Submit Your Forensic Science Research
Join leading forensic scientists publishing analytical methods, trace evidence studies, and validation research with rigorous peer review and global visibility
Two Convenient Submission Methods
We offer two streamlined pathways for submitting your forensic science research. Choose the method that best fits your workflow and manuscript complexity. Both options provide secure, efficient submission with full editorial support.
ManuscriptZone Portal
Our comprehensive submission platform designed for complete manuscript management. Ideal for complex submissions requiring detailed tracking and collaborative features.
- Auto-save functionality protects your work
- Real-time submission status tracking
- Direct access to reviewer comments
- Guided workflow with validation checks
- Secure document upload and management
- Revision tracking and version control
Quick Submission Form
A streamlined alternative for straightforward submissions. Perfect for authors who prefer a simplified process without account creation.
- No account registration required
- Single-page submission interface
- Fast upload for ready manuscripts
- Immediate confirmation email
- Ideal for time-sensitive submissions
- Full editorial review process
Forensic Science Article Types We Publish
The Journal of Advanced Forensic Sciences welcomes diverse contributions advancing forensic methodology, analytical techniques, and evidence characterization. Our peer review process ensures rigorous evaluation by experts in forensic chemistry, trace analysis, and validation science.
Original Research Articles
Novel analytical methods, trace evidence characterization, forensic chemistry studies, and validation research advancing forensic science practice.
Method Development & Validation
Comprehensive validation studies, novel analytical protocols, instrumentation advances, and quality assurance methodologies for forensic applications.
Trace Evidence Analysis
Studies on fiber analysis, glass characterization, paint comparison, gunshot residue, soil examination, and other trace evidence methodologies.
Forensic Chemistry
Drug analysis, toxicology methods, arson investigation techniques, explosive residue detection, and chemical characterization studies.
Technical Notes
Brief reports on novel techniques, instrumentation modifications, procedural improvements, or preliminary findings in forensic analysis.
Review Articles
Comprehensive reviews of forensic methodologies, analytical techniques, validation approaches, or emerging technologies in forensic science.
Quality Assurance Studies
Proficiency testing results, inter-laboratory comparisons, measurement uncertainty studies, and quality control methodologies.
Case Studies
Detailed examination of forensic analytical approaches in specific cases, demonstrating novel applications or methodological insights.
Scope Focus: We prioritize analytical methods, scientific techniques, and validation studies. Manuscripts focusing primarily on legal interpretation, expert testimony, or case law are outside our scope. Our reviewers are forensic scientists specializing in analytical chemistry, trace evidence, and method validation.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Ensure your forensic science manuscript is submission-ready by verifying these essential components. A complete submission accelerates the review process and demonstrates attention to methodological rigor.
Manuscript File
Complete manuscript in Word or LaTeX format with all sections: abstract, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions.
Figures & Tables
High-resolution figures (TIFF/EPS, 300 DPI minimum) with descriptive captions. Tables formatted for clarity with appropriate statistical data.
Method Validation
Complete validation data including accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and quality control measures where applicable.
Ethics Documentation
IRB approval letters, informed consent documentation, or ethics committee clearance for studies involving human subjects or materials.
Author Information
Complete author list with affiliations, ORCID IDs, and corresponding author contact details. All authors must approve submission.
Conflict of Interest
Declaration of competing interests, funding sources, and any relationships that could influence the research or interpretation.
Peer Review Timeline
Our transparent review process ensures timely, expert evaluation of your forensic science research. Each manuscript is assessed by specialists in forensic analytical methods, trace evidence, or relevant subdisciplines.
Submission Received
Your manuscript enters our system. You receive immediate confirmation and a unique tracking number for status monitoring.
Day 0Editorial Screening
Editor-in-Chief reviews for scope alignment, methodological soundness, and completeness. Plagiarism check performed using iThenticate.
1-3 daysReviewer Assignment
Manuscript assigned to 2-3 expert reviewers specializing in your research area (forensic chemistry, trace analysis, method validation, etc.).
3-7 daysPeer Review
Reviewers evaluate methodology, analytical rigor, validation adequacy, and contribution to forensic science. Detailed feedback provided.
14-21 daysEditorial Decision
Editor synthesizes reviewer feedback and makes decision: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. You receive detailed comments.
21-28 daysRevision & Re-review
If revisions requested, submit revised manuscript with point-by-point response. Re-review by original reviewers ensures concerns addressed.
14 daysFinal Acceptance
Manuscript accepted for publication. Copyediting, formatting, and production begin. You review proofs before final publication.
42-56 daysOnline Publication
Your research published online with DOI assignment. Immediate open access ensures global visibility to forensic science community.
52-66 daysAverage total time from submission to publication: 60 days
Why Forensic Scientists Choose JAFS
Real benefits backed by transparent processes and expert editorial oversight
Expert Reviewers
Peer review by forensic scientists specializing in analytical chemistry, trace evidence, and method validation
Indexed Globally
Your research discoverable through Google Scholar
Fast Decisions
Average 21 days to first decision with transparent timeline tracking throughout review
Open Access
Immediate worldwide visibility with no paywalls. Your work reaches practitioners and researchers globally
COPE
Committed to ethical publishing standards through Committee on Publication Ethics membership
APC Waivers
Article Processing Charge waivers available for authors from eligible institutions and countries
Submission Requirements
Manuscript Format
Submit manuscripts in Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) or LaTeX format. Structure should include: Title page, Abstract (250 words maximum), Keywords (5-8 terms), Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, Acknowledgments, References, and Figure/Table legends. For method validation studies, include complete validation parameters: accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity, range, specificity, and robustness.
Figures and Tables
Submit figures as separate files in TIFF or EPS format at 300 DPI minimum resolution. Color figures accepted for online publication at no charge. Graphs should clearly display data points, error bars, and statistical significance markers. Tables should be editable (not images) with clear column headers and appropriate statistical measures. All figures and tables must be cited in the manuscript text.
References
Use Vancouver style for references. Cite all sources in numerical order as they appear in text. Include DOIs when available. For forensic science publications, ensure citations include relevant validation studies, method development papers, and quality assurance guidelines from organizations like SWGDAM, OSAC, or ENFSI.
Ethics and Compliance
Studies involving human subjects or biological materials require IRB approval. Include ethics approval number and institution in Methods section. For studies using forensic case materials, ensure appropriate anonymization and institutional permissions. Declare all funding sources and potential conflicts of interest. All authors must approve the final manuscript and agree to submission.
After Submission
What Happens Next?
Upon submission, you receive immediate confirmation with a unique manuscript tracking number. Within 3 days, the Editor-in-Chief conducts initial screening for scope alignment and methodological soundness. Manuscripts passing screening are assigned to 2-3 expert reviewers within 7 days. You can track your manuscript status in real-time through the ManuscriptZone portal.
Reviewer Selection
We select reviewers based on expertise in your specific forensic discipline (trace evidence, forensic chemistry, DNA analysis, etc.). Reviewers are active researchers or practitioners with publication records in forensic analytical methods. All reviewers undergo training in ethical review practices and provide constructive, detailed feedback focused on methodology, validation rigor, and contribution to forensic science.
Revision Process
If revisions are requested, you receive detailed reviewer comments and editor guidance. Submit your revised manuscript with a point-by-point response addressing each reviewer concern. Revised manuscripts undergo re-review by original reviewers to ensure all issues are adequately addressed. Most revisions are completed within 14 days of re-submission.
Publication
Accepted manuscripts enter production within 48 hours. You receive proofs for final review before publication. Once approved, your article is published online with DOI assignment and immediately accessible worldwide. Open access ensures your forensic science research reaches practitioners, researchers, and students globally without barriers.
Need Assistance?
Our editorial team is here to support you throughout the submission and review process. Whether you have questions about scope, formatting, or technical issues, we're ready to help.
Contact our support team: [email protected]
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