Peer-Review Policy

When you submit a manuscript to our journal, it goes through a double-blind peer-review process. This means that neither the authors nor the reviewers know each other’s identities, ensuring an unbiased and fair evaluation. We believe this is the best way to maintain integrity and impartiality in the review process.

Initial Evaluation & Technical Review

Before sending a manuscript for peer review, our Editors first conduct an initial screening. At this stage, a submission may be rejected if it lacks originality, has major scientific flaws, contains poor language quality, doesn’t align with the journal’s focus, or doesn’t follow our submission guidelines. If the manuscript meets the basic criteria, it is sent to at least two experts for further review.

Peer-Review Process

Each manuscript is typically reviewed by at least two external experts in the relevant field. Their feedback plays a crucial role in determining whether the manuscript is accepted, requires revisions, or is rejected. However, the final decision always rests with the Editor-in-Chief (EIC).

Before making a decision, the EIC may consult members of the advisory board for additional input. Our Associate Editors and Review Editors also support the process to ensure everything runs smoothly.

To maintain ethical standards, any submission that presents a conflict of interest (such as an editor submitting their own work) will be assigned to a different Editorial Board member or a guest editor, following COPE’s ethical guidelines.

Reviewers are expected to uphold the confidentiality and fairness of the double-blind process. Before accepting a review assignment, they should also review our ‘Guidelines for Peer Reviewers.’

Challenging a Rejection

If a manuscript is rejected and the authors believe they have strong reasons to challenge the decision, they may submit a formal appeal with supporting arguments. In such cases, the manuscript will be sent to two additional reviewers, and the final decision will be based on their recommendations.