Policy on Scientific Reviews
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A scientific review is an evaluation of an article by one or more individuals. It is a form of verification conducted by qualified researchers in a related field. Methods of scientific review are used to maintain quality standards, improve outcomes, and ensure credibility. At Index Copernicus, scientific review is used to determine whether an article is suitable for publication. A scientific review can be classified by the type of activity and the field or profession in which it occurs.
Journals published by Index Copernicus use a double-blind peer review model. In line with the journal's objectives and mission, articles are typically reviewed by two independent academic experts, and additional reviews may be sought to ensure high quality, relevance, and academic rigour.
Double-Blind Peer Review Process
In this model, both the reviewer and the author are anonymous. Some advantages of this model include:
- Author anonymity limits reviewer biases, such as those based on gender, country of origin, academic status, or the author's publication history.
- Articles written by renowned authors are evaluated based on the content of their work, not their reputation.
Scientific review is crucial to the quality of published research. Your submitted article will be evaluated by at least two independent reviewers. Reviewers' comments will help the editor decide whether to accept or reject your article for publication.
Objectives of the Scientific Review Process, Reviewers Assess:
- Scope: Is the article appropriate for this journal?
- Novelty: Is it original material different from previous publications?
- Validity: Is the study well-designed and conducted?
- Data: Are the data correctly reported, analysed, and interpreted?
- Clarity: Are the ideas expressed clearly, concisely, and logically?
- Compliance: Are all ethical and journal requirements met?
- Progress: Is it a significant contribution to the field?
Detailed Scientific Review Process
The managing editor first checks manuscripts to ensure they are complete and comply with formal requirements and guidelines for authors. Before being passed to editors, manuscripts may be returned to authors to correct any areas.
Based on the journal's scope, publication standards, and political community interest, the Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editors evaluate submissions and decide whether they are suitable to move to the next stage of the review process.
For articles that pass the editors' desk, an editor with appropriate expertise in the relevant field will be assigned (however, depending on the subject matter of the manuscript, one of the editors may also perform this function). Editors review the article and decide whether it has the potential to positively impact the journal's development and the relevant field.
When the manuscript passes the editorial stage, it will usually be reviewed by two experts in the field, considering geography and research methodology when selecting reviewers.
Editors have the final say on the manuscript and will make the final decision based on the reviewers' reports.
Communication with Authors
At each stage of the review process, authors will receive justified and constructive feedback on decisions regarding their manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
Assigned editors and reviewers should inform editors of any potential conflicts of interest related to the assigned manuscript, such as resulting from competitive, collaborative, or other relationships or affiliations with any of the authors, companies, or institutions. In such cases, they should inform the editors and withdraw from the review process.
Confidentiality
Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. Review participants' confidentiality is protected.
Appeals
Appeals against editorial decisions require an appropriate appeal letter and detailed justification. According to commonly accepted practices, appeals are considered only if there is evidence of:
- Potential technical errors made by reviewers in evaluating the manuscript,
- New information or data that has emerged since the manuscript's submission, and
- Potential conflicts of interest of reviewers.
Appeals against editorial decisions must be submitted within seven days of receiving the decision notification.
Each manuscript is entitled to one appeal. The Editor-in-Chief will consult with the editorial team and, if necessary, seek additional advice from Advisory Board members. The Editor-in-Chief's decision is final.
Appeal letters should be addressed to the editorial office (publisherspanel@indexcopernicus.com ).