FAQ

What is NOV'AE?

NOV'AE is a French-language transfer journal published by INRAE, which is part of the Directorate for Open Science (DipSO). It publishes innovations (protocols, methodologies, prototypes, etc.) designed and validated within INRAE, and which support all its research processes (including administrative processes).

Published in open access, the journal offers two publication formulas: themed issues and regular articles published on an ad hoc basis.

What fields does NOV'AE cover?

All INRAE's fields of knowledge, linked to its research on agronomy, food and the environment, are covered by the journal.

I am a research technician, I am a research director, I am a unit manager, can I publish in NOV'AE?

Of course you can. All categories of INRAE staff contribute to the journal, including support staff. The journal also publishes innovations concerning support functions or cross-functional approaches: IT and information systems, metrology and quality in research, administrative management and HR, etc.

NOV'AE is an INRAE journal. If I am an agent of another organisation, can I still publish in NOV'AE, even if I do not have INRAE co-authors?

Yes, it is possible if the subject of the article falls within the scope of the journal and if your organisation has links with INRAE. However, please contact the editor-in-chief by e-mail before you start writing.

Are articles submitted to NOV'AE evaluated?

Yes, articles are evaluated by a recognised expert with no conflict of interest.

Do I have to pay to publish in NOV'AE?

No. It is free to publish and to access articles. This is what we call the diamond model.

I do have a subject for an article, but I'm not very comfortable with writing. I'll give up.

No, please don't. You can certainly find help locally, in your unit, in your team. And above all, the journal will support you: individual coaching after you've submitted your article, writing workshops.

Can I cite my article published in NOV'AE in a scientific journal?

Yes, without any problem, as your article will have been reviewed and will have a DOI, a unique identifier.

Would I like to be kept informed of NOV'AE news?

There is a mailing list that will keep you informed of news about the journal (about 6 messages a year). Send an email to the editor so that he can sign you up.

Who owns the rights to articles published in NOV'AE?

The copyright for any article published in NOV'AE is held by the author(s) under the Creative Commons licence, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original work is properly cited.

How do I submit my article?

The online submission system will be implemented shortly. For the time being, please continue to submit your project by e-mail to the editor. You will be informed within ten days if your article has been selected.

How long does it take from submission to publication?

Generally between 4 and 6 months. But it can be quicker. It depends on the responsiveness of the reviewer ... and the author(s).

In what formats are NOV'AE articles published?

Published articles are available on the journal's website in the following formats: HTML (from 2025) and PDF.

I've heard that there's a journal correspondent at my centre. What is their role? How can I contact them?

Yes, in almost all INRAE centres there is a journal correspondent, or even several. This is a colleague who promotes the journal at his/her Centre. You may see him or her giving a presentation at a unit or lab meeting, or when welcoming new staff. This person will be able to tell you all about the journal. They may encourage you to publish in NOV'AE. They will not write your article for you, but they will give you good advice. The list of centre correspondents is here.

I was told about Le Cahier des Techniques de l'INRA. What is the link between this journal and NOV'AE?

The CdT was created in 1983 by a couple of technicians, Madeleine and Yves Bonnet, at the Clermont-Ferrand Centre. The magazine very quickly evolved from a small-scale publication into a recognised institutional journal. In 2021, it was renamed ‘NOV'AE - Ingénierie et savoir-faire innovants’, particularly in the context of the merger between INRAE and IRSTEA. Without cutting itself off from the fundamentals and values of the CdT, and while evolving in its ambitions, NOV'AE is therefore its extension and proudly boasts its deep roots