Q2 journal are ranked between 26 – 50% of impact factor and reputation within their scientific fields, making them highly competitive and prestigious.
Publishing in a Q2 journal is a crucial step for researchers aiming to showcase their work in reputable, widely read journals without the extreme competitiveness of Q1. Ensuring your manuscript meets journal standards can save time, avoid desk rejection, and improve chances of acceptance. This is where a submission checklist becomes invaluable.
Why This Checklist Matters?
Q2 journals maintain high-quality standards and have rigorous peer-review processes. While not as hyper-competitive as Q1, they still demand precision, clarity, and compliance with editorial guidelines.
Summary
Article Specific Checklist
1
Original Research Articles – Q2 Standards
Original research articles require clear storytelling, reproducible methods, and strong data presentation.
- Title Page: Includes author names, affiliations, and contact details for the corresponding author.
- Abstract: Structured with Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
- Keywords: 3 - 6 relevant keywords aligned with the journal’s focus.
- Introduction: Clearly defines the research gap and objectives.
- Methods: Transparent methodology with reproducibility and ethical approvals.
- Results: Presented with clear tables, graphs, and statistical analysis.
- Discussion: Interprets findings critically with global context and citations.
- Conclusion: Highlights novelty and contribution to the field.
Q2 Tip
- Editors love well-structured methods and visually clear results. High-quality figures make a difference!
2
Review Articles – Q2 Expectations
Review articles should synthesize existing knowledge, highlight gaps, and provide a coherent narrative.
- Comprehensive Title & Abstract that attract wide readership.
- Introduction: Establishes the importance and timeliness of the review.
- Balanced Literature Coverage: Recent and credible sources, minimal self-citation.
- Critical Evaluation: Integrates findings to identify trends and research gaps.
- Figures & Tables: High-quality visuals summarizing key concepts.
- Conclusion: Summarizes perspectives and outlines future directions.
Q2 Tip
- Use systematic methods for literature selection even in narrative reviews, ensuring transparency and rigor.
- A well-illustrated diagram or table summarizing studies enhances readability and impact.
3
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Systematic reviews in Q2 journals must meet PRISMA standards and show impeccable methodological transparency.
- Title includes “Systematic Review” or “Meta-Analysis.”
- Abstract structured using PRISMA checklist.
- Detailed Methods: Databases searched, inclusion/exclusion criteria, search strings.
- Results include PRISMA flow diagram and forest plots if applicable.
- Discussion interprets findings, heterogeneity, and limitations.
- Conclusion provides practical and scientific relevance.
Q2 Tip
- Register your review protocol on PROSPERO and disclose software used for analysis (e.g., RevMan, Stata).
- PRISMA-compliant flow diagrams and transparent methodology improve credibility and reviewer confidence.
4
Protocol Submissions (Clinical, Experimental & Review Protocols)
Protocols in Q2 journals must emphasize transparency, reproducibility, and adherence to international reporting standards (SPIRIT or PRISMA-P).
- Title clearly states “Protocol” and study type (e.g., Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol).
- Abstract structured with Background, Objectives, Methods, and Registration details.
- Registration ID provided (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO).
- Methods detail study design, population, interventions, outcomes, and analysis plan.
- Ethical approval and informed consent processes mentioned.
- Data management, confidentiality, and dissemination plans outlined.
- Supplementary files include SPIRIT or PRISMA-P checklist and flow diagram.
Q2 Tip
- Use SPIRIT 2013 for clinical trials or PRISMA-P 2020 for review protocols. Register before recruitment or literature screening begins.
5
Case Reports & Short Communications
These articles focus on novel, unusual, or clinically significant findings.
- Title and abstract clearly convey clinical relevance.
- Case presentation includes detailed patient information, diagnosis, management, and outcomes.
- Discussion links findings to literature and clinical implications.
- Patient consent and ethics approval are mandatory.
- Figures/images are clear, anonymized, and labeled professionally.
Q2 Tip
- Highlight the novelty and clinical relevance - Q2 journals accept case reports only if they present a unique finding, a rare presentation, or a new insight that advances current understanding. Support with high-quality images, clear follow-up data, and adherence to CARE guidelines.
Next Step: Submit to ScienceBy
Once your checklist is complete, send your manuscript here