverse nature of multidisciplinary research:

• Original Research Articles: Manuscripts presenting novel findings, supported by robust methodology, data analysis, and discussion (typically 4,000–8,000 words, excluding references).
• Review Papers: Comprehensive syntheses of existing literature, offering critical insights, identifying research gaps, or proposing new frameworks (typically 5,000–10,000 words).
• Case Studies: In-depth analyses of specific instances, projects, or applications with relevance to multidisciplinary fields (typically 3,000–6,000 words).
• Perspectives: Opinion pieces, theoretical discussions, or commentaries on emerging trends or challenges in multidisciplinary research (typically 2,000–4,000 words).

1.2 Scope of Submissions

JIMRT’s multidisciplinary scope encompasses a broad range of fields, encouraging innovative and cross-disciplinary research. Manuscripts should align with one or more of the following areas:

• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Aerospace, Biomedical, Computer Engineering, and related subfields.
• Technology: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Robotics, Internet of Things, and Sustainable Technologies.
• Management: Business Innovation, Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management, Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Supply Chain Management.
• Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Materials Science, and Earth Sciences.
• Social Sciences: Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Public Policy, and Anthropology.
• Health Sciences: Medicine, Public Health, Biotechnology, Nursing, and Healthcare Innovation.
• Humanities: Cultural Studies, History, Philosophy, Ethics in Technology, and Literature.
• Applied Sciences: Agricultural Technology, Food Science, Energy Systems, and Industrial Applications.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Studies integrating multiple disciplines to address complex global challenges, such as sustainability, digital transformation, or social equity.

Manuscripts should demonstrate originality, methodological rigor, and significant contributions to knowledge, with relevance to JIMRT’s mission of fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

1.3 Manuscript Preparation

To ensure a smooth submission and review process, authors must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Language: Manuscripts must be written in clear, concise, and grammatically correct English. Non-native speakers are encouraged to seek professional editing services if needed.
• Formatting:
  • Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point), double-spaced text, and 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins.
  • Include numbered sections: Abstract (150–250 words), Keywords (4–8), Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References.
  • Figures, tables, and supplementary materials should be clearly labeled and submitted as separate files, with captions provided in the main manuscript.
  • Follow JIMRT’s detailed author guidelines, available on the Submission Portal.
• Anonymization: For the double-blind peer review process, remove all identifying information (e.g., author names, affiliations, acknowledgments) from the manuscript file. Include this information in a separate title page or cover letter.
• References: Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago, as specified in the author guidelines). Ensure all sources are accurately cited to avoid plagiarism.
• Word Count: Adhere to the word limits specified for each manuscript type, excluding references, figures, and tables.
• Supplementary Materials: Include datasets, protocols, or additional files where relevant, ensuring they are anonymized for review.

1.4 Submission Process

• Submit manuscripts via the Submission Portal.
• Include a cover letter confirming:
  • The manuscript’s originality and non-submission to other journals.
  • Compliance with ethical standards (e.g., research ethics, authorship criteria).
  • Any conflicts of interest or funding sources.
• Ensure all files (manuscript, figures, tables, supplementary materials) are uploaded in the required formats (e.g., Word, PDF, or high-resolution images).
• For technical issues or questions, contact the submission support team at editor@jimrt.org.

2. Ethical Standards

JIMRT adheres to internationally recognized ethical publishing principles to ensure integrity, transparency, and fairness. Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to comply with the following standards:

2.1 Originality and Plagiarism

• Manuscripts must be original works not previously published or under consideration elsewhere (including preprints, unless explicitly permitted by JIMRT).
• Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, verbatim copying, or improper paraphrasing, is strictly prohibited. JIMRT uses plagiarism detection software to screen all submissions.
• All sources, including data, ideas, or text, must be properly cited. Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce copyrighted material.

2.2 Authorship and Contributions

• Authorship Criteria: Authors must have made significant contributions to the research (e.g., study design, data collection, analysis, or manuscript writing). All listed authors must approve the final manuscript and agree to its submission.
• Non-Author Contributions: Individuals who provided technical support, funding, or other minor contributions should be acknowledged but not listed as authors.
• Authorship Changes: Any changes to authorship (e.g., addition, removal, or reordering) after submission require written consent from all authors and approval from the editorial office.
• Corresponding Author: The corresponding author is responsible for communication with JIMRT, ensuring all co-authors are informed and agree to submission and publication decisions.

2.3 Conflicts of Interest

• Authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that could influence the research or its interpretation (e.g., funding, affiliations, or competing interests).
• Reviewers and editors must also declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if impartiality is compromised.
• A conflict of interest statement must be included in the manuscript, even if no conflicts exist (e.g., “The authors declare no conflicts of interest”).

2.4 Data Integrity and Reproducibility

• Authors must ensure the accuracy, validity, and integrity of all data presented. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data is strictly prohibited.
• Provide detailed methodology to enable replication of the study. Include statistical analyses, software details, and data sources where applicable.
• Raw data or supplementary materials should be made available upon request, subject to ethical and privacy considerations. Authors are encouraged to deposit datasets in public repositories when feasible.
• If errors are identified post-publication, authors must promptly notify the editorial office to issue corrections or retractions as needed.

2.5 Ethical Research Practices

• Human Participants: Research involving human subjects must comply with the Declaration of Helsinki and obtain approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent ethics committee. Informed consent must be documented, and participant anonymity protected.
• Animal Studies: Research involving animals must adhere to ethical guidelines (e.g., the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and obtain approval from an animal ethics committee.
• Ethical Statement: Manuscripts must include a statement confirming compliance with ethical standards, including details of approvals and consents.
• Sensitive Topics: Research on sensitive issues (e.g., cultural, social, or political topics) must be conducted with respect and sensitivity to avoid harm or misrepresentation.

2.6 Plagiarism and Misconduct Investigations

• Suspected cases of plagiarism, data fabrication, or other ethical breaches will be investigated thoroughly by the editorial team.
• Authors will be given an opportunity to respond to allegations. If misconduct is confirmed, appropriate actions (e.g., rejection, retraction, or notification of institutions) will be taken.
• JIMRT reserves the right to report serious ethical violations to relevant institutions or authorities.

3. Double-Blind Peer Review Process

JIMRT employs a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure impartial evaluation of all submissions. The process is structured as follows:

3.1 Initial Screening

• The editorial office reviews submissions for alignment with JIMRT’s scope, adherence to formatting guidelines, and compliance with ethical standards.
• Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria may be desk-rejected with feedback provided to authors.

3.2 Reviewer Assignment

• Suitable manuscripts are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field(s).
• Reviewers are selected based on their qualifications, publication record, and absence of conflicts of interest.
• The double-blind process ensures that author and reviewer identities are concealed throughout the review.

3.3 Review Criteria

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

• Originality: Novelty and contribution to existing knowledge.
• Methodological Rigor: Soundness of research design, data collection, and analysis.
• Clarity and Structure: Logical organization, clear writing, and accessibility to a multidisciplinary audience.
• Relevance: Alignment with JIMRT’s scope and potential impact on the field.
• Ethical Compliance: Adherence to ethical standards in research and reporting.

3.4 Reviewer Recommendations

Reviewers provide detailed feedback and recommend one of the following:

• Accept without revisions
• Accept with minor revisions
• Revise and resubmit (major revisions required)
• Reject

3.5 Editorial Decision

• The editorial team reviews all feedback and makes a final decision, considering reviewer recommendations and the manuscript’s overall quality.
• Authors receive anonymized reviewer comments and a decision letter. If revisions are required, authors are given a clear timeline (typically 2–4 weeks) for resubmission.
• Revised manuscripts may undergo additional rounds of review, depending on the extent of changes.

3.6 Appeals

• Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a detailed justification to editor@jimrt.org. Appeals are reviewed by an independent editorial board member.

4. Publication and Post-Publication Policies

4.1 Open Access and Licensing

• JIMRT is a fully open-access journal, ensuring all articles are freely accessible to a global audience without subscription barriers.
• Published articles are licensed under a Creative Commons license (e.g., CC BY), allowing broad dissemination while requiring proper attribution.
• Authors retain copyright of their work but grant JIMRT the right to publish and distribute the article.

4.2 Article Processing Charges (APCs)

• To support open-access publishing, JIMRT may charge an Article Processing Charge (APC) upon acceptance. Details are available on the Submission Portal.
• Fee waivers or discounts may be available for authors from low-income regions, subject to editorial approval.

4.3 Corrections and Retractions

• Errors identified post-publication (e.g., minor typographical errors) will be addressed through corrigenda or errata.
• Significant issues, such as plagiarism or data fabrication, may lead to retraction. Authors and readers will be notified, and retracted articles will be clearly marked.
• Authors are encouraged to report errors promptly to editor@jimrt.org.

4.4 Archiving and Preservation

• JIMRT ensures long-term preservation of published articles through digital archiving systems, guaranteeing accessibility and integrity.

5. Author Responsibilities

• Compliance: Adhere to all JIMRT guidelines, including formatting, ethical standards, and submission requirements.
• Anonymization: Ensure manuscripts are anonymized for double-blind review.
• Response to Reviewers: Address reviewer comments thoroughly, providing a point-by-point response to feedback during revisions.
• Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of data, references, and claims in the manuscript.
• Post-Publication Engagement: Respond to reader inquiries or concerns about published work in a timely and professional manner.

6. Reviewer and Editor Responsibilities

• Expertise: Reviewers should accept assignments only within their areas of expertise to ensure informed evaluations.
• Impartiality: Reviewers and editors must declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if impartiality is compromised.
• Constructive Feedback: Provide specific, professional, and actionable feedback to improve manuscript quality.
• Confidentiality: Treat all manuscripts and review processes as confidential, refraining from sharing or using content for personal gain.
• Timeliness: Complete reviews within the agreed timeline (typically 2–3 weeks) to support efficient publication.

7. Special Considerations

7.1 Special Issues

• JIMRT encourages proposals for special issues on emerging or high-impact topics in multidisciplinary research. Proposals should include the theme, objectives, and potential contributions.
• Contact editor@jimrt.org for guidelines on submitting special issue proposals.

7.2 Data Sharing and Transparency

• Authors are encouraged to share datasets, code, or supplementary materials in public repositories to enhance transparency and reproducibility.
• If data cannot be shared due to ethical or privacy concerns, authors must provide a clear explanation in the manuscript.

7.3 Interdisciplinary Research

• Given JIMRT’s multidisciplinary focus, authors should ensure their work is accessible to a broad audience, avoiding excessive jargon and clearly explaining discipline-specific concepts.

8. Submission and Contact Information

• Submission Portal: Submit manuscripts via https://jimrt.org/paper-submission/.
• Inquiries: For questions about submission, peer review, or ethical guidelines, contact the editorial office at editor@jimrt.org.
• Reviewer Inquiries: To join our reviewer pool, contact contact@edtechpublishers.com with your CV and areas of expertise.
• Response Time: The editorial team aims to respond to inquiries within 2–3 business days.

9. Commitment to Global Impact

JIMRT is dedicated to fostering multidisciplinary research that addresses global challenges and promotes innovation. By adhering to these guidelines, authors contribute to a trusted and impactful platform that advances knowledge and inspires collaboration. We encourage researchers to submit their work and join our mission to shape the future of multidisciplinary scholarship.

JIMRT: Advancing Research, Ensuring Integrity, Inspiring Innovation

For additional assistance or clarification, please contact our editorial team at editor@jimrt.org.