Scientific Writing
How to Write a Data Availability Statement
Most journals now require a data availability statement. Learn what to include, the standard statement types, and ready-to-use examples for each situa...
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Trusted Research · Since 2026
Directive Academy
Guides on peer review, research integrity & scholarly publishing — for authors, reviewers and editors
Research Integrity
What Is a Retraction? (and How to Avoid One)
A retraction formally withdraws a published article from the scholarly record. Learn why articles are retracte...
Directive Editorial Team · 2 min
Scientific Writing
Reporting Guidelines: CONSORT, PRISMA & STROBE Explained
Reporting guidelines are checklists that make research complete and transparent. Learn what CONSORT, PRISMA an...
Directive Editorial Team · 2 min
Scientific Writing
Systematic Review vs Meta-analysis vs Literature Review
These three review types are often confused. Learn how a narrative review, a systematic review and a meta-anal...
Directive Editorial Team · 2 min
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— Directive Publications Editorial Standards
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Editor Resources
The Handling Editor's Role: How Editorial Decisions Are Made
Behind every published paper is a handling editor. Learn what they do, how editorial decisions are reached, and the principles that keep the process f...
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 plagiarism — how journals detect them, and how...
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, why it matters, and how to register in a...
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 are the rules, the risks, and how to st...
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...
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...
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