Aims & Scope
Research Domains
Structural Neuroimaging
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain anatomy
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography
- Computed tomography (CT) for neurological assessment
- Voxel-based morphometry and cortical thickness analysis
- White matter microstructure and connectivity mapping
- Myelin imaging and tissue characterization
Functional Neuroimaging
- Functional MRI (fMRI) of task-evoked brain activity
- Resting-state functional connectivity networks
- Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal analysis
- Brain network dynamics and graph theory approaches
- Sensorimotor processing and cognitive mapping
- Functional ultrasound imaging techniques
Molecular & Metabolic Imaging
- Positron emission tomography (PET) for receptor mapping
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
- Radiotracer development and validation
- Amyloid and tau imaging in neurodegenerative disease
- Neuroinflammation and microglial activation imaging
- Cerebral blood flow and metabolism quantification
Clinical Neuroradiology
- Diagnostic imaging of neurological disorders
- Stroke imaging and acute intervention guidance
- Brain tumor characterization and treatment monitoring
- Epilepsy localization and surgical planning
- Traumatic brain injury assessment
- Neurovascular imaging and aneurysm detection
Methodological Innovation
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence for image analysis
- Multi-modal imaging integration and fusion techniques
- Image acquisition optimization and artifact reduction
- Quantitative imaging biomarker development
- Computational modeling of brain structure-function relationships
- Standardization and harmonization of imaging protocols
Translational Applications
- Preclinical animal imaging models of human disease
- Brain-computer interfaces with neuroimaging guidance
- Neurosurgical planning and intraoperative imaging
- Interventional neuroradiology and endovascular procedures
- Pharmacological neuroimaging and drug development
- Neurostimulation targeting using imaging biomarkers
Novel Frontiers
- Ultra-high field MRI (7T and beyond) applications
- Diffusional kurtosis imaging and advanced diffusion models
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) integration
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and neuroimaging fusion
- Neuroimaging genetics and imaging genomics
- Real-time imaging for adaptive interventions
Article Types & Editorial Priorities
Expedited Review
- Original Research Articles (full-length empirical studies)
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
- Methods and Technical Notes (validated protocols)
- Replication Studies (pre-registered)
Regular Review Timeline
- Short Communications (preliminary findings)
- Data Notes (imaging datasets with documentation)
- Perspectives and Commentaries (invited or unsolicited)
- Technical Validations (software, algorithms)
Selective Acceptance
- Case Reports (only with exceptional imaging findings)
- Opinion Pieces (by invitation only)
- Letters to the Editor (post-publication discussion)
- Conference Abstracts (not peer-reviewed)
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
All submissions must follow discipline-specific standards: STROBE (observational), CONSORT (trials), PRISMA (reviews), STARD (diagnostic accuracy), ARRIVE (animal studies), or COBIDAS (neuroimaging methods).
Data Transparency
Authors must provide access to raw imaging data, analysis code, and statistical outputs upon reasonable request. Data sharing via recognized repositories (OpenNeuro, NITRC, Zenodo) is strongly encouraged.
Ethics & Consent
Human studies require IRB/ethics committee approval with documented informed consent. Animal research must comply with ARRIVE guidelines and institutional animal care protocols.
Statistical Rigor
Multiple comparison correction required for whole-brain analyses. Effect sizes, confidence intervals, and power analyses must be reported. Pre-registration of hypotheses encouraged.
Image Quality Standards
Figures must meet minimum resolution (300 DPI), include scale bars, and provide sufficient detail for independent assessment. Raw data examples should accompany processed images.
Preprint Policy
Preprint posting on bioRxiv, medRxiv, or arXiv is permitted and encouraged. Preprints do not preclude consideration for publication and may accelerate dissemination.
Decision Metrics & Publication Timeline
Editorial Performance Indicators
Before You Submit
To determine if your manuscript is appropriate for IJNI, ask yourself:
- ✓ Does your study involve acquisition or analysis of brain imaging data?
- ✓ Are neuroimaging findings central to your research question and conclusions?
- ✓ Does your work advance neuroimaging methodology, interpretation, or clinical application?
- ✓ Have you followed appropriate reporting guidelines and statistical standards?
- ✓ Is your research within the scope domains outlined above?
If you answered yes to all questions, IJNI is likely an appropriate venue for your work. For borderline cases or methodological questions, contact the editorial office before submission to avoid desk rejection.
