Submissions

Author Guidelines

Authors are invited to make a submission to this journal. All submissions will be assessed by an editor to determine whether they meet the aims and scope of this journal. Those considered to be a good fit will be sent for peer review before determining whether they will be accepted or rejected.

Before making a submission, authors are responsible for obtaining permission to publish any material included with the submission, such as photos, documents and datasets. All authors identified on the submission must consent to be identified as an author. Where appropriate, research should be approved by an appropriate ethics committee in accordance with the legal requirements of the study's country.

An editor may desk reject a submission if it does not meet minimum standards of quality. Before submitting, please ensure that the study design and research argument are structured and articulated properly. The title should be concise and the abstract should be able to stand on its own. This will increase the likelihood of reviewers agreeing to review the paper. When you're satisfied that your submission meets this standard, please follow the checklist below to prepare your submission.

Statement on Article Processing Charges (APC) and ANSF Special Grants

Open Access Policy The Australia Journal of Natural Science (AJNS) is a fully open-access journal. All published research is made freely and permanently available online immediately upon publication, ensuring maximum global reach and impact.

Article Processing Charge (APC) To sustain high-quality editorial services, professional typesetting, and global indexing, a standard Article Processing Charge (APC) of AUD 1,850 applies to all accepted manuscripts.

ANSF Special Publication Grant for Distinguished Researchers To foster scientific innovation and support exceptional talent, the Australian Natural Science Foundation (ANSF) provides a dedicated funding scheme:

Eligibility: Manuscripts that achieve an "Excellent" rating during the peer-review process, or those demonstrating significant potential for industrial transformation and commercialization, are eligible to apply for a full APC waiver under this grant.
Strategic Support: Members of the ANSF Expert Database and invited contributors are prioritized for this special grant.
Application: Authors should submit the “ANSF Publication Grant Application Form” during the initial submission. Once approved, the APC will be fully subsidized by the Foundation, allowing authors to publish at no cost.

We invite researchers to leverage this opportunity to showcase high-impact work to the international community without financial barriers.

Accepted Article Types

The Australian Journal of Natural Science (AJNS) welcomes submissions in the following categories:

Research Article (Primary type): Original research with significant contributions (6,000–10,000 words). Review Article: Comprehensive and critical overviews (8,000–12,000 words). Systematic reviews particularly welcome. Short Communication: Concise reports of high-interest preliminary or timely findings (2,000–4,000 words). Case Study (Supplementary): Real-world applications and project analyses (4,000–8,000 words). Technical Report (Supplementary): Detailed technical descriptions, data reports, or pilot studies (3,000–6,000 words). Editorial / Opinion (Supplementary): Invited or submitted commentary on current issues (1,500–4,000 words).

All submissions undergo rigorous double-blind peer review (except Editorials, which are internally reviewed). Detailed guidelines for each type are available in the submission system.

Submission Preparation Checklist

Submission Preparation Checklist

As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission's compliance with all of the following items. Submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines.

The submission has not been previously published, nor is it currently under consideration by another journal (or an explanation has been provided in Comments to the Editor).
The submission file is in Microsoft Word, RTF, or OpenOffice document file format.
The text adheres to the stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
The manuscript follows a structured format (Title, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, References) where applicable.
All references have been checked for accuracy, completeness, and formatted according to the journal's reference style (APA or Vancouver – please specify in your guidelines).
All tables and figures are placed within the text at the appropriate points (rather than at the end), numbered consecutively, and provided with clear titles and legends.
Where available, URLs or DOIs for the references have been provided.
Permission has been obtained for the use of any copyrighted material (figures, tables, photos, datasets) from other sources, and appropriate credit is given.
The submission includes a cover letter (optional but recommended) briefly explaining the significance and novelty of the work.
All authors have approved the final manuscript and agree to its submission.
The corresponding author has provided an ORCID iD (recommended).

Articles

Research Articles present original, previously unpublished research with significant theoretical or experimental contributions to the natural sciences. These articles must demonstrate novel findings, employ rigorous and reproducible methodology, provide comprehensive data analysis, and include substantial discussion of the results' implications for the field. The work should advance scientific understanding and have clear relevance to natural science disciplines, including but not limited to environmental science, materials science, earth sciences, and applied technologies.

Word Limit 6,000–10,000 words (excluding abstract, references, tables, figures, and captions).

Structure Requirements

Title
Abstract (150–250 words, unstructured or structured as appropriate)
Keywords (5–8)
Introduction (background, research gap, objectives)
Materials and Methods (detailed and reproducible)
Results
Discussion (interpretation, implications, limitations)
Conclusions
Acknowledgements (if applicable)
References
Supplementary Materials (optional)

Additional Requirements

All figures and tables must be numbered consecutively, include clear titles and legends, and be placed within the text at appropriate locations (not grouped at the end).
Supporting data are strongly encouraged to be deposited in public repositories with a DOI or accession number provided.
References must follow the journal’s specified style.
Any use of generative AI tools must be disclosed in the Methods or Acknowledgements section.

Peer Review All Research Article submissions undergo rigorous double-blind peer review to ensure scientific validity, originality, and quality.

Policy This is the primary article type of the Australian Journal of Natural Science (AJNS). It represents the core focus of the journal on high-impact, original research.

Language Manuscripts must be submitted in English. Non-native English speakers are encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited prior to submission to ensure clarity and readability.

Reviews

Review Articles offer comprehensive and critical overviews of current developments and advancements in a specific field of the natural sciences. These articles should systematically synthesize existing literature, critically evaluate key findings, identify emerging trends, highlight knowledge gaps, propose future research directions, and provide novel perspectives or conceptual frameworks. The goal is to advance understanding of the topic and guide future investigations for both academic and applied audiences.

Word Limit 8,000–12,000 words (excluding abstract, references, tables, and figure captions).

Structure Requirements

Title
Abstract (200–300 words, unstructured or structured)
Keywords (5–10)
Introduction (scope of the review, objectives, and rationale)
Main Body (organized by themes, chronology, or methodology, with critical analysis)
Discussion (synthesis of findings, trends, gaps, and implications)
Conclusions and Future Outlook
Acknowledgements (if applicable)
References
Supplementary Materials (optional, e.g., detailed tables or additional figures)

Additional Requirements

All figures and tables must be numbered consecutively, include clear titles and legends, and be placed within the text at appropriate locations.
A comprehensive literature search strategy should be described (e.g., databases searched, inclusion/exclusion criteria).
References must follow the journal’s specified style and be comprehensive.
Any use of generative AI tools in literature analysis or writing must be disclosed in the Methods or Acknowledgements section.

Peer Review All Review Article submissions undergo rigorous double-blind peer review to ensure depth, accuracy, balance, and scholarly value.

Policy Systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and meta-analyses are particularly welcome, as they provide high-level evidence synthesis with significant impact on the field.

Language Manuscripts must be submitted in English. Non-native English speakers are encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited prior to submission to ensure clarity and readability.

Case Study

Case Studies present detailed reports on specific real-world applications, projects, or in-depth case analyses in the natural sciences. These articles should focus on practical implementation, outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned from actual cases, such as environmental monitoring projects, resource management initiatives, industrial applications of scientific technologies, or field-based studies. The emphasis is on providing valuable insights for both academic researchers and industry practitioners.

Word Limit 4,000–8,000 words (excluding abstract, references, tables, and figure captions).

Structure Requirements

Title
Abstract (150–250 words)
Keywords (5–8)
Introduction (background, objectives, and significance of the case)
Case Description / Methodology
Results and Analysis
Discussion (implications, limitations, and lessons learned)
Conclusions
Acknowledgements (if applicable)
References

Additional Requirements

All figures and tables must be numbered, titled, and placed within the text at appropriate locations.
References must follow the journal’s citation style.
Supporting data or supplementary materials are encouraged where relevant.

Peer Review All Case Study submissions undergo the same rigorous double-blind peer review process as other article types.

Language Manuscripts must be written in English. Non-native English speakers are encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited prior to submission.

Technical Report

Technical Reports provide detailed accounts of technical descriptions, data reports, methodology validations, pilot study results, or engineering/technical developments in the natural sciences. These articles focus on rigorous technical content, experimental data, procedural details, and practical outcomes, offering valuable resources for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals seeking in-depth technical information and replicable methods.

Word Limit 3,000–6,000 words (excluding abstract, references, tables, and figure captions). Extensive use of tables, figures, and appendices is encouraged to present data effectively.

Structure Requirements

Title
Abstract (150–250 words)
Keywords (5–8)
Introduction (background, objectives, and technical context)
Materials and Methods / Technical Methodology
Results and Data Analysis
Discussion (technical implications, limitations, and recommendations)
Conclusions
Acknowledgements (if applicable)
References
Appendices (optional, for supplementary data or detailed calculations)

Additional Requirements

All figures and tables must be numbered consecutively, provided with clear titles and legends, and placed within the text at appropriate locations.
Raw data or datasets supporting the findings are strongly encouraged to be made available in public repositories (with DOI or accession number provided).
References must follow the journal’s citation style.
Any use of proprietary information should be clearly disclosed, with necessary permissions obtained.

Peer Review All Technical Report submissions undergo the same rigorous double-blind peer review process as other article types to ensure technical accuracy, validity, and relevance.

Language Manuscripts must be written in English. Non-native English speakers are encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited prior to submission.

Short Communication

Short Communications present concise reports of significant, original research findings that are of high interest but do not warrant a full-length Research Article. These articles typically report important preliminary results, novel techniques, unexpected observations, or timely advancements in the natural sciences that require rapid dissemination. The content must be novel, scientifically sound, and offer clear implications for the field.

Word Limit 2,000–4,000 words (excluding abstract, references, tables, and figure captions).

Structure Requirements

Title
Abstract (150–200 words)
Keywords (5–8)
Introduction (brief background and objectives)
Materials and Methods (concise but sufficient for reproducibility)
Results and Discussion (combined section preferred for brevity)
Conclusions (key findings and implications)
Acknowledgements (if applicable)
References (limited to essential citations)
Supplementary Materials (optional)

Additional Requirements

All figures and tables must be numbered consecutively, include clear titles and legends, and be placed within the text at appropriate locations.
The manuscript should focus on a single key finding or a small set of related findings to maintain brevity and impact.
Supporting data deposition in public repositories is encouraged.
References must follow the journal’s specified style.
Any use of generative AI tools must be disclosed in the Methods or Acknowledgements section.

Peer Review All Short Communication submissions undergo the same rigorous double-blind peer review process as other article types, with an emphasis on rapid turnaround to facilitate timely publication.

Policy This is a supplementary article type designed for high-impact, concise contributions that merit expedited communication to the scientific community.

Language Manuscripts must be submitted in English. Non-native English speakers are encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited prior to submission to ensure clarity and readability.

Editorial / Opinion

Editorials and Opinion articles provide authoritative commentary, perspectives, or critical analysis on current issues, emerging trends, policy developments, or controversial topics in the natural sciences. Editorials are typically written by the Editor-in-Chief, members of the Editorial Board, or invited guest editors and reflect the journal’s position or highlight significant articles in the issue. Opinion articles are invited or submitted contributions from leading experts that offer informed viewpoints, stimulate debate, or propose new ideas without presenting original research data. These articles should be thought-provoking, well-reasoned, and supported by relevant literature.

Word Limit 1,500–4,000 words (excluding abstract, references, tables, and figure captions).

Structure Requirements

Title (concise and engaging)
Abstract (optional, 100–150 words)
Keywords (3–6, optional)
Main Body (flexible structure, typically including introduction of the issue, critical analysis, arguments, and conclusions/recommendations)
Conclusions or Final Remarks
Acknowledgements (if applicable)
References (limited to key supporting citations)

Additional Requirements

Figures and tables are permitted but should be minimal and used only to illustrate key points.
References must follow the journal’s specified style.
The article should maintain a professional, respectful, and evidence-based tone, even when expressing strong opinions.
Any use of generative AI tools must be disclosed in the Acknowledgements section.

Peer Review Editorials written by the Editor-in-Chief or Editorial Board are typically not subject to external peer review. Invited or submitted Opinion articles undergo editorial review and may be subject to limited peer review (single-blind or open) to ensure accuracy, balance, and appropriateness. The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief.

Policy This is a supplementary article type intended to provide expert commentary and stimulate scholarly discussion. Submissions are generally by invitation, but unsolicited Opinion articles from recognized experts in the field will be considered.

Language Manuscripts must be submitted in English. Non-native English speakers are encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited prior to submission to ensure clarity and readability.

Copyright Notice

1. Policy for Open Access Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0).
This license allows others to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material) for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited.

2. Author Self-Archiving

Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.

3. License Terms

The Australian Journal of Natural Sciences (AJNS) applies the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license to articles and other works we publish.
By yielding your work for publication, you as the author agree to have the CC BY license applied to your work.

Privacy Statement

Privacy Statement

The names and email addresses entered in this journal site will be used exclusively for the stated purposes of this journal and will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party.

The data collected from registered and non-registered users of this journal falls within the scope of the standard functioning of peer-reviewed journals. It includes information that makes communication possible for the editorial process; it is used to inform readers about the authorship and editing of content; it enables collecting aggregated data on readership behaviors; and it helps track geopolitical and social elements of scholarly communication.

This journal’s editorial team uses this data to guide its work in publishing and improving the journal. Data that will assist in developing this publishing platform may be shared with its developer, Public Knowledge Project (PKP), in an anonymized and aggregated form, with appropriate exceptions such as article metrics. The data will not be sold by this journal or PKP nor will it be used for purposes other than those stated here.

The authors published in this journal are responsible for the human subject data that figures in the research reported here.

Those involved in editing this journal seek to be compliant with industry standards for data privacy, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provision for “data subject rights” that include (a) breach notification; (b) right of access; (c) the right to be forgotten; (d) data portability; and (e) privacy by design. The GDPR also allows for the recognition of “the public interest in the availability of the data,” which has particular relevance for those involved in maintaining the public record of scholarly publishing.