Aphrike Research Article Submission Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines carefully when preparing submissions for publication on www.aphrikeresearch.co.za. Submissions that do not meet the requirements may be returned for revision.
General requirements (applies to all sections)
Originality: Work must be original, not under consideration elsewhere, and not previously published (including on personal blogs) unless explicitly designed as a republication with permission and disclosure. For ‘The Dialogues’, it should be based on the peer reviewed article by the same author.
Tone and audience: Clear, professional, and accessible. The website audience is broad and therefore please avoid jargon where possible; explain technical terms for a broad audience.
The Opinion (section)
Purpose: Standalone opinion pieces from researchers, students, policy‑makers and practitioners on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) issues affecting African countries or lessons from global cases. Pieces should critically analyse issues and point to practical solutions, policy actions or research directions. Controversial and topical perspectives are encouraged.
Structure & approach: Clear argument, evidence to support claims, and a solution‑oriented conclusion. Avoid unsubstantiated assertions. If critiquing individuals or institutions, maintain respectful professional tone and provide substantiation.
Length: 750–1,500 words (approx. 2–3 pages).
Referencing style: Flexible (APA, Harvard, Vancouver, etc.) - be consistent throughout. Include full references at the end.
Priority: Opinion pieces that engage contentious or under‑discussed topics and propose actionable solutions will be prioritised.
The Dialogues (Articles)
Purpose: Translate peer‑reviewed research for a general audience. Clarify what the research did, why it matters, main findings, and implications for society or national contexts. The aim is public engagement and informed debate.
Source linkage: Must be based on a published peer‑reviewed paper. Provide a direct link to the original paper (required). In the opening paragraph acknowledge the source (e.g., “This article is based on a paper published in [Journal Name] (link)”).
References: Formal reference list is not required, but the original paper must be clearly cited in the opening paragraph (and can be footnoted). If other sources are used, include them as brief endnotes.
Tone & clarity: Explain technical concepts in plain language. Emphasize implications and relevance for non‑specialists. Avoid excessive methodological detail unless it is essential for understanding findings.
Length: 750–1,250 words (approx. 2–3 pages).
Submission process, editing and standards
Accuracy: Ensure factual accuracy and avoid misleading statements.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is not tolerated.
Respectful discourse: We welcome robust debate but expect civility. Harassment, hate speech or defamatory content will be rejected.
Language and quality: English. Proofread for grammar, spelling and clarity. We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity and style.
Formatting: Submit plain text or Word (.doc/.docx). Use 12‑pt, Times New Roman or Arial; single line spacing; paragraphs separated by a blank line. Include headings and subheadings.
Title and Significance: Provide a concise title 50–100 words stating the significance of the article.
Author info: Provide full name, affiliation, a 25–50 word bio, and one preferred contact email. Optionally include links to ORCID and LinkedIn.
Disclosure: Declare any conflicts of interest and funding sources.
How to submit: Submit through the link: https://www.aphrikeresearch.co.za/submission. To submit, you need to be a registered on www.aphrikeresearc.co.za portal.
Review and editing: Submissions are reviewed by the editorial team for fit and quality. We may request revisions for clarity, accuracy, length or tone. We reserve editorial rights to copyedit for style and grammar. Substantive edits will be discussed with the author.
Timeline: We aim to acknowledge receipt within 5 working days and issue an editorial decision within 3–4 weeks. Time to publication depends on revision turnaround and editorial schedule.
Copyright & licensing: Authors retain copyright. By submitting you grant Aphrike Research a non‑exclusive license to publish online and in related promotional materials. State any preferred Creative Commons license when submitting.
Contact & support
Editorial queries and submissions: editor@aphrikeresearch.co.za
Thank you for contributing to Aphrike Research. We value timely, rigorous and engaging contributions that advance public understanding and policy dialogue on science, technology and innovation in Africa.