Does the journal allow the submission of new data and charts before reviewing the manuscript?

Most academic journals do not accept submissions where new datasets or figures are added *after* the initial submission but *before* formal peer review commences; such additions constitute an unrequested revision of the submitted manuscript at that stage. This practice is generally considered non-compliant with standard submission protocols which require a fully complete manuscript at the point of first submission. Key considerations include the necessity for the manuscript to be self-contained and complete upon submission to allow fair and consistent review. Exceptions might exist under highly specific circumstances (e.g., critical supplementary evidence becoming available immediately post-submission) but require explicit prior justification and permission from the editor-in-chief or handling editor. Submitting authors must ensure all data and visualizations integral to the core arguments are included initially; adding them later disrupts the review workflow and fairness. To avoid rejection on procedural grounds, authors should meticulously finalize all data analyses and accompanying charts *prior* to submission, aligning them fully with the manuscript's narrative and adhering strictly to the target journal's author guidelines. If crucial supplemental data emerge urgently during a brief interim period, directly contacting the editorial office *before* attempting to add files is essential to seek specific guidance on permissibility.