CYTO 2026 Scientific Tutorial: Excellence and Integrity in Cytometry Publishing: A Guide for Authors, Reviewers, and Associate Editors

Excellence and Integrity in Cytometry Publishing: A Guide for Authors, Reviewers, and Associate Editors

Presenters:
Bartek Rajwa, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Cytometry Part A

Introduction:
For over 40 years, Cytometry Part A – The Journal of Quantitative Cell Science has been the home for innovative research in single-cell analysis, publishing peer-reviewed studies on measurement, separation, manipulation, engineering, and modeling of cells. The journal also covers high-content screening and the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular function. As the field continues to evolve, Cytometry A remains committed to advancing quantitative cell biology and supporting the development of cutting-edge methods for cellular systems analysis.

At the same time, scientific publishing is undergoing rapid changes. The rise of open access, the growth of semi-predatory publishers, the demand for faster review cycles, and the popularity of preprints are reshaping how we share scientific knowledge. These shifts present both challenges and opportunities for Cytometry A. In response, we are expanding our editorial board, strengthening peer review, and broadening our scope to encompass emerging areas such as high-content screening and single-cell omics.

Learning objectives:
By participating in this tutorial, attendees will be able to:

1) Understand and navigate the peer review process for Cytometry Part A, including the workflow from submission to decision, time expectations for reviewers and Associate Editors, and how to craft constructive reviews that strengthen manuscripts.
2) Apply statistical rigor and data quality standards expected for publication, including proper analysis of cytometry data, avoiding common statistical pitfalls, and implementing FAIR data principles with appropriate use of RRIDs and data sharing practices.
3) Evaluate manuscript quality and publication readiness, understanding what distinguishes strong submissions from those likely to be rejected, technical requirements for figures and supplementary data, and how to assess scientific impact, novelty, and significance.
4) Recognize the role and value of OMIP (Optimized Multicolor Immunofluorescence Panel) publications, understanding how these standardized, validated panel descriptions advance reproducibility and serve as community resources for researchers designing multi-parameter cytometry experiments.

Content: 
This tutorial will reintroduce Cytometry A to the ISAC community and explain how members can contribute as reviewers and Associate Editors. We'll examine the practical mechanics of peer review: manuscript evaluation workflow, timelines, time commitments, and how to write constructive, actionable reviews. We'll provide guidance on what distinguishes strong submissions from desk rejections, technical requirements for figures and data files, and when manuscripts are appropriate for Cytometry Part Aversus Part B.

A special focus will be placed on OMIP papers, which document fully validated, ready-to-use multi-parameter panels complete with reagent details, compensation strategies, and gating schemes. OMIPs serve as essential community resources that promote standardization, reproducibility, and facilitate the adoption of complex cytometry approaches. We'll discuss the criteria for OMIP submissions and how these papers differ from standard research articles.

We'll address critical research ethics issues: identifying and managing conflicts of interest, authorship disputes, image manipulation policies, and recognizing red flags for paper mills and data fraud that threaten the peer review system.

We'll also discuss the professional development benefits of serving as a reviewer or Associate Editor: career enhancement, networking opportunities, staying current with emerging methods, and contributing to the scientific community.

Statistical analysis and data representation remain critical areas where submissions often fall short. We'll review common statistical mistakes in cytometry data, including understanding of spectral unmixing, compositional data analysis issues, multiple testing corrections, and appropriate controls. We'll cover standards for reporting statistical methods, data visualization best practices, high-dimensional data representation, validation approaches for computational analyses, and transparency in parameter selection.

Finally, we'll explain how the journal supports FAIR data principles through policies on Research Resource Identifiers (RRIDs), code availability, and data deposition. Throughout the tutorial, we'll emphasize the journal's commitment to scientific impact, novelty, and significance, and welcome questions about any aspect of the submission, review, or editorial process."

Keywords: Publication, Peer Review, Cytometry Part A, Journal, OMIPs

CMLE Credit: 1.5