Author Guidelines
Dear Authors! The following provisions came into force on September 1, 2026:
- Federal Law of 20.02.2026 No. 43-FZ;
- Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 15, 2026 No. 750 “On the transfer of human genetic data outside the territory of the Russian Federation” (hereinafter - Resolution No. 750).
This document defines the mandatory procedure for review and publication of manuscripts containing human genetic data in the journal "Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology".
The rules are valid and binding for all authors without exception.
- What has changed since September 1, 2026?
The transfer of human genetic data (including manuscripts, tables, metadata, deposition in foreign databases, placement in open information systems) is permitted only in the modes established by Resolution No. 750.
The following are covered by the data transfer:
- Submitting manuscripts with genetic data to foreign editors/publishers;
- Uploading data to international databases (PharmGKB, GEO, ENA, ArrayExpress, dbGAP, etc.);
- Submitting to indexing systems (Scopus, Web of Science);
- Any form of access provision to foreign individuals and organizations.
- Three active data transfer modes
The editorial board of the journal is guided by the direct provisions of Resolution No. 750.
Manuscript type | Transmission mode | Required actions of the author | Editorial decision |
1. Individual patient data (n = 1–2) or data from within the context of drug development for a specific patient | Without permission (paragraph 4 of the Resolution) | Data anonymization is mandatory. No additional consent is required. | Accepted for consideration subject to anonymization and indication of the purpose (diagnostics/selection of therapy/development of a drug for a specific patient). |
2. Population-based study (n ≥ 3). The article contains ONLY summary indicators (allele frequencies, PRS, expression levels, coefficients, without linking to a specific individual). | By notification (paragraphs 5–7 of the Resolution) | Notification to the Interdepartmental Commission (Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia) is mandatory and must be sent no later than 20 business days prior to data transfer. A confirmation is attached to the manuscript. | Accepted only if there is a copy of the sent notification and no request from the Commission for revision. |
3. Population study with individual genotypes or with mandatory deposition of raw data in foreign databases | By permission of the Commission (paragraphs 8–12 of the Resolution) | The Commission's approval is required. The application must be submitted using the form in Appendix No. 3. A decision will be issued within 15 business days. | Accepted ONLY with a positive decision from the Committee. Without it, the manuscript will not be considered. |
- Exceptions that are in effect (paragraph 4 of the Resolution)
Without the Commission's permission, data may be transferred only in the following cases (strictly for a specific patient and with anonymization):
- use of international databases for diagnosis and treatment strategy selection;
- annotation of anonymized data through online services to clarify the diagnosis;
- HLA typing for transplantation purposes;
- development of gene therapy drugs for a specific patient.
These exceptions DO NOT APPLY to the publication of population data and depositing in public databases.
- Checklist for Authors (mandatory, effective September 1, 2026)
STEP 1. Determine the type of your research
Question | Answer | Your path |
Number of participants | 1–2 | → Step 2А |
| ≥ 3 | → Step 2Б |
Does the article contain individual genotypes? | No (only summary) | → Step 2Б (notification) |
| Yes | → Step 2Б (permission) |
Do you need to upload to a foreign archive (GEO, ENA, PharmGKB)? | No | → Step 2Б (notification) |
| Yes | → Step 2Б (permission) |
STEP 2A. Individual data (1–2 individuals) or the patient's medication
Required:
☐ Complete anonymization of data (name, date of birth, contact information, SNILS, and insurance policy are removed and replaced with a code).
☐ The article states the purpose: diagnosis/therapy selection/medication development for a specific patient.
☐ The manuscript with anonymized data is sent to the editor.
No additional documents are required.
STEP 2B (simplified). Population study (≥ 3), summary data ONLY
Required:
☐ Complete the notification form in Appendix No. 2 to Resolution No. 750.
☐ Submit the notification to the Interdepartmental Commission (FMBA of Russia) no later than 20 business days before the planned data transfer (manuscript submission, upload to the database).
☐ Wait for review (up to 15 business days).
☐ If the Commission requires revisions, complete them and resubmit.
Submit the following to the editor:
- a copy of the submitted notification;
- a copy of the Commission's response (or confirmation of the absence of comments).
Without these documents, the manuscript will not be accepted.
STEP 2B (full). Population-based study with individual data or deposition
Required:
☐ Complete the application form in Appendix No. 3 to Resolution No. 750.
☐ Submit the application to the Commission (FMBA of Russia).
☐ Wait for a positive decision from the Commission (up to 15 business days, extension possible).
Submit to the editorial board:
- A copy of the decision on data transfer permission.
The manuscript will be reviewed ONLY if a positive decision is received.
- What to do if permission is not received or notification is not sent
The editorial board is not authorized to accept manuscripts for review:
- containing individual genetic data without a decision from the Commission;
- containing population data without notification (for aggregated data);
- deposited in foreign databases without permission.
Such manuscripts are returned to the authors without review.
- Liability
Violation of the established procedure for the transfer of genetic data entails liability in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.
The editorial board of the journal does not assume any risks associated with authors' failure to comply with the requirements of Resolution No. 750 and reserves the right to:
- request supporting documents for each manuscript;
- reject manuscripts in the absence of supporting documents;
- notify authorized bodies if violations are detected (in accordance with the established procedure).
- Deadlines (valid)
Action | Term |
Submission of notification (Appendix No. 2) | No later than 20 working days before data transfer |
Notification Review | Up to 15 business days |
Submitting an Application for Permit (Appendix No. 3) | Advance |
Application Review | Up to 15 business days (extension possible) |
- Contacts and Recommendations
Manuscript Contents
→ Editorial Board of the Journal "Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology"
Notification and Application Submission Procedures
→ FMBA of Russia (official website, Interdepartmental Commission section)
Data Deposit Questions
→ Consultation with a biomedical lawyer is recommended
- What authors should do RIGHT NOW
☐ Determine your data type using the checklist.
☐ If the data is aggregated, prepare and submit a notification.
☐ If the data is individual or requires deposition, submit a permission application.
☐ Check the publisher's deposition requirements (GEO, ENA, PharmGKB).
☐ Before submitting your manuscript, ensure all necessary permissions have been obtained.
☐ Contact the editors for clarification regarding your specific case.
1.1. Reporting standards
1.1.1. Authors of reports of original research should present an accurate account of the work performed as well as an objective discussion of its significance. Underlying data should be represented accurately in the paper. A paper should contain sufficient detail and references to permit others to replicate the work. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behaviour and are unacceptable.
1.1.2. Review and professional publication articles should also be accurate and objective, and editorial 'opinion’ works should be clearly identified as such.
1.2. Data Access and Retention – Authors may be asked to provide the raw data in connection with a paper for editorial review, and should be prepared to provide public access to such data (consistent with the ALPSP-STM Statement on Data and Databases), if practicable, and should in any event be prepared to retain such data for a reasonable time after publication.
1.3. Originality and Plagiarism
1.3.1. The authors should ensure that they have written entirely original works, and if the authors have used the work and/or words of others, this has been appropriately cited or quoted.
1.3.2. Plagiarism takes many forms, from ‘passing off’ another’s paper as the author’s own paper, to copying or paraphrasing substantial parts of another’s paper (without attribution), to claiming results from research conducted by others. Plagiarism in all its forms constitutes unethical publishing behaviour and is unacceptable.
1.4. Multiple, Redundant or Concurrent Publication
1.4.1. An author should not in general publish manuscripts describing essentially the same research in more than one journal of primary publication. Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal concurrently constitutes unethical publishing behaviour and is unacceptable.
1.4.2. In general, an author should not submit for consideration in another journal a previously published paper.
1.4.3. Publication of some kinds of articles (eg, clinical guidelines, translations) in more than one journal is sometimes justifiable, provided certain conditions are met. The authors and editors of the journals concerned must agree to the secondary publication, which must reflect the same data and interpretation of the primary document. The primary reference must be cited in the secondary publication. Further detail on acceptable forms of secondary publication can be found at www.icmje.org.
1.5. Acknowledgement of Sources – Proper acknowledgment of the work of others must always be given. Authors should cite publications that have been influential in determining the nature of the reported work. Information obtained privately, as in conversation, correspondence, or discussion with third parties, must not be used or reported without explicit, written permission from the source. Information obtained in the course of confidential services, such as refereeing manuscripts or grant applications, must not be used without the explicit written permission of the author of the work involved in these services.
1.6. Authorship of the Paper
1.6.1. Authorship should be limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the reported study. All those who have made significant contributions should be listed as co-authors. Where there are others who have participated in certain substantive aspects of the research project, they should be acknowledged or listed as contributors.
1.6.2. The corresponding author should ensure that all appropriate co-authors and no inappropriate co-authors are included on the paper, and that all co-authors have seen and approved the final version of the paper and have agreed to its submission for publication.
1.7. Hazards and Human or Animal Subjects
1.7.1. If the work involves chemicals, procedures or equipment that have any unusual hazards inherent in their use, the author must clearly identify these in the manuscript.
1.7.2. If the work involves the use of animal or human subjects, the author should ensure that the manuscript contains a statement that all procedures were performed in compliance with relevant laws and institutional guidelines and that the appropriate institutional committee(s) have approved them. Authors should include a statement in the manuscript that informed consent was obtained for experimentation with human subjects. The privacy rights of human subjects must always be observed.
1.8. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
1.8.1. All authors should disclose in their manuscript any financial or other substantive conflict of interest that might be construed to influence the results or interpretation of their manuscript. All sources of financial support for the project should be disclosed.
1.8.2. Examples of potential conflicts of interest which should be disclosed include employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony, patent applications/registrations, and grants or other funding. Potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed at the earliest possible stage.
1.9. Fundamental errors in published works – When an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in a published work, it is the author’s obligation to promptly notify the editor of the journal “Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology” and cooperate with Publisher to retract or correct the paper, If the editor or the publisher learn from a third party that a published work contains a significant error, it is the obligation of the author to promptly retract or correct the paper.
Submission process
Manuscripts designed using the PPN journal template should be sent to the email address of the journal editorial office journal.ppnn@gmail.com with the mark “Manuscript” or uploaded to the journal’s website https://www.jppn.ru/jour, having previously logged in. The submitting author is responsible for the manuscript during the submission and review process. The submitting author must ensure that all eligible co-authors have been included in the list of authors and that all have read and approved the submitted version of the manuscript. The manuscript must contain a section on the presence or absence of conflicts of interest.
Acceptable file formats
Authors are encouraged to use the template to prepare their manuscript. Manuscripts submitted without a template will be rejected.
Template: Manuscripts prepared in the template must be collected in one ZIP folder (including all source files and images so that the editors can recompile the submitted manuscript into a PDF file). When preparing templated manuscripts, we recommend that you use the Personalized Psychiatry and Neurology journal template files. The template file should be downloaded from the journal’s website https://www.jppn.ru/jour in the Author Guidelines section - Helpful resources for authors.
Additional files: Can be in any format, but it is recommended to use common, non-proprietary formats (TIFF, JPEG, EPS and PDF) whenever possible. Drawings must be high resolution (minimum 1000 pixels in width/height or 300 dpi resolution or higher).
Disclaimer: Use of this template is solely for journal submission for peer review and is strictly limited to that purpose and may not be used for online publication on preprint servers or other websites.
Helpful Resources for Authors
You can download a template for preparing a manuscript here.
Tables and figures:
All figures, diagrams and tables should be inserted into the main text next to their first reference and numbered by their number of appearance (Fig. 1, Diagram 1, Fig. 2, Diagram 2, Table 1, etc.).
All figures, diagrams and tables must have a short explanatory title and caption.
All table columns must have an explanatory heading. To make editing large tables easier, it is allowed to use smaller fonts, but not less than 8 pt. to size. Authors should use the Table option in Microsoft Word to create tables.
Authors are recommended to prepare drawings and diagrams in color.
Download table template
Download figure template
