Submissions Information
Submit Online: JALA accepts manuscript submissions via the Elsevier Gateway.
Manuscript Categories
JALA accepts submissions covering a wide range of technologies, which include the following: sample processing (liquid handling, sample storage, sample analysis, and system integration); microfluidics (design, applications, and integration); informatics (LIMS, data acquisition and management, electronic laboratory notebooks, and integration). We do not limit what industries or research areas in which these technologies might be used, and have accepted manuscripts from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemistry, biochemistry, diagnostics, genetics, food technology, food safety, forensics, biosafety, government laboratories, and materials science based companies, vendors, and researchers. JALA publishes manuscripts in four main categories: Original Reports, Innovation Briefs, JALA Tutorials, and Technology Reviews.
Original Reports
Original Reports contribute new, original, novel, significant information and applications. Original Reports are a minimum of 2,000 words, with no maximum word limit. Any comparisons or conclusions must be backed up by data. Original Reports may concentrate on improved quality, increased process speed, reductions in sample volume, reductions in process costs, or innovations in informatics or data handling, to list a few examples. The editorial staff and reviewers will evaluate a manuscript's content against its length and may suggest shortening the manuscript as appropriate. Original Reports are peer reviewed by at least two experts in the field. [MANUSCRIPT EXAMPLE]
Innovation Briefs
Innovation Briefs are practical descriptions of an innovative new process, technique, instrumentation, device, or software containing technical content that would be of interest and use to readers of JALA, but do not contain the same level of data or existing comparisons to justify publication as an Original Report. Innovation Briefs are typically shorter than original reports (approximately 2,000 words). Innovation Briefs are also peer reviewed by at least two experts in the field. [MANUSCRIPT EXAMPLE]
JALA Tutorials
Tutorials provide an introductory overview of a core topic in the field of laboratory automation or related areas. The content of a Tutorial must be presented in an instructional manner. Tutorials are a minimum of 2000 words, with no maximum word limit. Long Tutorials may be published in multiple parts. Tutorials are peer reviewed by at least two experts in the field. [MANUSCRIPT EXAMPLE]
Technology Reviews
Technology Reviews describe new and innovative products of interest to JALA readers. They may focus on instruments, devices, or software. Technology Reviews are a minimum of 1000 words. All Technology Reviews are edited for commercial content. Technology Reviews are reviewed by at least one expert in the field. [MANUSCRIPT EXAMPLE]
Feature Articles
Feature Articles explore topics of general interest to the laboratory automation community. They may support the editorial theme of a special issue, or profile a unique or otherwise pertinent technology, person, or company. They vary in length, and may be invited by the editors or submitted spontaneously. Feature articles are peer reviewed by at least one expert in the field. [MANUSCRIPT EXAMPLE]
Manuscript Guidelines
All manuscripts and news releases submitted to JALA must be written in the English language. Microsoft Word is preferred. Manuscripts must be prepared double-spaced, with wide margins (25 mm or 1 inch), and pages should be consecutively numbered. Tables may be embedded in the Word file. Figures must be provided as separate, original files (for more information, see Figure Guidelines).
Manuscripts should include an introductory abstract of approximately 200 words or less that states the purposes of study or investigation, main findings, and the principal conclusions. In addition, three to five keywords should be provided for indexing purposes.
Manuscripts are expected to be concise, well organized, and clearly written. The format of the paper should follow that found in Chapter One of The ACS Style Guide (Janet Dodd, Editor: American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., 1997). The author is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all references. JALA requests and strongly recommends that article titles be included in references. Use the SI system ofunits and Celsius degrees; use L for liter. Where a company is mentioned, indicate location (city, state, country if non-U.S.). All abbreviations, acronyms and symbols must be defined upon their initial use in the text.
Authors who speak English as a second language might like to know about language editing services, many of which are available at a discount for current or prospective JALA/Elsevier authors. Other helpful information and resources can be found at the Elsevier Resource Center for Authors.
Figure Guidelines
It is the author’s responsibility to provide original, high-resolution images for all figures, photos and illustrations. Images should be at least five inches wide and saved as TIF files at 600 dpi for line-drawn images or at least 300 dpi for color or black/white photography. Color images should be saved as CMYK. Each image submitted should be saved as a separate file, and the file name should include the lead author’s last name and identified as Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.
For more information about preparing images for print publication, authors are encouraged to review the "Artwork Instructions" section of the Elsevier Author Gateway Web site, and to visit the Digital Expert Web site.
Copyright and Simultaneous Submissions
Manuscripts are considered for publication with the understanding that if the paper is accepted, copyright is transferred to the Association for Laboratory Automation, and that no paper presenting the same information has been or will be published elsewhere. If part of a contribution has appeared or will appear elsewhere, the author must specifiy the details in the comments portion of his or her submission. Simultaneous submissions of manuscripts to multiple journals at the same time is not acceptable — please do not submit manuscripts that may be under consideration by another publication or electronic medium.
Scientific Misconduct
In accordance with the Council of Science Editors, JALA recognizes that as a general guide, the term "research misconduct" applies to any action that involves purposeful manipulation of the scientific record such that it no longer reflects observed truth, or mistreatment of research subjects. The concepts of negligence and deceit are central to the definition of research misconduct. Research misconduct generally falls into one of four areas: fabrication of data, falsification of data, plagiarism, and unethical treatment of research subjects. [MORE]
If JALA suspects misconduct by authors, reviewers, editorial staff, or other editors, it will take action. This duty extends to both published and unpublished papers. JALA will first seek a response from those accused. If JALA is not satisfied with the response, JALA will ask the employers of the authors, reviewers, or editors, or some other appropriate body (perhaps a regulatory body) to investigate. In the case of its own editorial staff, JALA will conduct the investigation itself. JALA will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a proper investigation is conducted; if this is not possible, or does not happen for whatever reason, JALA will make all reasonable attempts to persist in obtaining a resolution to the problem and a correction of the record if it is needed.
The Peer Review Process
The review process is confidential, and reviewers are obliged not to discuss papers or authors with anyone outside of the JALA editorial staff. Manuscripts are typically evaluated in response to these general Peer Review Guidelines and initial feedback is usually provided to authors within four weeks after submission. Manuscripts can be accepted as written by reviewers, declined as inappropriate, or as is often the case, reviewers will suggest revisions in the spirit of mentorship. Authors are then offered the opportunity to revise and re-submit their manuscripts, or provide explanations in response to reviewer questions or suggestions. Revisions and responses are re-reviewed by the peer reviewers before final publishing decisions are made.
Other Submissions
Letters to the Editor
Comments on published articles are welcome and will be published if deemed appropriate by the editor. Letters should not exceed three double-spaced manuscript pages. Please include a brief title succinctly stating the topic of your letter. Letters to the editor are screened, but also may be peer-reviewed or subjected to rebuttal by the authors of the initial article. Send letters to the editor to nhallock@labautomation.org.
Product and Company News Announcements
Announcements for World News and the Meetings and Events Calendar that may be of interest to JALA readers should be sent to nhallock@labautomation.org for consideration at least three months before the first day of the month of issue.
Editorial Contact
Send any questions, suggestions, ideas or concerns regarding JALA to:
Nan Hallock
Managing Editor
Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation
819 Shorewood Boulevard
Manitowoc, WI 54220
USA
Tel: +1.920.652.0427
Fax: +1.630.762.0458
E-mail: nhallock@labautomation.org
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