Scientific Writing
How to Write a Cover Letter to the Editor (With a Template)
A good cover letter tells the editor why your paper fits their journal and why it matters. Here is what to include, a ready-to-use template, and what...
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Directive Academy
Guides on peer review, research integrity & scholarly publishing — for authors, reviewers and editors
Research Integrity
Types of Plagiarism and How to Avoid Them
Plagiarism is not only copying and pasting. Learn the main types — including self-plagiarism and mosaic plagia...
Directive Editorial Team · 6 min
Open Science
What Is ORCID and How to Register
An ORCID iD is a free, permanent identifier that reliably connects you to your research. Here is what it is, w...
Directive Editorial Team · 5 min
Research Integrity
Using AI Tools in Research Writing (and How to Disclose Them)
Generative AI can help with research writing — but it cannot be an author, and its use must be disclosed. Here...
Directive Editorial Team · 7 min
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— Directive Publications Editorial Standards
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Peer Review
How to Respond to Reviewer Comments (With Example Replies)
A "major revisions" decision is good news. Learn how to write a clear, point-by-point response to reviewers — with example replies and a practical str...
Scientific Writing
How to Choose the Right Journal for Your Research
Choosing the right journal improves your chances of acceptance and helps the right readers find your work. Here is a step-by-step method — and how to...
Scientific Writing
Types of Research Articles Explained
Original research, reviews, case reports, editorials and more — a plain-language guide to the main article types and how to choose the right one for y...
Scientific Writing
IMRaD Format: How to Structure a Research Paper
IMRaD — Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion — is the standard structure for research papers. Learn what goes in each section and why it work...
Scientific Writing
How to Write a Strong Abstract (With Examples and a Template)
The abstract is the most-read part of your paper. Learn what to include, a section-by-section template, common mistakes, and a worked example.
Peer Review
What Is Peer Review? A Complete Guide for Researchers
Peer review is the independent expert evaluation that decides whether research is published. Here is how it works, the main types, and what reviewers...
Open Science
What Is a DOI? Why Every Research Paper Needs One
A DOI is the permanent, citable link to a research article. Here is what a DOI is, how it works through Crossref, and why every paper you publish shou...
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