Submission & Publishing Guidelines

1 Why Publish with Vertex Physics

High Standards and Broad Scope

Vertex Physics is committed to publishing research of the highest quality across the full breadth of physics, from fundamental discoveries to cross-disciplinary advances. Guided by a prestigious international editorial board composed of leading scientists from around the world, the journal ensures that every published article meets rigorous scientific and editorial standards, while reaching a truly global readership.

Efficient and Rigorous Peer Review

We provide an efficient, transparent, and fair peer-review process designed to maintain scientific excellence without unnecessary delay. Our rapid yet rigorous editorial workflow—supported by experienced professional editors—ensures that authors receive constructive feedback and timely decisions, enabling impactful results to reach the community promptly.

High Visibility and Global Reach

All articles are openly accessible upon publication, ensuring maximum visibility and readership worldwide. Each accepted paper is prepared for indexing in major scientific databases, and our open-access model allows for broad discoverability across disciplines. This commitment to accessibility helps authors achieve the widest possible impact for their work.

Open Access with No APC (for the First Years)

To support researchers and encourage high-quality submissions, Vertex Physics offers open-access publication with no article processing charges during its initial years. This ensures that outstanding research is freely available to the scientific community without financial barriers for authors.

 

2 Article Types

Vertex Physics publishes a range of article types to serve the diverse needs of the physics community. All submissions should be clearly written, concise in presentation, and make a significant contribution to the field. The journal does not impose strict word or page limits for original research or review articles. For other categories, we provide suggested ranges as a guideline to help authors prepare their manuscripts; these are flexible and may vary depending on the content.

1. Research Articles

Full-length reports of original research. These articles should present significant advances in physics and include sufficient background, results, and discussion to be accessible to non-specialists.

2. Letters

Concise reports of important new results of broad interest to the physics community. Letters should be self-contained and suitable for rapid publication.

Suggested length: ~3,500–7,000 words, including references.

3. Review Articles

Comprehensive, authoritative surveys of a well-established research area, providing critical evaluation and synthesis of recent developments. These reviews may cover a decade or more of progress, emphasize breadth and integration, and serve as an entry point for graduate students or researchers entering the field.

4. Mini-Review Articles

Shorter surveys addressing emerging topics or rapidly developing subfields. They provide a timely overview, highlight key open questions, and may resemble the “Colloquium”-style articles in Reviews of Modern Physics.

Suggested length: ~10,000–40,000 words, depending on scope.

5. Highlights

Brief expert commentaries that summarize and contextualize a recent notable result (published in Vertex Physics or elsewhere) for a general physics audience.

Suggested length: ~2,500–5,000 words.

6. Perspectives

Forward-looking discussions that outline future directions, challenges, and opportunities in a research area. Perspectives may be invited or proposed.

Suggested length: ~7,500–10,000 words.

7. Interviews

In-depth conversations with leading scientists, offering insights into their research, career paths, and perspectives on the field.

Length limit: Flexible, depending on the nature of the discussion.

8. Recollections

First-hand accounts of the history of a discovery, research program, or field development, written by a participant or witness. These pieces aim to preserve the scientific heritage and convey the human side of physics.

Length limit: Flexible, but should maintain a clear focus.

9. Editorial

Short articles written by the journal's editors (or occasionally invited experts) that provide perspectives on current issues in the field, comments on recent publications, or highlight important trends. They often aim to stimulate discussion, clarify editorial policies, or draw attention to significant advances.

Suggested length: ~2,500–5,000 words.


 

3 Submission

3.1 Manuscript Preparation

Before submitting your manuscript to Vertex Physics, please ensure that it is carefully prepared according to the following requirements. Proper formatting and complete documentation at the submission stage will facilitate a smooth review process and reduce delays.

3.1.1 General Formatting

Vertex Physics follows a format-free submission policy at the initial stage. Authors may submit their papers in any scholarly format or layout, as long as all essential elements are included: abstract, author information and affiliations, main text, figures, tables, funding information, references, supplementary materials, etc. (see below).

Manuscripts may be prepared in Microsoft Word or LaTeX. Official templates (Word and LaTeX) are available on the journal website for convenience, but their use is not mandatory at submission. If the manuscript is accepted, authors may be asked to revise according to the journal's final production style.

The text should be written in clear and concise English. Either US or UK spelling may be used, but must be consistent throughout. Authors are encouraged to seek professional language editing services if necessary.

Please use a standard 11–12 pt font (e.g., Times New Roman), double-spaced, with margins of at least 2.5 cm on all sides.

All pages should be numbered consecutively, including references, tables, and figure legends. Line numbering is recommended to assist reviewers. Figures and tables may be placed either within the text or at the end of the manuscript at submission

Manuscripts should be prepared in a single-column format for ease of review.

3.1.2 Length and Structure

  • Vertex Physics publishes Research Articles, Letters, Review Articles, Mini-Review Articles, Highlights, Perspectives, Interviews, Recollections, and Editorials. Please refer to Article Types for the requirements of each type of articles.
  • Manuscripts should be structured into the following sections (For reference only):
      • Title page (with author information)
      • Abstract & Graphical Abstract
      • Keywords (3–6)
      • Introduction
      • Results
      • Discussion
      • Materials and Methods (or Experimental Section)
      • Appendix
      • Electronic Supplementary Materials
      • Declarations
      • Data Availability Statement
      • Author Contributions
      • Acknowledgements
      • References
      • Tables and Figures with Legends

3.1.3 Title Page

  • The title should be concise but informative, avoiding unnecessary abbreviations.
  • Full names, institutional affiliations, and ORCID IDs of all authors must be provided.
  • The corresponding author(s) should be clearly indicated with an email address and full postal address.

3.1.4 Abstract, Graphical Abstract and Keywords

  • The abstract must not exceed 250 words and should clearly summarize the main findings and their significance.
  • A graphical abstract, either by redrawing a figure or recommending one from the text, should be submitted as well.
  • Provide 3–6 keywords immediately after the abstract.

3.1.5 References

  • The references list should only include works that are cited in the text. Each numbered reference should contain only one literature and follow a consistent citation style. Below are some examples:
    1.  B. A. Bernevig and S. C. Zhang, Title, Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 106802 (2006)
    2.  R. Diener and T. L. Ho, Title, arXiv: cond-mat/0705174 (2011)
    3.  Y. S. Wu, G. D. Li, and H. Y. Guo, Title, Acta Phys. Sin. 19, 509 (1974) (in Chinese)
    4.  X. J. Liu, X. Liu, L. C. Kwek, and C. H. Oh, Title, Phys. Rev. Lett. DOI: 10.1007/s11467-020-0226-8
    5.  M. O. Scully and M. S. Zubairy, Quantum Optics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999
  • All references must be complete, including full author list, article title, journal name, year, volume, and page range or DOI.
  • Authors are responsible for verifying accuracy.

3.1.6 Figures and Tables

  • Figures should be vector graphics with high resolution (minimum 300 dpi for images; 600 dpi for line drawings).
  • Acceptable formats: TIFF, EPS, SVG, PDF, PNG, or JPEG.
  • Each figure must include a descriptive legend.
  • Tables should be editable (not embedded as images) and numbered consecutively.
  • Figures can be embedded within the text or placed at the end of the document.

3.1.7 Appendix and ESM

  • The appendix should contain material that supports the main text but is too detailed to be included within it, such as extensive derivations, technical proofs, or extended background information. Each appendix should be labeled (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
  • Electronic Supplementary Materials (ESM) may include datasets, source code, videos, extended tables/figures, or detailed methodological descriptions. These files will be hosted online with the published article. All supplementary materials must be clearly labeled, cited in the main text, and submitted in standard, accessible formats.
  • Supporting Information will be peer-reviewed but published separately online.

3.1.8 Declarations

  • Authors must include statements regarding ethical approval (if applicable), conflicts of interest, funding sources, and acknowledgements. If no conflicts or funding exist, authors should explicitly state this (e.g., “The authors declare no conflicts of interest” or “No funding was received for this work”).
  • Manuscripts involving human participants, animal experiments, or sensitive data must include a statement on ethical approval and informed consent.
  • Authors are required to provide a statement on the availability of data supporting their findings. When possible, datasets should be deposited in a public repository with persistent identifiers (e.g., DOI). If data are not publicly available, authors should explain why (e.g., privacy restrictions).
  • Each submission must include a brief description of the contributions made by each author, following standardized roles (such as Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Funding acquisition). This promotes transparency and accountability.

 

3.2 Submission Process

* This part is subject to change as the online submission platform is still under construction.

3.2.1 Online Submission System

  • Manuscripts must be submitted via the Vertex Physics online submission platform (link available on the journal website). Submissions by email are not accepted.
  • Please ensure that all co-authors have provided their email addresses, will receive submission information, and are informed about the submission.
  • Authors are required to create an account, providing ORCID IDs and up-to-date contact details.

3.2.2 Required Files for Submission

The following files must be uploaded at the time of initial submission:

  1. Manuscript file (main text including tables and figure legends; preferably in Word or LaTeX with PDF version).
  2. Figures (submitted separately in acceptable formats).
  3. Cover letter, briefly summarizing the importance of the work, its novelty, and why it is suitable for Vertex Physics.
  4. Supplementary material (if applicable).
  5. Conflict of interest statement and funding information.
  6. Graphical abstract (for promotional use).

3.2.3 Cover Letter Guidelines

The cover letter should:

  • State the title of the manuscript.
  • Explain the novelty and significance of the research.
  • Justify the fit to the scope of Vertex Physics.
  • Disclose any related or overlapping submissions.
  • Suggest potential reviewers (optional).

3.2.4 Submission Checklist

Before completing submission, please ensure:

  • The manuscript is complete and formatted correctly.
  • All author details are accurate and correspond with the title page.
  • Figures are in the correct format and high resolution.
  • References are properly formatted and complete.
  • A conflict-of-interest declaration and funding information are included.
  • Ethical statements are provided where applicable.

3.2.5 Confirmation of Submission

Once submission is complete, the corresponding author will receive an acknowledgment email with a unique manuscript ID number. This ID should be quoted in all future correspondence.

3.2.6 Post-Submission Updates

  • Authors may track the status of their manuscript through the online system at any time.
  • Revised manuscripts must be submitted via the same system, clearly indicating changes made and including a point-by-point response to reviewers.

 

4 Peer Review Process

Vertex Physics adopts a hybrid peer review model that combines fairness with transparency. By default, the journal uses a double-anonymized peer review, where both authors' and reviewers' identities are concealed during the evaluation. This reduces potential bias related to gender, institution, or geography.

At the same time, we encourage openness and accountability. After the review process is complete, both authors and reviewers may choose to disclose their identities. With reviewers' consent, reports may also be published alongside the accepted article, either anonymously or signed.

Each submission will typically be evaluated by at least two independent experts. The review process aims to ensure scientific rigor, originality, and clarity, while offering flexibility for contributors who value transparency in scientific communication. Authors may suggest potential reviewers during submission; however, the final selection rests with the editors.

Initial Vetting

All submissions are first evaluated by the editorial team for scope, significance, and compliance with the journal’s standards. Manuscripts that meet these criteria are sent for external peer review within 3-5 days. Editors select reviewers based on expertise relevant to the manuscript, ensuring a balanced assessment of scientific quality, originality, and presentation.

Review Timeline

The review process is designed to be efficient yet thorough. Authors typically receive the initial review decision in approximately 3 weeks. Reviewers are asked to provide timely feedback, and editors monitor progress to maintain a smooth workflow.

Revision and Decision

Based on reviewer comments, authors may be invited to revise their manuscript. Revision may involve minor edits, substantial rewrites, or additional analyses. Editors make decisions considering the manuscript itself, reviewer reports, previous correspondence, and the overall contribution to the field. Multiple rounds of revision may occur if necessary.

Responding to Referee Reports

Authors are encouraged to address all reviewer comments carefully and clearly. Responses can be included as a separate document, detailing point-by-point replies. Ensure that any updates in equations, figures, tables, author information, or references align with journal policies. Providing a thorough response helps expedite acceptance.

Communication and Confidentiality

All communications between authors, reviewers, and editors are confidential. Manuscript content must not be shared outside of the review process. Similarly, reviewers’ identities and reports are confidential.

Appeals

If authors disagree with a decision, they may submit a formal appeal to the editorial office, providing a clear rationale. Appeals are considered by the editors, sometimes involving additional consultation or review.

Editorial Policies

Vertex Physics adheres to strict policies regarding research ethics, conflicts of interest, and data integrity. Authors are expected to comply with these guidelines, ensuring transparency and reproducibility of results.

Time Frame for Resubmission

Authors are encouraged to submit revisions within three to four weeks, depending on the extent of the required changes. Extensive revisions may require additional time, but prompt resubmission helps maintain momentum in the publication process.

For a comprehensive description of editorial practices, peer review policies, and ethical guidelines, authors should refer to the journal’s full Editorial Policies section. 

 

5 After Acceptance

Proofreading and Copyediting

All accepted manuscripts undergo professional copyediting and typesetting to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to journal style. Authors will receive page proofs for review. It is the responsibility of the corresponding author to carefully check the proofs and return corrections within the specified deadline. Only minor corrections (such as typographical errors or formatting adjustments) are permitted at this stage. Major scientific changes, including alterations to data interpretation or conclusions, cannot normally be accommodated at the proof stage. Substantial modifications may require a formal corrigendum or, in exceptional cases, retraction in accordance with the journal’s publication ethics policies.

Versioning

The final accepted and corrected version of the manuscript is considered the version of record. Authors may post earlier versions (preprints) on recognized preprint servers, provided they cite the published article once available. Updates or corrigenda, when necessary, will be issued following the journal’s policies on publication ethics.

DOI and Indexing

Each published article is assigned a unique Digital Object Identifier (DOI), ensuring permanent and reliable citation. Articles are published online first and are prepared for inclusion in major indexing and abstracting services. Because the journal is fully open access, all articles are freely available immediately upon publication, maximizing visibility and readership worldwide.

Data and Materials Availability

In line with best practices in scientific publishing, authors are encouraged to make the data, code, and materials underlying their findings publicly available whenever possible. Availability statements should be provided in the manuscript, and links to data repositories or supplementary materials will be included alongside the published article to facilitate reproducibility and transparency. To facilitate long-term preservation and accessibility, authors are encouraged to deposit datasets in recognized repositories (e.g., Zenodo, Dryad) and to provide persistent identifiers such as DOIs. If restrictions apply due to confidentiality, privacy, or legal considerations, these must be explicitly acknowledged in the manuscript.

 

6 Copyright and Licensing

All articles published in Vertex Physics are fully open access, ensuring free and permanent availability to readers worldwide.

Copyright

Authors retain copyright of their work. By submitting to Vertex Physics, authors grant the journal the right to publish, distribute, and archive the article in all forms and media.

Licensing

Articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. This license maximizes the visibility and impact of the research by allowing wide dissemination and reuse.

Author Rights

Authors have the right to:

Reuse figures, tables, and excerpts of their work in future publications.

Post the published version of the article on personal or institutional websites.

Share their work freely without restrictions, provided proper citation is given.

Fees

For the initial launch phase, Vertex Physics is fully open access with no article processing charges (APC). Authors will be notified in advance of any future policy changes regarding APCs.

Permissions and Third-Party Content

Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce any copyrighted material (such as figures, images, or tables) from third parties. Proper attribution and documentation of permissions must be included at the time of submission.

Funding and Institutional Policies

Many funding agencies and institutions require research outputs to be published under open-access terms. Vertex Physics fully complies with these mandates. Authors should indicate any funding sources and acknowledge compliance with institutional or funder open-access requirements during the submission process. If a specific license is required by the funder (e.g., CC BY), authors must notify the editorial office at the time of acceptance.

 

7 Publishing Ethics

 

Vertex Physics is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in research and publication. Authors are expected to:

  • Ensure originality of their work and avoid plagiarism or duplicate submission.
  • Properly acknowledge the contributions of others and cite relevant literature.
  • Disclose any conflicts of interest and funding sources.
  • Follow ethical standards in research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive data.
  • Editors and reviewers are also expected to uphold fairness, confidentiality, and objectivity throughout the peer review process.

For the full and detailed statement of our editorial and publication ethics, please refer to the Publishing Ethics section of the journal website.

 

 

8 Publication Fees and Reprints

Vertex Physics is fully open access. During the initial phase of the journal (typically the first 1–2 years), all Article Processing Charges (APCs) are waived for authors. The journal is published online only; there is no print edition. No reprints are provided, but the online version is fully citable and downloadable.

Please note that publication fees and policies may be revised in the future. Authors will be informed of any changes on the journal website.

 

 

9 Contact and Support

If you have any questions about submission, manuscript preparation, or journal policies, please feel free to reach out to our editorial office at editor@vertexphysics.com. Our team is happy to provide guidance on submission procedures, technical requirements, and general inquiries. We also offer language support to help authors improve clarity, ensure correct usage, and adhere to the journal’s formatting standards. Please note that this support focuses on language and presentation and does not involve rewriting the scientific content of the manuscript.

 

10 Publicizing Your Article

Once your article is published in Vertex Physics, we encourage you to actively share and promote your work to maximize its visibility and impact. The journal will highlight selected articles through press releases, website features, newsletters, and social media channels. In addition, authors are welcome to:

  • Share the article link via personal or institutional webpages, mailing lists, and social media platforms.
  • Deposit the final published version in institutional or subject-specific repositories, in accordance with our open access policy.
  • Prepare plain-language summaries, short videos, or graphical abstracts to broaden the reach of the work beyond the academic community.
  • Notify their institutions or funding agencies, many of which provide platforms for research promotion.

Our editorial office may also collaborate with authors to prepare tailored outreach materials. By working together, we aim to ensure that your article gains wide recognition both within and beyond the scientific community.