Why Publish Negative Results?

Negative, null, and inconclusive results are essential to the scientific record. They prevent redundant research, reveal methodological insights, and contribute to meta-analyses across all disciplines. The International Journal of Negative Results provides a rigorous peer-reviewed platform for these critical findings that traditional journals often overlook.

Whether your research spans biomedical sciences, social sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or interdisciplinary fields, IJNR welcomes well-conducted studies with negative or null outcomes. Our expert reviewers evaluate methodological rigor, not result direction, ensuring your work receives the recognition it deserves.

Two Convenient Submission Methods

Choose the submission pathway that works best for your research workflow. Both methods provide full manuscript tracking and expert peer review.

Article Types We Publish

IJNR accepts diverse manuscript types across all scientific disciplines. Each submission undergoes rigorous peer review by experts in your specific field, ensuring methodological quality regardless of outcome direction.

Disciplines We Serve

Pre-Submission Checklist

Peer Review Timeline

Our transparent, efficient peer review process ensures your research receives expert evaluation within predictable timeframes. Track your manuscript status in real-time through ManuscriptZone.

Why Authors Choose IJNR

Submission Requirements

To ensure efficient processing, please prepare your manuscript according to these discipline-appropriate standards:

Manuscript Format

File Type: Microsoft Word (.docx) or LaTeX (.tex with compiled PDF). Rich Text Format (.rtf) accepted for simple manuscripts.

Structure: Title page, Abstract (250 words max), Keywords (5-8 terms), Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, Acknowledgments, References, Figure Legends, Tables.

Length: Varies by article type (see Article Types section). Excludes references, tables, and figures.

Language: English. Professional editing services recommended for non-native speakers. We can suggest reputable services upon request.

Figures and Tables

Figures: TIFF, EPS, or high-resolution PNG (300 DPI minimum). Each figure as separate file. RGB color mode for online publication.

Tables: Editable format (Word or Excel), not images. Maximum 10 tables per manuscript. Supplementary tables for additional data.

Legends: Comprehensive captions explaining all symbols, abbreviations, and statistical tests. Include in main manuscript file.

References

Style: Vancouver (numbered) or APA (author-date) depending on discipline. Consistency required throughout.

Completeness: All cited works must appear in reference list. All references must be cited in text. DOIs required when available.

Software: EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero recommended for reference management. Citation styles available for download.

Ethics and Compliance

Human Studies: IRB/Ethics committee approval required. Informed consent documentation. Patient anonymity protection. CONSORT, STROBE, or appropriate reporting guidelines.

Animal Studies: IACUC or equivalent approval. ARRIVE guidelines compliance. Justification for animal use and numbers.

Data Sharing: Raw data deposition in recognized repositories encouraged. Data availability statement required. Justification needed for restricted access.

Conflicts of Interest: All financial, personal, and professional relationships disclosed. Funding sources acknowledged. Industry relationships transparent.

After Submission: What to Expect

Once you submit your manuscript through either ManuscriptZone or the Quick Submission Form, here's what happens next:

Immediate Confirmation

You'll receive automated email confirmation within minutes, including your unique manuscript ID. Use this ID for all future correspondence. ManuscriptZone users can log in anytime to check status.

Editorial Screening (Days 1-3)

Our editorial team conducts initial quality checks: scope alignment, completeness, formatting, and plagiarism screening. Approximately 15% of submissions are desk-rejected at this stage due to scope mismatch or incomplete submissions. You'll receive feedback explaining any desk rejection.

Peer Review Assignment (Days 4-7)

Manuscripts passing editorial screening are assigned to 2-3 expert reviewers in your specific discipline. We prioritize reviewers with recent publications in your research area and methodological expertise. Reviewer identities remain confidential (single-blind review).

Review Period (Days 8-21)

Reviewers evaluate your manuscript focusing on: methodological rigor, statistical appropriateness, interpretation validity, and contribution to the field. Unlike traditional journals, we do NOT penalize negative results. Our reviewers understand the value of null findings.

Editorial Decision (Days 22-28)

The handling editor synthesizes reviewer feedback and makes one of four decisions:

Accept (15% of reviewed manuscripts): Manuscript proceeds directly to production with minor copyediting only.

Minor Revisions (35%): Small changes required. Typically re-reviewed by editor only. 14-day revision deadline.

Major Revisions (35%): Substantial changes needed. Returns to original reviewers. 30-day revision deadline (extensions available).

Reject (15%): Fundamental methodological flaws or scope mismatch. Detailed feedback provided for improvement.

Revision Process

If revisions are requested, you'll receive detailed reviewer comments and editor guidance. Submit your revised manuscript with a point-by-point response letter addressing each comment. Highlight changes in the manuscript using track changes or color coding. Most revised manuscripts are accepted after addressing reviewer concerns.

Production and Publication (Days 46-60)

Accepted manuscripts undergo professional copyediting, typesetting, and XML conversion. You'll receive PDF proofs for final approval (48-hour response window). After proof approval, your article is published online with DOI assignment and immediate open access. Indexing in major databases occurs within 48 hours.