BioShorts Publications
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Welcome to BioShorts Publications! We are an open access platform dedicated to supporting early-career researchers. We publish concise manuscripts, typically 1-4 pages in length, stemming from smaller projects such as undergraduate or master’s dissertations, case reports, and more.
Many smaller projects showcase impactful, novel primary research but often struggle to achieve publication due to their brevity or the need for enhanced written communication. At BioShorts Publications, we see the value in these smaller projects and are committed to ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.
Primarily, we work with early-stage researchers (<5 publications), elevating their communications through professional editing and securing peer-review from subject experts. Our mission is to provide a straightforward and accessible publication avenue for emerging scientists and scholars.
BioShorts Publications currently operates two journals:
BioShorts: Publishing bioscience articles.
MediShorts: Publishing medical-based articles.
For further details about our journals, please visit here.
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At BioShorts, we are committed to showcasing high-quality research in a concise and impactful manner. In addition to accepting already developed manuscripts, we offer a unique service to convert undergraduate and master’s dissertations, as well as short reports and case studies, into publishable manuscripts.
Our Conversion Process
1. Initial Review
We start by thoroughly reviewing the submitted document to determine if the scope and standard of the science meet our publication criteria. Specifically, we assess whether the research is novel and interesting, and if the data collection and analysis were conducted in line with good scientific practices. It is important to emphasise that during this initial review, we focus on the scientific merits rather than the quality of written communication. Enhancing the clarity and quality of scientific communication is our speciality, and we will elevate the document to publication standards during manuscript development, as long as the scientific criteria are met.
2. Extracting Impactful Science
Once the initial review is complete, we extract the most significant and impactful science from the document. Our goal is to transform this content into a concise manuscript that highlights the core findings and contributions of the research.
3. Manuscript Development
We craft a concise manuscript of 1-4 pages in length. Unlike typical papers, our manuscripts at BioShorts are intentionally kept short to enhance their impact and make them easier to navigate. This process takes between 1 and 2 weeks.
4. Author Review and Feedback
After the initial draft is complete, we seek feedback from the corresponding author and supervisory author. Their insights are invaluable in ensuring that the manuscript accurately reflects the original research and maintains its integrity.
5. Peer Review
Once all parties are satisfied with the manuscript, it undergoes our rigorous peer review process. Subject experts evaluate the manuscript to ensure it meets our high standards of scientific excellence before it is approved for publication.
Commitment to Quality and Impact
At BioShorts, we believe that concise and well-presented research can have a significant impact on the scientific community. Our approach to manuscript development ensures that valuable research, whether it originates from dissertations, reports, or case studies, is accessible, impactful, and easily navigable.
For more information on this service or if you have any questions, please contact us.
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At BioShorts, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence. Our rigorous peer review process ensures that only the most credible and high-quality research is published. Here’s a detailed overview of how we evaluate the manuscripts submitted to us:
1. Manuscript Submission and Initial Evaluation
Once a manuscript is submitted, our editorial team conducts an initial evaluation to ensure that it meets the basic requirements of our journal, including scope, format, and completeness. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements are either returned to the authors for revision or rejected at this stage.
2. Expert Peer Review
Eligible manuscripts that pass the initial evaluation are then sent out for peer review. Our peer review process involves the following steps:
Selection of Reviewers: We select at least two subject-matter experts with a minimum of a PhD degree and at least five related publications, including at least two within the last 36 months. These experts are chosen based on their expertise and their ability to provide a comprehensive and impartial review of the manuscript.
Review Criteria: Reviewers assess the manuscript based on established criteria that conform to industry standards. These criteria include:
Scientific Merit: Originality, significance, and the validity of the research findings.
Methodological Rigour: Soundness of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
Clarity and Presentation: Quality of writing, organisation, and overall presentation of the manuscript.
Relevance: Contribution to the field of biosciences and alignment with the journal’s aims and scope.
3. Review Outcomes and Recommendations
After thorough evaluation, reviewers provide a recommendation based on the following categories:
Accept: The manuscript is suitable for publication without any further changes.
Accept with Minor Revisions: The manuscript is generally sound but requires minor revisions before it can be published.
Accept with Major Revisions: The manuscript has potential but requires substantial revisions. Authors must address the reviewers’ comments and resubmit the manuscript for further evaluation.
Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards for publication and will not be considered further.
4. Decision Making
Final Decision: The editorial team makes the final decision based on the reviewers’ recommendations. Manuscripts are only accepted for publication if they achieve a recommendation of "Accept" or "Accept with Minor Revisions" with evidence of the requested revisions.
Second Round of Review: If two reviewers recommend "Accept with Major Revisions," the revised manuscript is subjected to a second round of peer review to ensure that the revisions adequately address the concerns raised.
5. Publication
Manuscripts that meet the requirements after the review process are prepared for publication. We aim to ensure that all published articles contribute valuable knowledge to the biosciences community.
Commitment to Quality
Our peer review process is designed to uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and quality. By engaging expert reviewers and adhering to rigorous evaluation criteria, we ensure that our journal remains a reputable and trusted source of scientific knowledge.
For more information or if you have any questions about our peer review process, please contact us.
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Publication is charged at a flat rate of £250 (BioShorts, MediShorts). This involves articles which require only formatting, minimal in-house editing and peer-review. Where further action is required by BioShorts to elevate the piece to our publication standards, an additional fee may apply, although prices are kept as low as possible to remove the financial barrier to publication. These fees will be outlined to the corresponding author prior to commencement.
Additional Services:
Dissertation-to-publication: We routinely work with students and academics to transform dissertations or short projects into finalised, published articles.
Furthermore, after a successful first issue, we have established annually recurring agreements with institutions such as Northumbria University and Swansea University, whereby participating academics submit their best student dissertations for review, offering them the opportunity for conversion into manuscripts and publication. For more details on this, please email us here.
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At BioShorts, we are proud to have a dedicated and experienced team committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence. Our team is led by Dr. Callum Bannister, who is supported by a small, skilled group of editorial assistants. Together, we ensure that every manuscript receives the attention and expertise it deserves.
Dr. Callum Bannister, PhD – Lead Editor
Dr. Callum Bannister is the Lead Editor of BioShorts. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in the biosciences, Dr. Bannister spearheads the editorial process, overseeing all aspects of manuscript evaluation and publication. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, ensuring that our journal upholds rigorous scientific standards and delivers high-impact research to the scientific community.
Dr. Bannister is supported by a select group of academics whom he consults on a case-by-case basis. These experts are chosen based on their specialised knowledge and experience, and they provide additional insights and advice to enhance the quality of the review process. This flexible approach allows us to draw on a broad range of expertise to meet the specific needs of each manuscript.
Dr. Mirela Cuculescu, PhD MRSB SFHEA - Key Consulting Editor
Dr. Mirela Cuculescu is a Key Consulting Editor for BioShorts, bringing over 25 years of experience as a lecturer in Applied Sciences. Her extensive knowledge of biological sciences, combined with a deep understanding of scientific writing and manuscript development, enriches the editorial process, ensuring the clarity and quality of the publications we produce.
Our Editorial Assistants
Dr. Bannister is assisted by a small team of dedicated editorial assistants who play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the journal. Our editorial assistants are responsible for:
Coordinating Peer Review: They manage the peer review process, including reviewer selection, communication, and tracking review progress.
Managing Manuscript Submissions: They handle the submission process, ensuring that all documents are correctly formatted and complete.
Facilitating Author Communication: They act as a point of contact for authors, addressing queries and ensuring smooth communication throughout the review and publication process.
Supporting Editorial Tasks: They assist with various editorial tasks, including preparing manuscripts for publication and maintaining the journal’s high standards of presentation and quality.
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