Peer Review Policy

Biosciences Research Reviews follows a rigorous and transparent peer review process to ensure the highest standards of academic quality, integrity, and credibility. Below is the detailed peer review policy for the journal:

1. Peer Review Process

All submitted manuscripts undergo a double-blind peer review process. This means that both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other throughout the review process. This ensures impartiality and reduces potential bias in evaluating the manuscript.

  • Initial Submission Review: Upon submission, manuscripts are first screened for basic quality standards, relevance to the journal's scope, and adherence to formatting guidelines. This initial assessment is conducted by the editorial team.

  • Peer Review Assignment: If the manuscript passes the initial screening, it is sent to at least two independent expert reviewers in the relevant field of biosciences. The reviewers evaluate the manuscript for scientific rigor, novelty, clarity, and relevance.

2. Criteria for Review

Reviewers are asked to assess the following aspects of the manuscript:

  • Scientific Quality: The soundness and originality of the research, including the methodology, experimental design, data analysis, and conclusions.

  • Clarity and Structure: The clarity of writing, logical flow of ideas, and the overall structure of the paper.

  • Relevance and Significance: The significance of the research findings to the field of biosciences and the contribution to current knowledge.

  • Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that the study complies with ethical standards, including proper citation of sources and approval from relevant ethical review boards (e.g., animal or human subject studies).

  • Novelty and Impact: Whether the work presents new findings or insights, or offers a novel approach or perspective.

3. Review Process Timeline

  • First Review: Manuscripts are typically reviewed within 3–4 weeks after submission. However, the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the manuscript and the availability of suitable reviewers.

  • Final Decision: After the reviewers submit their reports, the editorial team will make a final decision based on the feedback provided. The possible decisions include:

    • Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication as is or with minimal revisions.

    • Minor Revisions: The manuscript is accepted subject to minor revisions that can be addressed by the authors.

    • Major Revisions: The manuscript requires significant revisions before it can be reconsidered for publication.

    • Reject: The manuscript is rejected, often with feedback on the reasons for rejection.

4. Revisions and Resubmission

  • Minor Revisions: Authors are given a fixed period (usually 2–4 weeks) to make the necessary revisions and resubmit the manuscript. The revised manuscript is then reviewed by the original reviewers or the editorial team to ensure the revisions were adequately addressed.

  • Major Revisions: Authors may need to revise the manuscript extensively before resubmitting. A new round of peer review may be conducted after the resubmission, especially if the revisions significantly alter the content or direction of the study.

5. Ethics of Review

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers are required to treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential. They should not disclose or discuss any part of the manuscript outside the review process.

  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must declare any potential conflicts of interest before accepting the invitation to review. A conflict of interest may include financial, personal, or professional relationships with the authors that could bias the review.

  • Fairness: Reviewers must assess the manuscript solely based on its scientific merit and quality, without any personal bias related to the authors, their institution, or their country of origin.

6. Reviewer Invitation and Selection

Reviewers are carefully selected based on their expertise in the specific area of the manuscript. Invitations to review are sent to experts who are recognized in their fields, and reviewers are typically selected from a pool of previously engaged scholars or from recommendations by the editorial board.

7. Reviewer Feedback

Reviewers are encouraged to provide constructive and detailed feedback to authors, suggesting improvements for the manuscript. Feedback should be aimed at improving the quality of the research and providing clear justifications for any concerns or suggestions. Reviewers' comments are forwarded to authors, and the anonymity of reviewers is preserved.

8. Appeals Process

If an author disagrees with the decision made based on peer review, they may appeal the decision by contacting the editorial office. Appeals must be based on clear, evidence-based reasons and will be reviewed by the editorial team. However, the final decision rests with the editorial board, and the appeal process is not intended to overturn editorial decisions without sufficient grounds.

9. Transparency and Publication Ethics

  • Publication Ethics: Biosciences Research Reviews adheres to the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines to ensure a fair and ethical peer review process. This includes handling cases of plagiarism, duplicate submissions, and other forms of academic misconduct.

  • Reviewer Recognition: Reviewers who contribute to the peer review process are acknowledged in the journal, and may also be issued with certificates or credits as part of an ongoing commitment to support and recognize scholarly contributions.

10. Post-Publication Review

Once an article is published, it is open to further scrutiny. Readers, researchers, and experts are encouraged to engage with the content, providing feedback or comments. If significant issues or errors are raised post-publication, these will be addressed according to the journal's policy on corrections, retractions, and updates.