Author Guidelines

Prepare Your Manuscript

This section provides guidance on preparing and submitting your manuscript. Specific formatting requirements for each article type are outlined below.

Article Types

  • Research Article

  • Database Article

  • Software Article

  • Study Protocol

  • Review

  • Matters Arising

  • Comment

  • Systematic Review

General Formatting Guidelines

Preparing the Main Manuscript

  • Use double-line spacing.

  • Include line and page numbering.

  • Use SI units and ensure all special characters are embedded in the text.

  • Avoid page breaks in your manuscript.

Accepted file formats:

  • Microsoft Word (DOC, DOCX)

  • Rich Text Format (RTF)

  • TeX/LaTeX

For TeX/LaTeX users:

  • Use the Springer Nature LaTeX template if possible.

  • Upload all relevant editable source files to avoid delays in production.

Preparing Figures and Illustrations

  • Number figures in the order they appear in the text.

  • Multi-panel figures should be submitted as a single file containing all parts.

  • Figures must be uploaded in the correct orientation.

  • Figure titles (max 15 words) and legends (max 300 words) should appear in the manuscript, not in the image file.

  • Image resolution: ~300 dpi; ensure all text is legible.

Accepted figure file types:
EPS, PDF, Word, PowerPoint, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, CDX

Figure size:

  • Half-page width: 85 mm

  • Full-page width: 170 mm

  • Maximum height: 225 mm

Preparing Tables

  • Number tables sequentially (Table 1, Table 2, etc.).

  • Tables shorter than one page can be placed within the manuscript.

  • Larger tables or wide datasets can be uploaded as additional files.

  • Include titles (max 15 words) above the table and legends (max 300 words) below.

  • Use the table function in Word or spreadsheet software; avoid embedding tables as images.

  • Color and shading are not permitted; highlight using symbols, letters, or bold text with explanation in the legend.

Additional Files

  • Provide supplementary data such as datasets, movies, or tables as additional files.

  • Maximum size: 20 MB per file.

  • Files should be virus-free and cited in the manuscript.

  • Avoid including personal information or consent forms unless requested.

Include the following details for each additional file:

  • File name (e.g., Additional file 1)

  • File format and extension (.pdf, .xls, .csv, etc.)

  • Title and description of the data

Data and Materials

  • Authors are encouraged to make datasets publicly available in repositories or include them as additional files.

  • Provide datasets in machine-readable formats (e.g., Excel, CSV).

  • Clearly state data availability in a dedicated ‘Availability of Data and Materials’ section.

Example formats:

  • Public repository: "The dataset(s) supporting the conclusions of this article are available in the [repository name], [persistent identifier/DOI]."

  • Included as additional files: "The dataset(s) supporting the conclusions of this article are included within the article and its additional files."

Referencing and Citation Styles

Follow the Vancouver Style

All manuscripts submitted to the Impact Journal must follow the Vancouver reference style. References should be numbered consecutively in the order they are first cited in the text.

The corresponding reference list should be arranged numerically, not alphabetically. Use Arabic numerals in square brackets for in-text citations (e.g., [1], [2,3]).

General Guidelines

  • Provide complete and accurate information for all references.

  • Include full URLs or DOIs for web-based resources.

  • Only cite published or accepted work, or works available on recognized preprint servers.

  • Do not cite unpublished data or personal communications in the reference list; such information may appear in the text as “personal communication” with the author’s name.

  • Journal abbreviations should follow Index Medicus/MEDLINE.

Examples of Reference Formats

Journal Articles

[1] Smith J, Doe A. Climate change and public health. Environ Res. 2025;210:112–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.112119

Books

[2] Brown P, Green T. Population Health and Policy. 3rd ed. London: Academic Press; 2022.

Book Chapters

[3] Jones M. Epidemiology of infectious diseases. In: Clark S, editor. Global Health Handbook. New York: Springer; 2021. p. 45–67.

Web Resources / Reports

[4] World Health Organization. Global Tuberculosis Report 2025. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240037021. Accessed 2 Jan 2026.

Datasets

[5] United Nations. World Population Prospects 2022. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. https://population.un.org/wpp/. Accessed 2 Jan 2026.

Software / Online Tools

[6] R Core Team. R: A language and environment for statistical computing. Vienna: R Foundation for Statistical Computing; 2023. https://www.R-project.org/.

Notes

  • For multiple citations, list each number separated by commas (e.g., [1,3,5]) or as a range (e.g., [1–3]).

  • Include page numbers when citing a specific part of a source (e.g., [2], p. 45).

  • Ensure that all references cited in the text are included in the reference list, and vice versa.

Language Editing

  • Manuscripts should be written in clear, well-structured English.

  • Authors may use professional editing services or consult native speakers.

  • Optional AI-based language quality tools (e.g., AJE) can help improve clarity.

Supporting Information

Ensure the following are ready before submission:

  • Author information: Full names and email addresses of all co-authors.

  • Cover letter: Include:

    • Why the manuscript is suitable for the journal

    • Any potential competing interests

    • Confirmation all authors approved the submission

    • Confirmation the manuscript is not published elsewhere

    • Details of suggested or excluded peer reviewers

Peer Review Policy

  • All manuscripts are evaluated for:

    1. Scientific robustness: Sound methodology and valid conclusions

    2. Originality: No duplication of previously published work

    3. Clarity: Manuscript is coherent and understandable

  • The journal operates transparent peer review; reviewer reports may be published alongside accepted articles.